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HP updates its ENVY X2 convertibles

by Mark Tyson on 19 November 2014, 12:05

Tags: Hewlett Packard (NYSE:HPQ), Surface, PC

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HP has refreshed its HP ENVY X2 convertible range. The two new devices share a lot of the qualities and design choices that make Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 such an attractive portable proposition. HP has also leveraged some design tweaks to offer, what some would call, improvements upon Microsoft's premier computing device.

The new HP ENVY X2 convertibles will be available in two base configurations; one sporting a 13-inch screen and another a 15.6-inch screen. Engadget notes that the cheapest model undercuts the previous ENVY X2 by a whole $100, at $750.

Microsoft Surface qualities that have been implemented into the new ENVY X2 designs include an adjustable kickstand and a keyboard cover that 'clicks in' to place and has a stylus holder. While we are doing comparisons the HP models sport larger screens than those available in Microsoft's Surface Pro 3 range and are also thicker and heavier. HP has also chosen to use Intel’s latest Core M processors in a variety of configurations on offer and all its designs are fanless.

HP's has again leveraged its agreement with Beats Audio to include the conspicuous speakers either side of the display and gets one up on Microsoft as its keyboard still works with the screen in detached mode – thanks to a Bluetooth connection.

HP ENVY X2 specifications

  • Processor: Intel Core M 5Y10 2.0GHz or Core M 5Y70 2.6GHz dual core with Intel HD 5300 graphics
  • RAM: 4GB or 8GB
  • Display: choice of 13.3-inch 1366x768, 13.3-inch 1920x1080, 15.6-inch 1920x1080 IPS touch panels
  • Storage: 128/256GB SSD (13-inch model), 500GB SSHD (15-inch model)
  • A/V: Beats audio speakers, front facing full HD webcam with dual microphones
  • Ports/connectivity: 2 x USB3.0, HDMI 1.4a, audio combo jack, Intel 802.11 ac, Bluetooth
  • Battery: 13-inch model has a 2-cell 33WHr battery, 15-inch model has a 3-cell 50WHr battery
  • Physical properties: 13-inch model is 19.3mm thick and weighs 1.837Kg (with keyboard cover)
    15-inch model is 20.3mm thick and weighs 2.458Kg (with keyboard cover)
  • OS: Windows 8.1

The two new HP ENVY X2 hybrids are said to be available now in the US and cost from $749 for the 15-inch model and from $799 for the 13-inch model. Would any readers choose one of these HPs rather than a Microsoft Surface Pro 3?



HEXUS Forums :: 6 Comments

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The two new HP ENVY X2 hybrids are said to be available now in the US and cost from $749 for the 15-inch model and from $799 for the 13-inch model. Would any readers choose one of these HPs rather than a Microsoft Surface Pro 3?
Yes, this reader would choose the X2 over the Surface Pro 3, although I'm a little confused why the larger screened model is cheaper than the smaller one. I assume it's got something to do with the cost of the screens themselves - with 15" being a more popular, and therefore cheaper, component.
Offer it in 11-12 inch sizes, 1080p as a minimum, SSD as standard, square off the chassis and add a digitiser and it would appeal.

My Vaio Tap 11 is 15mm (with keyboard), has a 1080 screen with a digitiser, 128gb SSD, microSD slot, 4GB of ram, i5 4210Y, same style keyboard, NFC, bluetooth, dualband wifi, etc. and was released last year.

This is all HP can come up with? It's easily arguable that this is worse than Sony's 2013 product. It's a shame Sony don't do computers anymore.
crossy
Yes, this reader would choose the X2 over the Surface Pro 3, although I'm a little confused why the larger screened model is cheaper than the smaller one. I assume it's got something to do with the cost of the screens themselves - with 15" being a more popular, and therefore cheaper, component.
Can I ask Why?
The 13.3 option is appealing, but surface pen is just the game changer.
There are other things that seems to be inferior like the speakers - they adds some margins, so ti makes 14+" tablet.
I am not that resolution driven so the HD is ok.
I think that i would prefer Lenovo Yoga 3 than this as well, yes it is more expensive but it just seem to be better device overall.

I plan to buy Surface Pro 3 this black friday.

CustardInc
Offer it in 11-12 inch sizes, 1080p as a minimum, SSD as standard, square off the chassis and add a digitiser and it would appeal.



This is all HP can come up with? It's easily arguable that this is worse than Sony's 2013 product. It's a shame Sony don't do computers anymore.

Hell ye bro


crossy
The two new HP ENVY X2 hybrids are said to be available now in the US and cost from $749 for the 15-inch model and from $799 for the 13-inch model. Would any readers choose one of these HPs rather than a Microsoft Surface Pro 3?
Yes, this reader would choose the X2 over the Surface Pro 3, although I'm a little confused why the larger screened model is cheaper than the smaller one. I assume it's got something to do with the cost of the screens themselves - with 15" being a more popular, and therefore cheaper, component.

the screen cost may be the same, yet there are plenty things that are easier if you have bigger surface, like layout of components - usually the easier is cheaper.
This looks horrific and completely misses the point. It's too heavy to be comfortably used as a tablet, and those speakers take up so much extra space. If it can't be used effectively as a tablet then it has no extra advantage and is just a gimped laptop with a horrible keyboard. The Surface Pro 3 is compelling because it is so light and thin.

I'm still waiting for the SP3 to be updated with Broadwell, but my dream device right now would be a waterproof Surface Pro 3 with a slightly larger screen - maybe 13in or even 14in. I know there's no mainstream demand though to see such a device become reality but everyone has those little dreams :(