The HP Envy x2 tablet is referred to as a hybrid PC because of the fact that it can be easily converted from a tablet to a notebook in just a few seconds. It has “x2” in its name because according to HP, it’s two products rolled up into one. That’s not crazy talk. It actually can be used as two different products, depending on how you set it up.
First, you can use it as a regular Windows 8 tablet computer. You can touch and type on its 11.6-inch 1366x768 IPSscreen, listen to music through headphones with its 3.5mm headphone jack, and surf the Web on it over 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. It comes equipped with a 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Atom Z2760 processor and 2GB of RAM, so it will be able to handle Windows 8’s Modern UI animations just fine. Using the cloud for storage may be necessary, though, as it only comes with a 64GB storage drive.
Then when you’re ready to do some serious work, you just whip out the Envy x2’s external keyboard dock which gives it a number of additional features and even extends its battery life. This dock gives it a full-size keyboard, HDMI-out, and USB connectivity. Essentially, with the dock, the Envy x2 gets turned into a netbook-like contraption. And it’s very sleek with a brushed aluminum casing.
As impressive as its hardware features may be, though, its overall performance actually rests on the pre-installed software. That is to say, it will only ever be as good as Windows 8. If you’ve made up your mind about switching to Microsoft’s latest OS, then the Envy x2 is one of your best options. Otherwise, there are plenty of iOS and Android-powered alternatives with richer ecosystems.
Need to Know: HP Envy x2
1. Boasts an 11.6-inch 1366x768 touchscreen display. (The Good)
2. Runs the full version of Windows 8 instead of Windows RT. (The Good)
3. Some features require the use of an external keyboard dock. (The Bad)
4. Comes with only 64GB of internal storage. (The Bad)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Bennett Ring, APCIt might look the goods, but sadly the ENVY x2 is all talk and no walk. That won’t stop those who value good looks over all else from shelling out for such a pretty product, but for those who demand value for money there are much, much better options.
- Katharine Byrne, Expert ReviewsAs a tablet, the biggest problem with the Envy X2 isn’t its hardware, it’s the price. It costs almost £150 more than a 64GB iPad 4, which handles its operating system better, has an infinitely superior display and longer battery life. The keyboard dock no doubt adds to the X2's pri...
- Matt Smith, Digital TrendsThis plucky hybrid PC isn’t the best tablet, or the best laptop, but it’s a good compromise for people who want (yet can’t afford) both.
- Josh Smith, GottaBeMobileFor $600 the HP Envy x2 is a good buy, even with the less than desirable performance delivered by the Intel Atom processor. Users get a machine that functions as a good tablet and a good notebook with up to 15 hours of combined battery life. HP also includes ports to connect to a bigger monitor, Mic...
- Doug Dineley, InfoWorldTruly usable as either a laptop or a tablet, the Envy X2 may be the most smartly designed hybrid I've tested. The hardware is solid, the battery life is long, and the price is right. If you crave versatility and portability, but don't require desktop-class performance, the Envy could be just ticket.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- HP ENVY x2 Manual (PDF)
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