The latest version of HP’s Spectre x360 13 thin and light convertible notebook features a smaller footprint than its predecessors, but it packs more horsepower thanks to a move to a 10th-gen Intel Core “Ice Lake” processor with Iris Plus graphics.

HP has slimmed down the design by shrinking the top and bezels around the display, resulting in a laptop with a 90 percent screen-to-body ratio (up from 78-percent in the previous generation).

The 2.9 pound laptop is almost an inch smaller than last year’s model. But thanks to the upgraded internals, it should offer up to 2X the graphics performance and improved connectivity, among other things.

HP has also added new features including a hardware kill switch for the webcam and optional support for a 1,000 nit Sure View Gen 3 privacy screen that helps prevent folks from viewing your screen over your shoulder when activated.

The new HP Spectre x360 13 be available from HP.com starting in October for $1,100 and up.

That entry-level prices gets you a model with an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor, a 1920 x 1080 pixel display, 8GB of LPDDR4-3200 RAM, and 256GB of storage.

But HP will also offer models with up to a Core i7-1065G7 processor, a 4K OLED display, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of solid state storage, and 32GB of Intel Optane memory.

There will also be several Best Buy exclusives, including:

Each version measures 12.1″ x 7.7″ x 0.7″ and weighs just under 2.9 pounds. The laptop comes with an HP Active pen, features a backlit keyboard.

It also has a fingerprint reader, and Windows Hello-compatible IR camera.

In fact, HP says the Spectre x360 13 has a brand new 2.2mm camera system that rivals the model Dell uses in its new XPS 13 laptops with slim bezels, but the difference is that Dell’s cameras don’t feature the IR component that allows you to login to a PC using Windows 10’s facial recognition technology.

The new HP Spectre x360 13 also features dual-array beamforming microphones for picking up your voice when you’re video chatting or talking to Cortana or other voice assistants.

And a hardware kill switch on the side of the laptop cuts electricity to the camera when you’re not using it, which theoretically offers even more protection than a shutter that you can slide over the screen. And there’s a keyboard shortcut to turn off the microphones — plus an LED light that lets you know when it’s active.

In terms of connectivity, the new laptop supports WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, and optional support for 4G LTE.

It also features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port, a headset jack, and a microSD card reader.

The new HP Spectre x360 13 has stereo speakers with B&O sound. And HP will offer multiple display options. In addition to the aforementioned 4K OLED and 1,000-nit Sure View displays, there’s an optional low-power 1-watt display panel and support for an optional anti-reflection/anti-smudge glass screen.

Some of those options (like the Sure View screen) may not be available until sometime next year.

The new HP Spectre x360 13 has a 60W battery and comes with a 65W charger. HP says the laptop supports fast charging, which means you should be able to get a 50-percent charge by plugging in the notebook for 30 minutes.

The company is also including some new software features including the ability to switch between Performance, Comfort, and Quiet modes depending on whether you whether you want to emphasize speed, low fan noise, or something in between. HP says the new Spectre x360 includes some cooling improvements as well, including an improved heat sink and new air inlet holes in the keyboard.

HP is keeping the gem-cut design and aluminum body that it’s used for the last few generations, and the Spectre x360 13 will come in three color options:

  • Black with copper accents
  • Blue with brass accents
  • Silver

Unfortunately another design element that’s sticking around in the latest generation is the non-upgradeable RAM. The memory is soldered to the motherboard, so if you want a model with 16GB, then you’re going to have to pay for it when you buy the laptop.

Here are some of the pricing/configurations HP plans to offer at launch:

  • Core i5-1035G1/8GB/256GB/FHD for $1100
  • Core i7-1065G7/8GB/512GB +32GB/FHD for $1300
  • Core i7-1065G7/16GB/512GB + 32GB/4K OLED for $1500

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6 replies on “HP’s new Spectre x360 13 with Intel Ice Lake is smaller, faster”

  1. It seems like it has 16:9 display which basically doesn’t make sense with the 360 degree hinge… Who is using that narrow of a tablet? Useless. I bought the last 4 spectres in the last years. First i was just annoyed by the heat, then the aspect ratio, and last years model i was also annoyed by the huuuge chins it had. As soon as they fi ally make a 16:10 display, I’ll go back to hp. They already fixed the thermal issues (kinda) and this new model has sexy bezel sizes and still kept the windows hello camera.

  2. Will this use a removeable SSD? XPS 13 2-in-1 would be great except for that. This doesn’t have the 16:10 aspect ratio but I would rather have a replaceable drive. My laptops tend to last many years. I don’t change them every year or so like my phone so making sure I can upgrade, replace or recover my hard drive is something I don’t want to give up.

  3. this seems to be a winner and my next ultrabook. I will forgive hp above removing the top speakers since the upgrades and fixes are worth it. Just hope this version will be sold in Canada as well.

    1. I like it except for the keyboard. If the Enter key is not on the edge of the keyboard that’s a no for me…

  4. I wish u could compare the new ice lake 2-in-1s in terms of their battery life. XPS 13 FHD (51 whr), XPECTRE X360 13 INCH FHD (60whr), YOGA C940 (? Whr) when you get your hands on them.
    Thanks

    1. True.
      Based on initial observation, it seems Intel’s next-gen 14nm ULV chips actually use less power and are faster than Intel’s next-gen 10nm ULV chips. So I would stay away from this laptop, it makes more sense to let Intel suss it out before taking the plunge. Reminds me of when people with the Core2Quad PC’s that was only 2 years old being enticed to the new Intel Core i-platform. The foolish upgraded right away, the smart buyers waited for 2nd-gen and updated to Sandy Bridge instead.

      I feel like we’re going to get another case of Intel 10nm actually delivering expected efficiency and performance in the 2nd generation. Thanks AMD !!

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