Since this is the first commercially available notebook equipped with Raven Ridge, our verdict can be split into two parts. The first part relates to the AMD hardware itself. On paper, the 25 W cTDP Ryzen 5 2500U APU and RX Vega 8 GPU are able to stand neck-to-neck with current 15 W Kaby Lake-R options (i5-8250, i7-8550U) while outperforming even the Iris Pro Graphics 580 in synthetic benchmarks. Combine this with the generally lower price tag and there is seemingly no reason to choose Intel over AMD with all else being equal.

Unfortunately for AMD, all else is not equal and Raven Ridge is simply not yet ready for prime time. Our test unit is extraordinarily slow and suffers from random crashes. In particular, the system would crash more frequently when stressing the GPU or running gaming loads similar to the previous generation of AMD Dual Graphics notebooks like on the Asus FX550IU. Synthetic benchmarks may reveal the Vega 8 to be faster than the aging GeForce 940MX, but the opposite is true when running most modern games. This is classic AMD for better or worse - excellent performance-per-Dollar that's ultimately dragged down by inferior drivers and developer support.

Potential buyers who are drawn in by the impressive processor performance will find the lower price attractive over an Intel Kaby Lake-R equivalent. On the other hand, gamers will find nothing but disappointment in the RX Vega 8 until its drivers are up to speed. It may be over twice as powerful as the UHD Graphics 620 in synthetic tests, but the MX150 is still the better investment for reliable 1080p gaming on a budget.

The second part of our verdict is on the HP notebook as a whole. The manufacturer has successfully incorporated Spectre-class narrow bezels onto its mainstream Envy lineup that's sleeker and just as tough as the outgoing generation. Beyond the chassis redesign, however, not much else has improved. This was HP's chance to boost all aspects of the Envy x360 15 series but we instead have the same dim 1080p touchscreen, limited color space, and PWM characteristics as last year's model. The speakers, SD reader, keyboard, trackpad, hinges, overall weight, and pulsing fan noise aren't tangibly improved over the 2016 model, either. The biggest draw, then, is the slimmer looks and perhaps the slightly longer battery life and USB Type-C Gen. 1 port on this latest redesign.

