HP Unveils Envy 17 with Integrated Leap Motion Technology

By Jane McEntegart
published

HP has integrated the $80 peripheral into its newest Envy laptop.

Aside from inundating us with hybrids and tablets, HP also announced the first laptop with integrated Leap Motion technology.

The Envy 17 with Leap Motion features a 17.3-inch display with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, a fourth generation Intel Core i-series CPU, Nvidia graphics (though HP is keeping quiet on the specific GPU), 8 GB RAM and a 1 TB HDD (the default drive is 5400 RPM, but you can pay more for an upgrade to a 7200 RPM drive). Of course, the big thing about this machine is that it has Leap Motion's sensor built in. This means the Envy 17 can detect motion from two hands or 10 fingers so you can navigate and control your computer during games, presentations, etc., without using the keyboard.

Users can download Leap Motion-compatible apps from Leap Motion's Airspace Store, which currently only has 100 apps. That said, as more companies integrate the technology into laptops (Asus is apparently partnering with Leap Motion, too), and more people buy the standalone sensor, that number should rise.

The Envy 17 Leap Motion Special Edition will be available October 16 starting at $1,049.99.

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Jane McEntegart
3 Comments Comment from the forums
  • rwinches
    Well it seems this will avoid fingerprints on the screen.
    I am glad Leap made deals to become a component.
    I remember the 120MB superdrive took too long to negotiate and held out for too much money, so they missed the window and users missed out on the floptical tech. I of course have some vintage units with those drives.
    Reply
  • warezme
    I have the leap motion controller. The device has one fatal flaw. There is no way it can predict where your fingers will be in distance from the device constently. What I mean is clicking is determined by the device judging the distance of your fingers in respect to the device and we humans aren't steady creatures and the focus point changes as your hand waves around. You can do it if you work at it but it quickly grows tiresome and not as quick and elegant as just using a plain old mouse.
    Reply
  • warezme
    I meant "consistently" but also failed to mention my other major issue. The software that controls windows is not part of the default application or driver of the device. You are forced to register and connect to the leapmotion website which then checks your device, downloads and installs software and allows you to download and install their apps free/or pay for. You have to download the OS control software and then open it through the leapmotion store interface for it to work, EVERYTIME. They are imitating itunes in a way and treating the device as a portal to their store and not as a true controller like a keyboard or a mouse. Imagine having to connect to the Logitech store everytime you wanted to use your mouse. Exactly.
    Reply