HP Envy 14" 2-in-1 Review

So you're looking at the HP Envy 2-in-1, a 14-inch touchscreen laptop that's trying to do a bit of everything. For around $650, you get a solid AMD 8640HS 6-core processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It's a Windows 11 Pro machine that can flip into a tablet, which makes it a candidate for students or anyone who wants a compact, versatile laptop. People often search for 'good 2-in-1 laptop for under $700,' and this HP Envy is definitely in that conversation. It's not a gaming rig or a powerhouse creator machine, but for general productivity and media consumption, it has the basics covered.

Performance is decent for the price. That AMD 8640HS CPU lands in the 61st percentile, which means it's faster than most budget and mid-range laptops. In practice, it'll handle dozens of browser tabs, office apps, and video calls without breaking a sweat. The integrated graphics, however, are in the 18th percentile. So, is the HP Envy good for gaming? Absolutely not. You're limited to very light titles or older games on low settings. For everything else, the CPU power is more than enough.

At $650, the value proposition is interesting. You're getting a capable CPU and a 2-in-1 design for what's often the price of a basic clamshell laptop. The main trade-off is in the graphics and some of the other components like storage and screen, which rank in the 20s for percentile. If you need a touchscreen and a pen for notes, this price is hard to beat. If you don't, you might find a non-convertible laptop with better overall specs for the same money.

Let's name some names. Compared to a Lenovo ThinkPad P14s, you lose out on business-grade build and likely better ports, but you gain the 2-in-1 hinge and a lower price. Next to an ASUS Zenbook Duo, you're missing that killer second screen, but again, you're spending a lot less. The elephant in the room is Apple's MacBook Pro, but that's a completely different price league and ecosystem. For Windows users on a budget who want a convertible, the HP Envy's main competition is other budget 2-in-1s from Dell or Lenovo, where this CPU might give it an edge.

Should you buy this? It depends on your needs. If you want a 2-in-1 Windows laptop for under $700 and your top priority is general performance for tasks like writing, research, and streaming, the HP Envy is a sensible choice. The CPU is good. But if you care about gaming, need tons of storage, or prioritize screen quality, you should look elsewhere. The weak graphics and average-at-best screen are real limitations. Think of it as a competent all-rounder with a flexible design, not a standout in any single area.