HP is updating its Elite x2 line of Windows tablets for business users, with a new model that has the same screen resolution as a Microsoft Surface Pro 4, support for Core i Kaby Lake-U processor options, up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of solid state storage.
The HP Elite x2 1012 G2 is a 2-in-1 tablet with a 12.3 inch display, a built-in kickstand, and a detachable keyboard.
Prices start at $1099, and the tablet should be available starting in July.
The new model looks a lot like its predecessor, but it has a higher-resolution, 2736 x 1824 pixel display, optional Intel vPro support, and USB 3.1 Type-C and USB 3.0 Type-A ports.
HP says the notebook supports up to 10 hours of battery life from its 47 Wh battery, and features fast charging technology that should let you get a 50 percent charge from about 30 minutes of charge time.
The tablet measures about 8.05mm thick and weighs 1.75 pounds, and comes with an HP Collaboration Keyboard with 1.5mm of key travel, backlit keys, and dedicated buttons for Skype calls, among other things.
The tablet and keyboard together have a combined weight of 2.6 pounds.
It has a Wacom digitizer and pen and there’s a loop in the keyboard for storing the pen when it’s not in use (that pen holder was optional on earlier models, but it’s on all models for the new version).
There’s a fingerprint sensor on the back of the tablet, a Windows Hello-compatible IR camera on the front. And HP says the speakers on the new model are front-facing, compared with the side speakers on the G1 version.
While the Elite x2 is available for anyone to purchase, it’s designed for business and it’s been MIL-SPEC tested, features an aluminum unibody case and Gorilla Glass 4 display, and HP has tested the tablet to ensure the kickstand, keyboard, and other components should last for multiple years of use.
One thing the HP Elite x2 1012 G2 doesn’t have? A fanless design. The company says that if you’re looking for a model that uses passive cooling, you should opt for the recently-announced HP Pro x2 612 G2, which is a similar size, shape, and price… but which has a lower-power Intel Kaby Lake-Y (Core M) processor.
For me, the fan kills it. When I go to upgrade my HP Spectre x2 12, I’ll be looking at the 612(I’d like to see more reviews of this model and its accessories). I like how the back pops off. Nice and clean. The lineup of competition is heating up against the Surface Pro. Asus, Lenovo, Dell, Acer, HP….all have pretty nice units available. The Acer liquid cooling loop(fanless) design is quite cool. Pun intended.
Although…I won’t be upgrading my Spectre anytime soon. Absolutely in love with this device. First time in a long time that I’ve purchased something from HP and felt I got my money’s worth. In fact, I feel like I robbed them for a change. Smile.
Wow… a serviceable battery that is attached with screws other than glue. What a novel concept! I wonder if the screen is also attached with screws rather than glue. There’s two small holes in the bottom left. I don’t know if those are screw holes or a lanyard loop.
It’s really nice to see an OEM considering repairability when they design a tablet. I really like the Surface line, but the heinous repairability has kept me from getting one. I have a bad habit of forgetting that I left a device in the car, and the heat from the sun damages the battery. I’ve sun-baked more than a few batteries to death, so I wouldn’t buy a device unless the battery can be replaced. Microsoft’s cost for a replacing a battery is ridiculous and they have no one but their selves to blame for engineering a device that is so difficult to repair.
One of the things I’ve always appreciated about HP, is their devices are usually not too difficult to open and service, and there are usually teardown guides on their website.
nice hopefully this leads to a decrease in prices for the Spectre x2 and similar..really wanted one until I saw it wasn’t a true wacom despite the fact that they advertise it as wacom compatible.. where the HP excels is battery life imo.. and if i can get the m5 model for about $300 I’ll go for it