The new HP Spectre x2 is a Windows tablet with a 12.5 inch full HD display, an Intel Core M Skylake processor, an adjustable kickstand, and a detachable keyboard cover which transforms the tablet into a notebook.

It’s a Windows 2-in-1 with premium design. But it’s got a reasonably affordable price tag: the starting price is $800, and unlike some companies, HP includes the keyboard in that price.

The new HP Spectre x2 should be available starting November 8th.

spectre x2_01

The full-sized aluminum keyboard includes backlit keys and a reasonably large touchpad. It attaches to the tablet via a strong magnet. HP doesn’t recommend doing this too often, but you can actually connect the keyboard and then hold the computer upside down while grasping just the keyboard section without the tablet falling. Just don’t jump up and down while doing that.

Fold the keyboard over the screen and it acts as a cover. The back of the keyboard has a fabric texture.

The tablet’s stainless steel kickstand locks into place when it’s not in use. Slide a switch on the side of the tablet and the stand pops out, allowing you to adjust the angle that the tablet is propped up at. The setup is sturdy enough that you should be able to type on the Spectre x2 keyboard when using it on your lap.

The Spectre x2 has a 1920 x 1280 pixel display and an entry-level model features 4GB of RAM, 128GB of solid state storage, and an Intel Core M3 processor. HP also offers models with Core M5 and Core M7 chips, up to 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage.

Each model has two USB Type-C connectors, allowing you to charge the tablet by plugging a USB cable into either end.

On the front of the tablet there’s an Intel RealseSense 3D camera as well as a regular 5MP camera. There’s an 8MP camera on the back.

The tablet has stereo speakers, but there are also two more speakers on the keyboard, giving you a total of four speakers with audio tuned by Bang & Olufsen.

HP also equips the Spectre x2 with an active digitizer, which means you can use a Wacom stylus to write or draw on the screen. HP sells the active pen separately for about $50.

Despite the Spectre x2’s large screen, it’s a reasonably compact device: it measures just over half an inch thick and weighs about 1.8 pounds. Add the keyboard and weight only jumps up to 2.7 pounds.

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4 replies on “HP Spectre x2 2-in-1 tablet with Core M Skylake launches for $800 and up”

  1. Sigh. Getting there, but 16:9 12.5in screen just isn’t comfortable – viz Asus T300. Heavier than Surface Pro 3 too despite no fans and minimalist kickstand. Wish these others would follow Microsoft’s lead with the 3:2 ratio. Yes, I could just get a Surface Pro 4, but I want Core M7 fanless not Core M3. Too hard to please I guess.

    EDIT: OK just realised the Miix 700 has everything I’m asking for. Will stop complaining!

  2. It’s hard to see this as anything other than a Surface clone, but it does have some nice features. The design is nice in my opinion. The pricing seems to be lower. It comes with the keyboard. It offers the Core M processors so if you wanted the most powerful Core M decked out with 8GB RAM and 512GB storage you could. It also has 2 usb c ports that can be used for charging. All of that other than the design are things the Surface line does not offer.

  3. When is HP going to give up their ugly silver-on-silver keyboard design?

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