2020 HP Envy 17m finally drops the DVD drive, includes Core i7 Ice Lake, 12 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, and GeForce MX330 graphics for $1250 USD

The 2019 Envy 17 had Wi-Fi 6, Core i7 Comet Lake-U CPUs, and above-average GPU performance for its class, but its outdated design included an optical drive that most users will probably never use on a frequent basis. For 2020, Envy users can say goodbye to the integrated optical drive for good in favor of a slimmer, sleeker, and more modern look.

Best Buy has just opened up pre-orders for the 2020 Envy 17m-cg0013dx that should begin shipping later this month according to HP. The new look includes narrower bezels for an 86 percent screen-to-body ratio, newer GeForce MX330 graphics to replace the older MX250, a Core i7-1065G7 Ice Lake CPU to replace Comet Lake-U, and 12 GB of removable DDR4 RAM. The overall system weighs slightly less (6.02 lbs vs. 6.13 lbs) while being slightly thinner (0.76-inch vs 0.91-inch) than last year's design.

Note that the new model has dropped the RJ-45 port for one reason or another. OEMs have been pushing Wi-Fi 6 instead as laptops become thinner and thinner. We suspect that lesser configurations will be available soon through HP.com for cheaper starting prices. HP says a 4K UHD option will be on the way as well.