A highly desirable Windows 10 hybrid
The concept behind a laptop-tablet hybrid isn’t just about being able to switch between the two types of device. It’s also about the kind of apps you need. An iPad or Android tablet runs the same kind of software as a smartphone, while a hybrid such as Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 runs Windows 10 - like a PC.
HP’s new Spectre x2 is obviously designed to go up against the Surface Pro 4. It’s detachable, meaning the keyboard clips on when you need it. When you don’t, the touchscreen part works as a self-contained tablet. Like the Surface Pro 4, it has an integrated kick stand that folds out to prop it up on a desk, because there’s no hinge to hold it in place. The Spectre x2’s stand is fiddly and less sturdy, but it does the job.
Unlike Microsoft, HP includes the keyboard as standard. Its silver finish looks classy enough, although the speaker along the back didn’t live up to its Bang & Olufsen logo. The keys themselves were as good as the Surface Pro’s, enabling accurate typing, and the touchpad worked well, except that our fingers occasionally strayed off its narrow area.
As a tablet, the Spectre x2 Is light and uncluttered. The supplied stylus isn’t as precise as Microsoft’s, but it’s a useful option for drawing and note-taking, as long as you don’t lose it: HP gives you nowhere to store it.
There are only two USB ports, both of the new Type-С variety. One is used for charging, so when the device is plugged in you only have one free for accessories such as a mouse, external hard drive or full-size monitor, all of which will need adapters. But that’s a reasonable compromise for a machine that mostly won’t need such peripherals.
We weren’t so happy to find HP had compromised on the screen. Brightness and contrast are good, and the Full HD (1920x1080p) resolution is fine at this size. The problem is colour: with less than 75 per cent of the sRGB range covered, everything looks rather lifeless. This is definitely not a good choice If viewing and editing photos is important to you, which is disappointing considering the Surface Pro 4’s exceptional colour accuracy.
On the inside, the Spectre x2 does match its Microsoft rival, with an Intel Core М3 processor that’s more than capable of running Windows 10 smoothly. Advanced tasks like video editing were just about feasible, and everyday stuff like web browsing zipped along without a stutter. You can’t take that for granted with the less powerful processors in lower-cost hybrids. We even got some 3D games running with very low quality settings. The battery only lasted just over six hours of video playback, which isn’t great, but you’d get through a full day of light use.
Is the Spectre x2 worth £699? HP’s cheapest Windows 10 detachable, the 10in Pavilion x2, is a third of the price, but it’s smaller and has far less processing power. Since we tested it, HP has released a 12in Pavilion x2 with an M3 processor for £499. Although it’s bulkier than the Spectre, comes with less storage and lacks the fancy cameras, it’s got to be worth considering.
As for the Surface Pro 4, it starts at £50 more than the Spectre x2, again with half the storage, and Microsoft charges another £110 for the keyboard. Display quality aside, the Spectre x2 clearly looks the better buy.
VERDICT
Although it's let down by a poor screen, the Spectre x2 is a neat and capable hybrid that gives Microsoft a run for its money.
SPECIFICATIONS
0.9CHz Intel M3-6Y30 dual-core processor • 4GB memory • 256GB flash storage • 12in 1920x1280-pixel touchscreen • 5-megapixel front camera • RealSense 3D webcam • 802.11ac Wi-Fi • Bluetooth 4.0 • 2x USB 3.0 Туре-С ports • SD card reader • Windows 10 • 13x303x209mm (HxWxD) • 1.19kg • One-year warranty