14 DAY TRIAL // Apple is projected to launch a new iPad Pro next month as one of the most powerful rivals to Microsoft’s Surface Pro, but in the meantime, another company is targeting the lion’s share in the 2-in-1 device market.
HP has just unveiled the new Spectre x2, a refreshed model that comes with premium design and features that position it as a direct Surface Pro rival.
The design of the device looks exquisite, to say the least, and it features a built-in kickstand that allows it to double as a laptop quite easily. The aluminum chassis contributes to reduced weight and superior durability, and HP says the keyboard uses aluminum over plastic for a soft feeling when touching it.
The keyboard uses 1.5mm key travel and features a glass trackpad, while the copper kickstand allows the device to function flat up to 165 degrees. This makes it possible to use the device as a tablet, with a dedicated pen also available to make the most of the Windows Ink feature integrated into Windows 10.
Powerful hardware, premium price
In terms of hardware, HP offers a choice of Intel Core i processors, up from the M lineup that was used on the previous generation. This offers a substantial performance boost and brings the device in line with Microsoft’s Surface Pro, which also features i chips from Intel.
The 12-inch display has a resolution of 3000x2000 pixels, up from the 1920x1280 pixel resolution on the previous model. As for storage, you get a 360 GB SSD, also an upgrade from the previous generation which offered only 128GB.
As compared to Microsoft, who thinks that USB-C is not yet ready for prime time, HP is offering two such ports on the Spectre X3, while the battery should provide up to 8 hours of autonomy per full charge, with a fast charging mode allowing you to go from 0 percent to 50 percent battery life in just 30 minutes.
The Spectre x3 does not come cheap, as the most affordable configuration will cost $999.99. The device will go on sale next month and will be available at HP’s online store and at Best Buy.
