As a family we’re relatively new to laptops. We’ve made do with our trusty old iMac for years; it has serviced us for everything from my blog writing to photo editing, from the kids’ homework to their games, and all of our social media needs. It was only when I got my very own laptop (for my hands only…sticky fingers stay away!!) that the kids realized just what they’d been missing out on.
With my older boys needing access to a computer for more and more of their homework, I found we were jockeying for time on the computer, and recognized that perhaps the time had come for a family laptop. It was perfect timing for the folks at HP to offer us an HP ENVY Sleekbook for review, and I jumped at the opportunity. I imagined how my boys would use the laptop to research their book reports, how they’d type their weekly blog assignments on it, how my daughter would use it to watch french videos. We’ve been living with it for two weeks and the kids are very impressed.
The HP ENVY Sleekbook has an eye-catching metal design. Aesthetics are very important to teens, and this laptop is great looking. The boys both commented on how “cool” it looks, and even how nice a feel the cover has to it. This is absolutely key to my eldest, who carts it around everywhere watching movies and keeping in touch with all his friends on Facebook.
The ultra-portable laptop features Beats Audio, dual speakers and up to 9 hours of battery life. My middle guy has enjoyed the audio on the notebook very much. I think he may account for about 50% of PSY’s Gangnam Style views. He’s so impressed with the Beats audio after spending hours and hours on YouTube, that he’s now taken to spending hour and hours on the HP ENVY online searching for Beats headphones to accessorize it.
The 15.6″ HP ENVY Sleekbook is lightweight, but packs a heavy-duty punch with components like the latest AMD processor. All of this would make it an ideal homework companion for any student, or an excellent gaming machine for my 7 year old gamer! She was excited to see that it came preloaded with everything from versions of bedazzled to a certain penguin game that she knows her way around.
At this point, most thin and light “ultra book” PCs are around $1000 and up (and Macs much more than that!) , but the HP ENVY Sleekbook starts at only $699.99. This really makes it an ideal tool for teens who are craving the newest and latest notebook that not only has a great design, but comes at a price point that won’t break the bank.
So our family’s review? The HP ENVY Sleekbook has delivered everything it promised and more. It’s an attractive, lightweight, and powerful notebook with a long lasting battery. My kids have found more uses for it in their lives than I’d anticipated. My only complaint is that they’re still jockeying with me for use of the desktop for homework because someone’s always using the notebook for watching movies, surfing the net or keeping in touch with friends. Maybe the HP ENVY just does too much!
Here’s the best part for UrbanMoms readers….HP has another HP ENVY Sleekbook for one lucky member. Just leave a comment below and tell me who in your family could most use an HP ENVY. We’ll pick one reader to receive their very own notebook! Contest closes October 15, 2012.
Click here for Contest Rules and Regulations
UrbanMoms.ca members are eligible to win so don’t forget to sign-in. Not a member yet? Click here to join.