HP launches the Envy X2 (2014), a Surface Pro 3 -like tablet.

[Joonikko]

HP launches the Envy X2 (2014), a Surface Pro 3 -like tablet.

HP is launching its own version of the Surface Pro 3 today. No, it hasn’t taken over manufacturing of Microsoft’s tablet, it’s merely imitating it. HP’s new Envy x2 has a multi-angle kickstand, a fabric keyboard cover that clicks into place with a stylus holder loop, and it all adds up to something that looks eerily similar to Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 tablet. There’s a 13.3-inch model and a 15-inch version, and both ship with Intel’s latest Core M processors in a variety of configurations. Although the 13-inch model has a base display that’s 1366 x 768 resolution, it can be upgraded to match the 1920 x 1080 resolution of the base 15-inch model.

While the similarities are clear, HP’s tablet hybrid is significantly heavier and thicker than Microsoft’s tablet despite it using a fanless design and no visible venting. The 13-inch Envy x2 is 13.7mm thick compared to the 9.1mm Surface Pro 3, and it weighs 2.81 pounds without the keyboard, compared to the 1.76 pounds of the Surface Pro 3. HP is trying to match Microsoft on price, too, with the 13-inch model starting at $799 and the 15-inch version starting at $749.

The Envy x2 comes in two sizes – a 13.3-inch model and a slightly less manageable 15.6-inch version. We got some hands-on time with the larger of the two systems, and while it’s certainly a little on the bulky side, it occupies an interesting space, straddling laptop and tablet form-factors, and even tipping its hat to the All-in-One.

There's Beats audio on board, and the system features stereo speakers on either side of its display, making it an inch or two wider than most 15.6-inch machines. This isn’t such as issue in laptop mode, but it makes the device feel a little bulky once you switch to the tablet form-factor.

The displays of both models have 1080p (1,920 x 1,080) resolution. While that pixel density is significantly lower than most high-end tablets, this is pretty standard for even a high-end Windows laptop.

The 2-in-1 features a kickstand similar to the those found on Microsoft’s Surface hybrids, meaning you can angle the screen just like you would a conventional laptop. It takes a fair bit of force to adjust the angle of the stand, meaning that once it’s in place, it shouldn’t move unless you want it to.

The machine’s magnetic detachable keyboard is perhaps its most interesting feature. The keyboard is backlit, thin and feels similar to the Surface Type Cover. However, the Envy x2’s cover features a large clickable trackpad that, at least in the case of the larger model, is much bigger than the Surface's trackpad. On the larger Envy model, this is located to the right of the keyboard, while the smaller version places it below the keyboard.

The trackpad placement on the larger model may be less conventional, but it actually allows the palm rest to be folded under the keyboard, making the device feel more like an All-in-One than a laptop. The keyboard sections of both versions of the device connect to the system via Bluetooth, meaning that they can be used when not physically clicked in.

 

The HP Envy X2 series integrates a Wacom digitizer, and customers will also be able to get HP’s Active Stylus if willing to pay extra for pen-based input. Unfortunately, during our hands-on with the HP Envy X2 series, the Active Stylus was a bit buggy and didn’t recognize input on repeated occasions. We’ll have to wait for a final version before we can judge the accuracy of the stylus.

Specifications:

• Windows 8.1 64
• Intel Core M-5Y10 Dual Core Processor
• 13.3-inch diagonal HD WLED-backlit IPS Display (1366x768) Touchscreen
• 4GB Memory
• 128GB Flash Solid State Drive
• 2-cell 33WHr Lithium-ion Battery
• Wireless Bluetooth® Backlit Keyboard
• HP TrueVision Full HD WVA Webcam with Dual Digital Microphone
• Intel 802.11ac WLAN and Bluetooth [1x1]
• $799,99

The X2 is basically a larger, heavier & thicker version of the Surface Pro 3, but made by HP instead of Microsoft. The front facing speakers should be nice and the trackpad placement looks interesting. Not really sure why would anyone purchase this instead of the SP3 if they're on the market for a large Windows tablet, though the X2 does come with the keyboard cover by default, instead of the extra $129 you need to pay for the SP3 Type Cover.

