14 DAY TRIAL // A few days ago we drew your attention towards the fact that two new HP tablets with keyboard docks (basically 2-in-1s) running Intel’s new Broadwell platform have been spotted in retail.
A few days later, the company is pulling the veil off them in front of the whole world. Intel talked about its newest chip architecture which is supposed to serve super sleek 2-in-1 machines with long battery life back at Computex 2014.
The first products bundling the chips are expected to arrive in time for the holiday season, but Broadwell’s wider availability has been scheduled for early 2015.
Anyway, HP seems to be one of the first companies willing to take out Intel’s latest out for a spin and is doing so by virtue of its new Envy x2 notebook line, which includes models with 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch displays.
HP Envy x2 13.3-inch
The first model arrives with a 13.3-inch display and the company says the device can be used as an all-in-one, notebook ad tablet.
The touchscreen display is of a full HD variety (1920 x 1080) and comes with a build-in stand that allows you to position the tablet upright when you want to use the Envy x2 in AIO mode.
The convertible has a fanless design (which is characteristic of Broadwell tablets) and comes with an integrated stylus holder (in case you need to use something like that for your tablet).
The keyboard is backlit and uses Bluetooth, so you’ll be able to use it even if you detach it from the tablet part. Finally, it should be highlighted that the Envy x2 might as well be one of the last products taking advantage of BeatsAudio.
HP says the 13.3-inch Envy x2 is expected to arrive in the US on October 29 and will be marketed for a sturdy $1,049 / €811.
HP Envy x2 15.6-inch HP also offers a model with a more spacious display and interesting enough, the company is selling it for a cheaper price-tag.
According to the press release, the larger model will arrive November 5 and sell for $949 / €733 (although the official website says $899 / €696).
The specifications seem to be pretty much the same, including the full HD display, Broadwell chip and Beats Audio.
Like the smaller model, this version is fanless and takes advantage of the latest 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard. It can also be used as an AIO, tablet or laptop.
