New CPUs and accessories define HP’s updated repairable Surface clone

Mobile World Congress usually focuses on phones and phone-related technology, but even so we're still going to see a few companies announce new PCs that didn't quite make the cut for CES in January. HP's new Pro x2 612 G2, a $979 Microsoft Surface clone that launches today, is one such machine.

The Pro x2 is a follow-up of sorts to the the Elite x2, a Skylake-based tablet we reviewed last spring. We came away generally impressed by its build quality, ports, and features, and its keyboard cover was more than a match for Microsoft's. It was a bit thicker than the Surface Pro 4, it had a somewhat lower-resolution screen, and the processors it offered weren't as fast—three shortcomings the new version does nothing to correct—but nevertheless it remains an interesting option for businesses and for people who are just more comfortable when they're able to easily upgrade and repair their systems themselves.

The new model brings new Kaby Lake processors; they're all 7W models from a cross the Pentium, Core m3, and Core i5/i7 families, since Intel further complicated its branding this generation. It also offers up to 8GB of soldered-on 1866MHz LPDDR3 RAM, both SATA and PCIe SSD options up to 512GB, and a new darker aluminum finish. 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth, and optional LTE round out the wireless connectivity.

The tablet does take a couple of steps back from the Elite x2, though. The port layout appears to be identical (you get a headphone jack, a microSD card reader, one USB-A port, and one USB-C port that is used for charging and display output), but the USB-C port supports just 5Gbps USB 3.1 gen 1 and doesn't support the faster, more capable Thunderbolt 3 or 10Gbps USB 3.1 gen 2. The Windows Hello-compatible rear-mounted fingerprint reader, a standard feature on the Elite x2, now appears to be optional. And the base price has increased slightly from $899 to $979.

HP is also pushing a range of accessories designed to extend the Pro x2's capabilities. A 0.75-inch-thick, 0.93-pound rugged kickstand case provides additional protection, and is "designed to pass MIL-STD 810G testing," though as of this writing that testing hasn't actually been performed. The included Wacom-based Active Pen accessory supports up to 2,048 levels of pressure, and the keyboard cover includes a loop for storage that the Elite x2 did not. A USB-C dock provides a USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, a gigabit Ethernet port, an HDMI port, two DisplayPorts, and a USB-C port that connects to and charges the tablet, and a smaller, less capable USB-C Travel Hub charges the laptop while offering VGA and HDMI connectivity as well as two USB 2.0 ports.

The rugged case accessory and the USB-C Travel Hub are both available now for $49 each; the USB-C Dock will be available in March for $149.

Listing image by HP