HP Spectre X360 Ultrabook Review: Sleek, Sexy, Convertible
Introduction and Specifications
HP used the Mobile World Congress event currently taking place in Barcelona, Spain to launch what may be one of the company’s most exciting notebooks ever, the Spectre X360. Like the previous-generation Spectre, the new X360 is a thin and light premium, multi-mode convertible ultrabook, but HP has paid special attention to almost every detail on this new device and improved upon its predecessor in virtually every way. HP worked closely with Microsoft and its hardware partners to choose the right components and optimize the software on the Spectre X360 and the company made some practical decisions with the design and materials used in its construction that have clearly paid dividends on our opinion.
The HP Spectre X360’s main specifications and features are listed below. As you’ll see, they’re comparable to many recently released ultrabooks that leverage Intel’s latest Broadwell-U processors. Specifications can’t explain the user experience and don’t clearly convey what a machine’s fit-and-finish are like, however. Hopefully, we can fill in those blanks on the pages ahead and show you what the HP Spectre X360 is all about. Because if you’re in the market for an ultrabook, you’ll definitely want to check this thing out...
The HP Spectre X360 we tested is powered by an Intel Core i5-5200U Broadwell-based processor with integrated Intel HD 5500 series graphics. Complementing the processor is 8GB of DDR3-1600 memory, a 256GB Solid State Drive (a Samsung SSD in our machine's case), 802.11ac WiFi, and a 13.3" Full HD (1920x1080) multi-touch screen. This particular configuration will hit store shelves at a $999 price point, but there will also be a model with 4GB of memory at $899 and two Core i7-based models, one with 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD for $1149 and another with a 512GB SSD and QHD screen for $1399. The top of the line Core i7-based model with QHD screen won't arrive until later in April, however.
Bundled with the system we reviewed, HP included a handful of useful accessories. Along with the obligatory power adapter, we found a USB Ethernet dongle, in addition to an HDMI to VGA adapter, some documentation, a micro-fiber cloth, and a cushioned sleeve. HP, however, will also be offering some optional accessories for the system. We've heard from a reader that these items were NOT included in a retail package, so we've reached out to HP for clarification.
A premium leather case will be offered for the Spectre X360 and the device works with the HP Active Pen / Stylus that was released last year too.
The HP Spectre X360’s main specifications and features are listed below. As you’ll see, they’re comparable to many recently released ultrabooks that leverage Intel’s latest Broadwell-U processors. Specifications can’t explain the user experience and don’t clearly convey what a machine’s fit-and-finish are like, however. Hopefully, we can fill in those blanks on the pages ahead and show you what the HP Spectre X360 is all about. Because if you’re in the market for an ultrabook, you’ll definitely want to check this thing out...
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OS: | Windows 8.1 64-bit |
Processor: | Intel Core i5-5200U (Turbo Up To 2.7GHz) w/ Intel HD 5500 Graphics |
Memory: | 8GB DDR3-1600 |
Storage: | 256GB SSD (Samsung) |
Display: | 13.3-inch LED-backlit, IPS Touch Display 1920x1080 |
Camera: | Full HD Front Camera (For Video Chatting) |
Ports: | USB 3.0 x 3, HDMI, DP, Headphone / Mic, SD Card Reader |
Connectivity: | 802.11ac/b/g/n and Bluetooth |
Battery: | Integrated 56wHr (Up To 12.5 hours) |
Size: | 12.79 x 8.6 x 0.6 inches |
Weight: | 3.26 pounds |
Software: | HP Support Assistant, Microsoft Office Trial, HP Connect Photo, Netfilx |
Warranty: | One-Year Limited Warranty |
Price: | $999.99 - Find The HP Spectre X360 At Amazon |
The HP Spectre X360 we tested is powered by an Intel Core i5-5200U Broadwell-based processor with integrated Intel HD 5500 series graphics. Complementing the processor is 8GB of DDR3-1600 memory, a 256GB Solid State Drive (a Samsung SSD in our machine's case), 802.11ac WiFi, and a 13.3" Full HD (1920x1080) multi-touch screen. This particular configuration will hit store shelves at a $999 price point, but there will also be a model with 4GB of memory at $899 and two Core i7-based models, one with 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD for $1149 and another with a 512GB SSD and QHD screen for $1399. The top of the line Core i7-based model with QHD screen won't arrive until later in April, however.
Bundled with the system we reviewed, HP included a handful of useful accessories. Along with the obligatory power adapter, we found a USB Ethernet dongle, in addition to an HDMI to VGA adapter, some documentation, a micro-fiber cloth, and a cushioned sleeve. HP, however, will also be offering some optional accessories for the system. We've heard from a reader that these items were NOT included in a retail package, so we've reached out to HP for clarification.
A premium leather case will be offered for the Spectre X360 and the device works with the HP Active Pen / Stylus that was released last year too.