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SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro Build Quality
This device is IMHO well built and will/should last. It was at the top of my list for an inexpensive yet well made laptop with good backup support. I've owned several HP laptops and, whilst never the fastest etc, always reliable and excellent value for money (which isn't just the buy price). The lack of a touch screen is a bit annoying, but I'm currently using Apple MBP and Apple are idiots when it comes to touch screen inventing a rather stupid, nobody wants, touchbar, but I digress.
If I got 9 hours out of a laptop I'd be better than happy, the earlier HP laptops were 3-4 hours. I also like that, for a very thin device, there are ample ports. As noted, I tried out this machine and, for the price, was very impressed and wouldn't hesitate to purchase if I wanted a good, reliable and robust 13" laptop. I know the size of the SSD keeps the price down, but really, for a developer who would be using VMs I'm guessing (I do), so a Test VM, a development VM etc etc you need at least 16Gb RAM and at least 512GB SSD, Of course that takes the price up, but surprisingly you can get great deals. The current version has a touch screen, but configured with the RAM and SSD is a little more expensive: from US ebay $973 so for an extra $74 you get: 16Gb RAM, 512GB SSD, Touch screen - absolute bargain and something any developer would want. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Pro Good performance for the price
The HP Envy 13 offers good performance for its price. It can handle up to 16 Chrome tabs open simultaneously without even a bit of lag. Daily mainstream activities such as web browsing, editing files and even development work can be done on this laptop without any particular issues.
Pro People who usually use their laptop on a desk will feel very comfortable with this
The Envy 13 has a hinge on the back which gives the laptop a slight extra boost in keyboard height. This puts the keyboard at a much more comfortable typing position and reduces RSI and finger-fatigue from extensive periods of typing.
Cons
Con Poor battery life
The Envy 13 has a relatively poor battery life. You may get about 9 hours out of it if you use it for general web browsing and some productivity work, but anything more than that (watching videos, light gaming) and you will start noticing that the battery life is considerably lower.