HP Folio and Envy 14 Spectre Ultrabook head-to-head

We recently tested and rated two laptops from HP that are slim, light, and elegantly designed. With the exception of the screen size, both are similarly configured. The 13-inch Folio is a deal, at $775. The 14-inch Envy 14 Spectre costs $1,400. Is the slightly larger laptop worth double the price?

Most likely not, and here's why.

The specs. The Folio and Spectre configurations we tested each contains the second-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of memory, Intel integrated video, and a 128GB solid-state drive, as well as two USB ports (including one USB 3.0), HDMI out, gigabit Ethernet, and a webcam. Neither has an optical drive. They performed equally well in our tests.

Battery life. HP promises 9.25 hours of battery life for both the Folio and the Spectre. In our tests, the Folio came pretty close to that, lasting 8.75 hours. (That time was matched by only one other model in our Ratings of 13-inch laptops.) The Spectre's battery life was 7.5 hours: respectable, but some others were better.

Portability. Both are designated as Ultrabooks, as per Intel's thin-and-light spec. The Spectre weighs in at 4 pounds and measures 0.9 inches thick. The Folio is slightly thinner, at 0.8 inches, and weighs 3.3 pounds. Both have a velvety finish on the underside, making them pleasant to carry and not slippery.

Design. This is where the Spectre shines: Its cover is encased in glass, inside and out, while the Folio is brushed aluminum. The Spectre's 14-inch display fits into a 13-inch body and its edges are more curved. The backlit keyboard is brighter, because each individual key is lit. In addition, the Spectre has a "proximity sensor" that you can configure to turn the keyboard lights off when you're away, after a certain amount of time. As soon as the Spectre senses you're back, up come the lights.

I found the trackpad easier to click on the Spectre, although both are generously large. The screen resolution on the Spectre is also higher at 1600 x 900, compared with the Folio's 1366 x 768.

Bottom line. The Spectre has several elegant touches that give it extra appeal. But unless you're willing to plunk down twice as much money, you'll probably be perfectly satisfied with the less-costly Folio.

For more detailed test results for these and other computers, take a look at our latest Ratings.

Ultrabook Inspired by Intel [Intel]

—Donna L. Tapellini