Sources:

• http://www.theverge.com/2014/11/18/7240483/hp-envy-x2-looks-like-a-surface-pro-3
• http://www.gizmag.com/hp-envy-x2-hands-on/33722/
• http://www.cnet.com/products/hp-envy-x2-13-3-inch-2014/
• http://blog.laptopmag.com/hp-envy-x2-specs-price
• http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/hp-envy-x2-2014-1273160/review
• http://tabtec.com/windows/hp-envy-x2-133-156-hands-video/

[TheSLSAMG]

>beats audio

>beats owned by apple

>hp and apple machine

>wat

 

I actually know this isn't much of the case, but still, it's at least a little funny.

[dizmo]

Ewww. That's gross. I'll take something like my Samsung Series 9 any day, thank you very much. It's about the same thickness, has an actual keyboard and proper trackpad.

Better screen resolution.

Lighter.

Very likely a better battery..

 

I honestly don't see the point in this device, other than to jump into the tablet market to say "me too me too!!".

[qwertywarrior]

looks nice !

[othertomperson]

>beats audio

>beats owned by apple

>hp and apple machine

>wat

 

 

HP's contract with Beats predates Apple's involvement

 

Looks OK though... I still wouldn't get a windows 8 tablet laptop hybrid thing, but if that were to interest me I'd have a look at this? Or something?

[Sidiox]

Ehm, those speakers don't looks good, kinda ruins the clean look of the device. And I'll take my SP3 any day of the week over this. I don't know the pixel density on my SP3, but I think it is a lot higher than this ones. And a higher pixel density is really nice when working with a stylus. 

 

Edit: does it have an active stylus, and if so N-Trig or Wacoom?

[GoodBytes]

While nice, it does feature an HDD, a pathetic 5400 RPM HDD.

And if you customize it like the Surface Pro 3, it comes up with the same price, and you have a bulkier device.

Also, base resolution is Windows 8 minimum supported resolution: 1366 x 768 as explained.

Pen is there, but extra. Unknown technology. Hopefully it's not what Dell uses for its tablet, which is from Synaptics which sucks big time.

[Majinferno]

While nice, it does feature an HDD, a pathetic 5400 RPM HDD.

And if you customize it like the Surface Pro 3, it comes up with the same price, and you have a bulkier device.

Also, base resolution is Windows 8 minimum supported resolution: 1366 x 768 as explained.

Pen is there, but extra. Unknown technology. Hopefully it's not what Dell uses for its tablet, which is from Synaptics which sucks big time.

My laptop has a 5400RPm HDD   

Is also runs a 1366 x 768 resolution.   

 

u make meh gry

Specs

 

[bcredeur97]

"Intel Core M-5Y10" omg its so weird seeing this... still not used to Core M

 

 

its ok i guess.... still rather have a surface. this one doesnt look as nice or as convenient.

[Ryou-kun]

While nice, it does feature an HDD, a pathetic 5400 RPM HDD.

And if you customize it like the Surface Pro 3, it comes up with the same price, and you have a bulkier device.

Also, base resolution is Windows 8 minimum supported resolution: 1366 x 768 as explained.

Pen is there, but extra. Unknown technology. Hopefully it's not what Dell uses for its tablet, which is from Synaptics which sucks big time.

 

 

I believe it does use Synaptic from what I read on a comment.

 

Yeah, I would rather go for SP3 for its clean look and everything. Not to mention N-Trig/Wacom over Synaptic, lol.

[PhantomChevron]

Rather have a Surface because it looks nicer

[AlwaysFSX]

Rather have a Surface because it looks nicer

I'd rather have a Surface because it isn't as thick.

[PhantomChevron]

I'd rather have a Surface because it isn't as thick.

That too, and the Surface has a better keyboard cover too

[Ryou-kun]

I don't see any point for this tablet to exist compare to Surface Pro 3, lol.

Price as same as SP3 but has HDD, 720p screen, weaker CPU I believe, thick, heavy, ugly like one of Acer tablet, bloatware, possibly using Synaptic rather N-Trig/Wacom etc.

If it is cheaper, then it is more competitive but need more improvement. I mean if I am going to spend at least 800 dollar W8 tablet, I better expect a ssd, decent CPU and 1080p/1440p res.

That is just me.

[ShadowCaptain]

I think this looks completely pants, from a design, spec AND price point