HP Spectre x2
There's no doubt the Surface Pro 3 has set the tone for hybrid devices for the last year and some change. However, while Lenovo and even Apple have produced devices trying to capture the same magic, HP is straying from the treaded path with its slightly more unique Spectre x2 convertible tablet.
I say "slightly" because the HP Spectre x2 comes in a very familiar 12-inch tablet form factor with a magnetic keyboard. However, around the back of the device, you'll find a kickstand bar. Rather than going with the kick-out panel, the Spectre x2 has a 3.5mm stainless steel, U-shaped bar that's a bit reminiscent of '80s and '90s portable televisions.
Nostalgia aside, this bar-shaped kickstand allows the Spectre x2 to be as flexible to use as the Surface Pro 3. You'll be able to tip the tablet back as far as a 150-degrees, a fair bit more than the 135-degrees you'll get on the Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700. An HP representative also explained that going with a kickstand bar leaves more space for a larger battery, which should last for a projected 10 hours. And for an extra added element of radness, the kickstand bar is spring-loaded to release once you pull the blue switch.
Interestingly, the Spectre x2 comes rocking three cameras. On top of the usual front-facing, 5-megapixel (MP) webcam and the much-deplored, 8MP rear camera – both of which capture surprisingly sharp footage – there's also an Intel RealSense 3D camera. RealSense cameras have already made their way into a few products (for example: Dell's Venue 8 and 10 tablets) and allow you to capture images with depth data, to change your focusing point after the fact or measure objects without a tape measure.
Taken in hand
The tablet feels comfortable to hold, thanks to its rounded frame measuring only 8mm thick (13.15mm with the keyboard). The 12-inch display is splendid too, offering colorful, full HD picture.
But the panel seems to be lacking in the brightness department, as it was hard to see what was on the screen while I used the tablet near a window. However, this may have to do with the device being a preproduction sample.
Resolution nuts might also be disappointed that this tablet only comes with a 1,920 x 1,080 panel. So, those who have already made the jump to 4K screens might find the sharpness lacking.
Unfortunately, it's not the lightest device around, weighing 1.85 pounds (807g) by itself and 2.69 pounds (1,220g) with the keyboard. By comparison, the Surface Pro 3 tips the scales at 1.76 pounds (798g) as a standalone tablet and 2.41 pounds (1093g) with the requisite keyboard cover.
A tablet for typists
The Spectre x2 weights about a quarter pound more than the Microsoft's headlining hybrid largely because of its keyboard is made entirely out of aluminum. If you're willing to deal with the extra bit of weight, this is by far the best tablet keyboard I've used thus far.
There's hardly any flex as you type on the Spectre x2's keyboard accessory, since the whole thing is made of aluminum. At the same time, the accessory's fabric bottom dampens any vibrations as you type.
The Surface Pro 3's Type Cover is more than serviceable, but hitting the keys produces an audible popping sound, as if you were making popcorn. If you prefer something that's dead silent and offers a more tactile 1.5mm of key travel, the Spectre x2 is the way to go.
Lastly, the peripheral's neatest trick is it comes equipped with two additional speakers. With the keyboard attached, the HP Spectre x2 effectively has four speakers. From my hands-on time with the device, the quad-speaker audio setup amplifies and adds a layer of depth to the tablet's pair of side-firing tweeters.
Specs
The HP Spectre x2 is the latest hybrid to join the ranks of the Intel Core M-powered 2-in-1 tablets. Like the Miix 700, you'll configure this tablet with Intel's low-powered and fanless M3, M5 or M7 processors. It's a 50-50 split on whether the Surface Pro 4 will stick with Intel's more capable Intel Core i processors or jump ship the M line, but as more of these devices come out, the latter seems more likely.
Memory and storage comes at a basic 4GB and 128GB, respectively. Users who want to bump up the specs can double the memory and increase the storage to 256 or 512GB. There's also a microSD card slot on the side to further expand your storage space.
Despite the tablet being so thin at 8mm, the Spectre x2 is kitted with a full-size HDMI port. Other ports include a mini DisplayPort 1.2 connector, two USB-C ports and a USB-C to full-size USB dongle.
The HP Spectre x2 will arrive on November 8 starting at $799 (about £526, AU$1,137) at its most basic configuration. This includes an Intel Core M3 processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD. On the plus side, you won't have to pay extra for the keyboard, as it comes with the device.
Early verdict
There's a lot to like about the Spectre x2, including its thin frame, colorful display, bumping audio and outstanding keyboard. Unfortunately, the weakest link of this device is its display resolution. Sticking with a 1080p screen means the Spectre x2 will lag behind devices with higher-resolution displays, namely the iPad Pro, Surface Pro 3, Google Pixel C and Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700.
Perhaps the most understated and astounding feature of this tablet will be its exceedingly long battery life. Between the Core M processor, the 1080p display and room for a larger battery, the HP Spectre x2 may well be the longest lasting 2-in-1 tablet device to come out this year. However, it's an accolade I won't be able to give this device without thorough testing.
from TechRadar: Technology reviews http://ift.tt/1MZhaFZ
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