Here’s a sneak-peek at HP’s incredible ENVY 34 All-in-One Desktop PC
While a lot of last week’s news was focused on Microsoft’s momentous Surface event, HP announced quite a few new Windows 11 PCs. Some of those computers included a few All-in-One (AIO) desktops, which have seen a resurgence thanks to the transforming work environments and work-from-home.
The HP ENVY 34 All-in-One Desktop PC was one of the computers, and it wowed us.
Featuring a 5K, color-calibrated 34-inch display, a desktop-class Intel 11th Gen processor, 16MP webcam (with multiple attachment points), and NVIDIA GeForce RTX Laptop graphics, this do-it-all computer is the complete package.
HP was nice enough to send over a late-stage prototype sample of the new ENVY 34, which goes on sale later in October and ships with Windows 11. Here are some photos of it in action and five things you need to know about it.
Category | HP Envy 34 AiO |
---|---|
OS | Windows 11 Home |
Processor | 11th Gen Inte Core i7-11700 to Core i9-11900 |
RAM | Up to 128GB DDR4-2400 (user accessible) |
Graphics | Up to NVIDIA RTX 3080 Laptop |
Storage | Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (user accessible) |
Display | 34 inches 5120×2160 (5K) IPS, anti-reflective 500 nits, 98% DCI-P3 |
Ports | Six USB-A Two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C HDMI SD card reader 3.5mm audio Ethernet |
Audio | 2x Bang & Olufsen tuning |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth |
Camera | Front-facing 16MP IR camera |
Keyboard | Included |
Mouse | Included |
Security | IR camera |
Dimensions | 32.17 x 8.78 x 14.50 inches (81.7cm x 22.3cm x 36.8cm) |
Weight | 24.36 pounds (11.05kg) |
Color | Turbo silver |
Extras | Qi wireless charging |
1. The 5K display is insanely good
It’s like a high-end TV, not a PC.Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
The best way I could describe it is like taking the best laptop display (Dell XPS 17) and blowing it up to 34-inches while knocking up the resolution. The colors are punchy, the sharpness is excellent, and the blacks are inky with a delta e<2 color accuracy. It’s also glossy but anti-reflective and reminds me very much of an Apple display. Additionally, it’s a very consistent image from corner to corner.
The bottom line is I’m using it right now to write this, and I’m not sure I can go back to anything else. Sure, it’s “only” a 60Hz display, but we are not quite there yet for a 120Hz 5K screen in an AIO. Plus, this isn’t a gaming PC; it’s meant for creatives doing photo and video editing.
2. Just one single cable
Just plug in and you’re done with the setup.Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Don’t forget, the included keyboard and mouse are wireless. And the 16MP webcam is the only other cabled system with a Type-A.
The ENVY 34 is truly a minimalist’s dream.
3. It’s easy to move around and set up
The 16MP magnetic webcam with Windows Hello.Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Once out of the box, you can cradle the display under your arms and move it with ease. While many people may not move their desktop PC, the fact you could do so easily with this machine is a nice bonus.
The included mouse and keyboard are pre-paired, so the initial setup is fast and easy. You just add batteries, and the system is good to go.
4. Yup, there’s a fan
Top grills keep the ENVY 34 cool.Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
The fan has a whooshing effect and is akin to a gaming laptop in heavy use. It’s mostly silent when using ENVY 34 for productivity (Word, web, Slack, Skype, etc.), but can ramp up when watching 4K video. HP seems to have done a solid job with thermals — air is pulled in through the bottom (the whole thing is grilled) and is expelled at the top (more grills), letting the fan and natural convection do the work. But it’s definitely not a silent machine.
Still, when considering what this thing is doing and the output in performance, I’m not even mad.
5. It’s the most complete AIO I have ever used
So. Many. Ports. 👏Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
AIOs are notorious for being feature-locked. HP put a panel onto the back of the ENVY 34, letting you upgrade RAM (up to 128GB) and the SSD (up to 2TB) with ease. Like, the panel simply pulls off (magnets hold it in place). It’s genius.
Qi wireless for you phone.Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
And being built around, and for, Windows 11 has its perks too. Windows Hello is extremely fast for logging in, and the PC can cold-boot in about 11 seconds. Cold boot, not resume.
The included keyboard and mouse are excellent. Sure, if you prefer the best mechanical keyboard or want a high-DPI gaming mouse, you’ll want to use those, but out-of-the-box, these are fine accessories, not cheap “better than nothing” offerings.
Lift cover. Add more RAM. Done.Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
And for my needs, this now has enough ports. The ENVY 32 only had three Type-As — this has six. Instead of just two Type-Cs (one being Thunderbolt 3), ENVY 34 now has three (two being Thunderbolt 4).
While the speakers here pale to the ENVY 32, they are better than I thought. They’re akin to good TV speakers and get quite loud. I’ve opted not to use external speakers because I find these suitable.
HP ENVY 34 All-in-One Desktop PC = gorgeous
So simple.Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
Bottom mount? Why not.Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central
There is no word on the exact October release date for the ENVY 34, especially with the ongoing chip shortage, but we’ll let you know when it goes live. We’ll also have a full review when HP gives us the green light to do so, so stay tuned for that.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about the ENVY 34, ask away in the comments, and I’ll try to answer!
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