HP Announces Spectre 13 x2 Hybrid Ultrabook
by Jarred Walton on September 19, 2013 7:14 PM EST- Posted in
- Laptops
- HP
- Mobile
- Tablets
- Spectre
- Convertible
- hybrids
- Ultrabook
- detachable
Since the launch of Windows 8, many users have been waiting for something that does a better job of spanning the gap between laptops/Ultrabooks and tablets. We’ve seen sliders, twist screens, laptops with touchscreens, foldable laptops like the Yoga, and even a few with detachable screens. HP now enters the market with one of the latter, as the Spectre 13 x2 that has a detachable screen.
Given that we’re talking about Ultrabook internals – and a 13” display – pricing is going to be substantially higher than what you’ll pay for a traditional tablet. HP also goes full Windows 8 here, so there’s no secondary SoC running Android like in the ASUS Transformer Book Trio. HP hasn’t yet provided us with a full rundown of the specifications, but it appears the Spectre 13 x2 will sport a 1080p display and the tablet portion pretty much only includes a microSD slot. The dockable keyboard meanwhile adds a couple USB 3.0 ports, HDMI port, and a full size SD card slot; it also includes additional battery capacity and has a backlit keyboard.
While the idea of a 13.3” laptop/hybrid is good, I do have to question the utility of a 13.3” tablet. I’ve used Dell’s XPS 12, and frankly it just feels massive when in tablet mode, and that’s a slightly smaller display size. On the other hand, typing on a 13.3” sized chassis and keyboard definitely sounds more welcoming than a 10” or 11.6” keyboard, so the detachable tablet aspect is basically a nice extra for those times when you want to leave the keyboard behind.
HP has managed to cram all of the hardware into a fanless chassis, which means they’re likely using the Core i3-4020Y (6W 1.5GHz) and Core i5-4210Y (6W 1.5-1.9GHz); it’s possible HP also supports the Core i7-4610Y (11.5W 1.7-2.9GHz), but that seems unlikely with a fanless design. (I’ll update if I hear anything more on the subject.) Pricing on the Spectre 13 x2 starts at $1099, hopefully with at least a 128GB SSD and 4GB RAM (preferably more, but that’s probably just wishful thinking). Availability is scheduled for October 2013.
Source: HP PR/News
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
48 Comments
View All Comments
kyuu - Friday, September 20, 2013 - link
Real stylii (not capactive ones) are also useful for note-taking and using the desktop on a small-screen device. It's not just for artists.Visual - Monday, September 23, 2013 - link
This is something only one that has never used an active digitizer would say.I'm not an artist, and I will never buy any tablet without active digitizer after having been spoiled by my tm2.
The hover (emulating mouse move without click) is a must-have for a lot of Windows scenarios.
AnnihilatorX - Friday, September 20, 2013 - link
If it supports stylus a detachable keyboard is a good synergy for power business users who can take notes by handwritingLaststop311 - Saturday, September 21, 2013 - link
Not feelin these convertible devices. I mean starting at 1100 geez. I'd rather go with a 32GB Nexus 7 which is 260 and let's be real 7 inches is so much easier to carry around and work with on the go. Compact and light, easy to maneuver with 1 hand and leaves you with 840 dollars to buy a dedicated ultrabook. Lots of good dedicated ultrabooks you can buy around that price without a complex hinge or touchscreen. I think most people will have a better experience going this routeOneOfTheseDays - Sunday, September 22, 2013 - link
A 32GB Nexus 7 comes nowhere close to replacing a full blown x86 hybrid.These are machines for people that need to get serious work done, with the option to flip into tablet mode for convenience without having to switch to another device. I think most people are in need of a device that can fill both needs, but nobody has really yet to find the perfect balance.
The Surface Pro is probably the closest I can think of. With its next-gen refresh with improved battery life and RAM it will be on my short list for sure.
nerd1 - Sunday, September 22, 2013 - link
I absolutely need larger tablets for productivity (annotating slides/papers/etc). 10 inch is just way too small for anything.damianrobertjones - Saturday, September 28, 2013 - link
"While the idea of a 13.3” laptop/hybrid is good, I do have to question the utility of a 13.3” tablet. I’ve used Dell’s XPS 12, and frankly it just feels massive when in tablet mode"http://www.tomshardware.com/news/apple-quanta-macb...
I wonder what reviewers will say if/when Apple releases a larger ipad... I bet they'll love it
hellermercer - Friday, November 22, 2013 - link
Wheres the DVD-ROM compartment ?????