HP Envy Move All-in-One Review: The Swiss Army Knife of PCs!

The HP Envy move is like a Swiss Army knife of PCs-portable, versatile, and just downright cool. Need a computer? Check. Want a snazzy display? Double check. Plus, that automatic stand? Talk about fancy.

Featuring a built-in battery, this sleek and portable all-in-one desktop stands out. That being said, whenever I encounter such innovative products, I'm inclined to question their practicality but this hits differently!

PROS

• Immersive Multimedia Experience
• Carrying handle and Automatic Kickstand (Portable)
• Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad
• HiRes Webcam
• Lightweight

CONS

• Lack of 3.5mm Audio Port
• Display height is not adjustable
• Keyboard doesn’t feature a kickstand

Personal Experience with Portability

My workstudio is a little too packed, and I prefer to have the HP Envy Move instead of an external monitor. It provides me the flexibility to use it on a desk as a computer for studying, watching webseries on a large display, and when I say large, it's not too large to be obnoxious in my small room. The HP Envy Move features a 23.8", IPS touch display with a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, and the information on the screen looks nice and crisp. I am able to see a decent amount of content without needing to squint. Anyway, once I'm ready to relax, I can place the Envy Move at the end of my bed and plug in a gaming console. Yes, the HDMI port on this device is for HDMI in, not out. FYI, if you do want to use an external monitor, the USB-C port can be used for display port out.

Design: HP Envy Move AIO PC

This AIO has super innovative and convenient legs that just pop out as you place it down on the surface. Another standout feature of the Envy Move is its keyboard carry pocket (Kangaroo Pouch), providing a snug fit for the bundled keyboard. Moreover, it weighs only about 4.1kgs which makes carrying it using the integrated handle a breeze.

Now about the display, you can angle it forward and back, which is good, but the issue is that you can't raise or lower it, and there are no Vesa Mount points. There is a solution, though: buy a monitor riser. Not only will it look super cool on your desk, but it will be more space-efficient, and of course, it will help with the ergonomics of using this machine.

Keyboard & Trackpad

I personally find the combined keyboard and trackpad really handy when using the computer around the house, but it's not ideal when using it for productivity. I'd suggest you can consider buying a mouse to go with it. Also, the keyboard part is quite decent, but it doesn't have any feet to angle it up, so I didn't find it as comfortable as other keyboards which do that. You may want to consider an external keyboard too; it's not necessary, but I just wanted to point that out. Well, I wrote this entire review on this keyboard and I found it totally fine and comfortable.

Sound

What you'll immediately notice with this machine is just how impressive the speakers are. Seriously, they are really, really good - decent bass, nice stereo separation, reasonably clear, and they get lousily loud. I'd say not quite as good as my Marshall external speakers but much louder than the speakers on my laptop which happens to be a 16" Macbook Pro 2021.

Battery

HP claims it lasts 4 hours on battery; we independently tested it and only got 3 and 1/2, and that was when we lowered the brightness to 200 nits and played a YouTube video on repeat over Wi-Fi. So good enough to watch a long movie on but not that much more. I'd recommend keeping the charger with you.

Use Case: HP Envy Move

In my opinion, one of the biggest use cases for this device is for all those people who are working from home, particularly from small apartments. This gives you a large screen computer that is really flexible. Today, if you feel like working from the small desk that you have in your apartment, you can do that. Maybe you feel like working from your dining room table instead; you can pick this up and simply put it there. And if you have guests coming around, you can easily store it out of sight; the legs just disappear into the computer, which makes it very easy to store. And yes, you could do this with a laptop, but having a large screen all-in-one definitely feels more luxurious to use than working off a laptop small screen.

Limitations and Compatibility

While the Envy Move is a versatile and innovative device, it does have some limitations. Unfortunately, the review unit was not compatible with Linux, as the system would not boot past the BIOS when an external hard drive was attached. This may be a concern for users who prefer to run alternative operating systems. Additionally, the fixed stand design of the Envy Move means that the webcam positioning cannot be adjusted, which may be a drawback for some users who require more flexibility in their video conferencing setup. However, the camera is wide enough for you to tilt the display and adjust the frame to your liking.

Conclusion

In my experience, utilizing the HP Envy Move has been a delightful exploration into the realm of portable computing. Since acquiring it, I've seamlessly integrated it into various settings within my household. As previously mentioned, its utility has proven invaluable, offering a level of convenience and sophistication that surpasses my prior means of content consumption via phone or iPad.

For students seeking a balance between the portability of an iPad for class and the advantages of a sizable desktop screen at home, the HP Envy Move presents an ideal solution. Its compact design not only facilitates easy transport but also delivers numerous supplementary features, including HDMI input for gaming console connectivity and impressive audio output.

Moreover, for remote office professionals engaging in moderate computing tasks, this device emerges as an impeccable choice. Its capabilities align seamlessly with the demands of a home-based work environment, offering a blend of efficiency and versatility that enhances productivity.