Skip to main content

Hands on: HP enters the supersized tablet fray with the Envy Rove 20

HP touts the Rove as “the desktop that leaves the desk behind,” but at nearly 12 pounds, we’re not so sure about that. Still, its fantastic touch display and inventive hinge may be enough for it to compete with other all-in-one/tablet hybrids.

Check out our review of the HP Envy Rove 20 all-in-one/tablet hybrid.

Sony did it. Dell did it. Acer did it. Now HP is doing it. The world of giant Windows 8 tablets just got bigger with the introduction of the HP Envy Rove, a 20-inch all-in-one PC set to go on sale in July. The Rove will get the benefit of Intel’s new 4th-generation Core processors as well as a battery to keep it going even when it’s not plugged in to the wall. Given the size, it’s not likely to be as portable as some of its competitors, though we expect it to be a fun family gaming platform.

Size matters

The Envy Rove is technically “portable.” It has a battery and you can move it, but it’s large, thick, and somewhat heavy at 11.86 pounds. You’re not going to want to move it around much. And unlike the Dell XPS 18, you probably won’t want to put it in your lap, either. No, where the Rove is most likely to find a great home is the tabletop, where it can easily switch between being a computer, a TV, and a virtual game board. The stand on the back is sturdy and will hold the Rove at almost any angle without moving, but it’s not hard to adjust. It tucks in flush with the back so you can lay the machine flat to play games.

HP Envy Rove
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Game time

Monopoly, Fingertapps JigsWar PuzzleFingertapps Musical Instruments, and Disney Fairies come pre-loaded, and we enjoyed trying them out. With the proliferation of big tablets and table PCs like the Lenovo Horizon, it won’t be long before more games of this type are available via the Windows Store. The Rove is well-equipped to handle them since the screen is bright and crisp with wide viewing angles (we were told 178 degrees) and 10-point touch. This is not the system to get if you’re a hard-core gamer because it won’t come with anything fancier than Intel’s integrated HD graphics. It’s strictly a casual/family games type of machine.

A cord cutter’s dream (in more than one way)

The 1,600 x 900 IPS LED screen is also excellent for watching video, and the inclusion of Beats Audio and pretty impressive built-in speakers makes it a nice multimedia hub. Load up Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, or any other streaming service and the Rove becomes a cord-cutter’s dream. The all-in-one desktop incorporates next-gen 802.11 ac Wi-Fi technology, so if you upgrade your home router for even faster speed, the Rove can keep pace. HP rates the battery at a little less than 4 hours off the charger, which is plenty of time for a game or a movie. 

Other specs include three USB 3.0 ports, Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) technology, up to 1TB of internal storage, and a hybrid SSD/hard drive system (usually found in Ultrabooks) that should keep the Rove speedy while still giving you a ton of storage space.

Conclusion

The Rove isn’t the thinnest or lightest of this new breed of big tablets, but can it stand up to the competition? We think so. Ultra portability isn’t the main driver behind this type of all-in-one. No matter what, tablet all-in-ones like these are going to be heavy. The concept is more about flexibility. The Rove doesn’t have to only sit in the family room or the kitchen, it can go into the kids’ room on weekends or sit in the living room as a second screen while watching TV. It’s not going to get moved all the time every day, but, when you do have to move the thing, it won’t be a hassle.

The HP Rove will be available in July. Pricing has not been announced.

K. T. Bradford
Former Digital Trends Contributor
K. T Bradford is a lover of gadgets and all things geek. Prior to writing for Digital Trends she cut her teeth on tech…
HP Envy 15 vs. Dell XPS 15: Powerful laptops for creators
HP Envy 15 front view showing display and keyboard deck.

Laptop manufacturers have been bending backward in catering to creative professionals -- people who perform demanding tasks like complex photo editing and 4K video editing. HP is a case in point, introducing its new Envy 15 with a laser focus on creators.

The HP Envy 15 faces some stiff competition, though, not the least of which is Dell's XPS 15, a laptop that we've long considered the best 15-inch machine you can buy. That distinction was solidified with its new design that's simply spectacular. Does the upstart HP Envy 15 have a chance against the long-time king?
Price

Read more
HP’s powerful Envy laptops take on the MacBook Pro with reckless abandon
hp envy 15 zbook studio take on macbook pro 2020

Everyone wants a piece of the MacBook Pro, but HP's new laptops throw caution to the wind to undercut Apple. The new Envy 15 sets its sights on content creators, sporting features like an eight-core 10th-gen Intel processor and a 4K OLED screen.

It's a complete redesign of the 15-inch laptop, now featuring a silver all-aluminum chassis and smaller borders around then screen. HP says it now has an 83% screen-to-body ratio, but it still features a larger bottom bezel. On the keyboard deck, you'll notice the expansive touchpad, upward-facing speakers, and a fingerprint reader located next to the left arrow key.

Read more
HP launches a new $1,250 Envy 17, reviving the glory days of 17-inch laptops
hp envy 17 2020 going on sale

HP's new Envy 17 laptop will be available for sale at Best Buy starting at $1,250 "in the coming days." With a spacious 17-inch display, fresh Intel processors, and a new Nvidia GPU under the hood, the newly updated laptop seems to have everything it takes to improve its position as one of the best 17-inch laptops you can buy.

The highlight of the new Envy 17 compared to its predecessor is a new design that enables an 86% screen-to-body ratio, leaving more room on the spacious 17-inch display. It also sports improved performance under the hood, thanks to Intel's latest 10th-generation Intel processors. For content creation, the Envy 17 also has improved graphics options, as it moves up from the Nvidia MX250 to the new MX330.

Read more