Just a while ago, there was a sea of smartphones, laptops, ultrabooks, and tablets engulfing mobile computing customers. But it seemed that certain buyers were still not satiated and craved for even more. The outcome: hybrid computers – devices that seamlessly blend the features of tablets with those of ultrabooks. And the newest to join the bandwagon is Hewlett Packard, who’ve just announced the HP Envy x2, their latest hybrid device.
So will the HP Envy x2 be the envy of the computing neighborhood? Imbibe further:
Main attributes
- 11.6-inch high-definition (HD) multi-touch touchscreen
- Ultrabook and Tablet function (dual and separate)
- Intel Atom X86 processing unit, 2GB RAM
- Windows 8 operating system
- 64GB Solid State Drive (SSD)
- Two-part battery mechanism
- 8 megapixel rear camera
- Near Field Communication (NFC) integration
- Beats Audio for high-fidelity sound
- Dimensions: 303mm by 206mm by 19 mm (total)
External layout
- The Envy x2 is imbued with prepossessing looks and design – this is evident from its sleek aluminum body and the polished silver and black color arrangement. Moreover, the Envy x2 is infinitely portable weighing a mere 3.1 pounds.
- The 11.6-inch touchscreen is LED-backlit and may be easily detached from or attached to the keyboard area by means of two clever magnetic hinge hooks. The IPS panel touchscreen, to be used in tablet mode, encompasses a respectable 1366×768 pixels, enabling a bright, responsive multi-touch display with healthy viewing angles. The screen embeds a 2-megapixel HD web camera for video calling.
- The full island-style keyboard comprises large, well-etched keys that are receptive and comfortable to type with. The single-slab track pad, too, is large and easy to operate; it is expected to support multi-touch gestures and two-finger scrolling.
- Besides the keyboard, one may also input via a supported stylus. The stylus has digitizer functionality that enables users to enter multimedia content via natural hand movements.
The rest of the chassis has spaces for the x2’s various ports and controls (described elsewhere). Overall, the device feels fairly solid and sturdy with no perceptible loose ends.
Internal dynamics
- The Envy x2 is loaded with a fairly expeditious Intel Atom X86 processing unit that incorporates the next generation Clover Trail knowhow. The processor, together with the embedded 64GB SSD, makes the x2 a commendable performer in the speed, multi-tasking, and durability spheres.
- The x2 features the eagerly awaited Windows 8 in its full form (most likely Windows Professional in the final retail product). The upcoming operating system is expected to deliver stellar results – thus further buttressing the x2.
- The dual batteries is a standout feature of the x2 – one battery resides in the touchscreen panel and the other in the keyboard area. Together, the two batteries greatly enhance the sustenance power of the device. This is a boon for persons on the move as they may simply attach the keyboard for a fresh power dose whenever the tablet battery fails.
- The x2 also contains Intel’s Graphics Media Accelerator for optimum power and competence.
Communication capabilities
The Envy x2 comes with sufficient connectivity option to please most users:
- 2 USB 2.0 ports
- HDMI
- Wireless LAN 802.11n
- Bluetooth
- Micro SD card slot
- Full size SD card slot
- Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality to enable easy sharing of images, videos, and other multimedia content
Price and availability
The HP Envy x2 will be available near the end of 2012 at a price that is still undisclosed.
Conclusion
The HP Envy x2 is a competent hybrid computer. The x2’s above-average performance, together with its small form factor, is bound to find favor with many users – and yes, make their neighbors slightly envious.
Lance Goodman web and technology expert and works for globalx.net, a site that offers savings and current information on dish TV packages. For more info please click here, as well as dish.com services.