Tech Tools Review: HP Spectre X2

The HP Spectre X2 reminds me a little of the Surface Pro. Actually, it reminds me a lot of the Microsoft machine. Let's look at the evidence, shall we?

A device that is essentially a computer in tablet form. A detachable keyboard. A kickstand that will help turn it into a laptop. A pen that you can use to sketch or interact with documents. The X2 has all the same characteristics as Microsoft’s device, in a nicely designed package, even if it’s a little heavier than its rival.

And yet, despite the similarities, the X2 stands up in its own right. HP has put a lot of thought into the design, and the end result is a slim yet substantial hybrid device that you can use for work or entertainment.

The specs vary from 4GB of RAM and a 128GB solid-state drive to 8GB of RAM and 512GB drive. The screen, which is a 12-inch display, is crisp and sharp. For the most part it handled a range of action and colour without much difficulty. There are decent viewing angles on it too, which works well when you use the kickstand.

The kickstand folds away into the frame of the tablet when it’s no longer in use, and can be popped out again at the flick of a switch. As with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4, you have a wide range of motion, so you can get a viewing or working angles that suits your situation.

When it comes to entertainment, the X2 is more than what it appears to be.

It comes with four speakers – two in the frame of the screen, two in the keyboard – that give some decent sound for its size. They come with the Bang and Olufsen brand too, which lends a bit more weight to their existence.

Perhaps one of the more convenient choices HP has made from a consumer point of view is that the Spectre includes the keyboard cover in the price.

You don’t have to spend out unforeseen extras on some basic protection for the machine, nor will you be destined to tap your documents out on the (admittedly, very usable) on screen keyboard.

One area where the Surface could have the edge is in ports. The Surface Pro has a full-size USB port, so you can attach any of your existing peripherals in a matter of seconds, or even just hook up a flash drive. The X2 uses the newer USB C standard, which doubles as a charging port. That means you won’t be able to use anything that’s currently sitting under your desk without bringing in an adapter – more expense on top of what you’ve already paid out. Or at least it would, if HP didn’t include the adapter in the box.

Yet another decision by HP that makes the X2 a far more usable prospect out of the box.

The X2 is a good all-rounder, and one of the better hybrids out there.

If you were looking for something to complain about, the battery life may give cause for grumble. The specs promise 10 hours but I didn’t hit that once, which was disappointing. When I regularly push the iPad Pro to its limits, the battery life lasts significantly longer. If the X2 was to replace that as my mobile solution, it would need to eke out the battery life that little bit more.

The good

The X2 has a nice design, and manages to stay slim and light enough without tipping over into flimsy territory. The quad speaker set up is also a nice touch. Aside from the usual front- and rear-facing cameras, you also have the Intel 3D Real Sense camera built in.

The not so good

Battery life, battery life, battery life. This can't be said enough. Tablet wannabes need a decent battery life to compete with Apple rivals, and not just on paper.

The rest

The X2 can handle everything from productivity to entertainment with barely a flicker. The customisable spec and decent solid-state drive size makes it a real prospect for those who want to ditch the laptop for something a bit more flexible.

The verdict

HHH

A decent effort at the hybrid sector that makes things a little easier for those who want more flexibility in their work machine.