HP Envy 17 Leap Motion SE is the world’s first with built-in motion control
HP has integrated the Leap Motion controller into its Envy 17 laptop, becoming the world's first motion controlled notebook
HP has taken the touchscreen laptop one step further, removing the need to touch the screen altogether by integrating the Leap Motion controller into the wrist rest.
The built-in motion control sensor is around 70% smaller than the stand alone Leap Motion peripheral and positioned to the right of the touchpad, letting you move on-screen objects in real time using your hands, rather than a mouse or touchscreen.
According to Leap Motion CEO Michael Buckwald, the device is best used for interacting with 3D objects in 3D space, such as exploring Google Earth or rendering 3D objects.
It’s certainly a novel idea, which may appeal to graphic designers and anyone working with CAD programs, but motion control does have some drawbacks. HP has warned that battery life is significantly reduced when Leap Motion is enabled, which could be why the company is only putting it in one model to test the waters, rather than integrate it across the entire range of laptops and convertibles.
The Envy 17 itself shares the same aluminium design as the Envy Spectre XT, with a 17in, Full HD 1,920×1,080 resolution touch-enabled display, Intel 4th Generation Core processor and Nvidia dedicated graphics. It comes bundled with Airspace, the Leap Motion app store, along with some Leap Motion-enabled games and apps to let you try out motion control right out of the box.
The Envy 17 Leap Motion SE is expected to go on sale in the UK from November onwards, with prices starting from £999.