HP Envy 13 review

The keyboard has the same short travel keys as the Envy 15, but without the strip of keys at each edge it is markedly more usable. It's the multitouch trackpad, however, that cripples the Envy 13's appeal. Its integrated buttons allow you to click anywhere on the left or right-hand side of the pad, but they're just as infuriatingly stiff and unresponsive as those on the Envy 15.

If you're used to resting a thumb poised on the left mouse button while scrolling with a forefinger, you'll find the cursor jumping erratically across the screen.

It's desperately frustrating to not be able to lavish universal praise on the Envy 13, as in many ways it's right up with the best. Build quality is excellent, battery life with the slice is unparalleled, performance is good and the display is simply outstanding.

But, at this price, we'd expect nothing less than a complete performance, and it's here that the Envy 13 falters. We sincerely hope HP issues drivers soon to fix the Envy series' trackpad problems, but as it stands that seemingly small flaw is enough to bring it crashing down to earth.

Author: Sasha Muller