Just like every self-respecting company that
is releasing new Windows 8 devices, HP has renewed its current laptop lines
with optimized features for touch which are ready to handle the new OS's
gestures. But also like any self-respecting PC maker, HP is releasing a device
with a more adventurous shape. Envy x2 stands out among other hybrid laptop
running the same 1.8GHz Atom microprocessor with more attractive design, IPS
display and nice features like NFC and pointing pen.
However, at the price of $850 with the
included keyboard dock, it's more expensive than comparable products such as
the Acer Iconia W510. So is the x2 a stable laptop – with the role of both a
laptop and as an independent tablet? You know where to meet us if you want to
find out.
Design and feel
X2 looks like a clamshell netbook - and an
attractive one. The silver and brushed-aluminum chassis is nice but not
slippery when touching, and the reflective HP logo on the back doesn't make us consider
as too infringing (anyhow, you won't see it for most of the time). Compared to
other hybrid laptops-tablets like the made-of-plastic Acer Iconia W510, this
system feels elegant and well made. The x2's aluminum case is sturdy, but if
you hold the device by the keyboard‘s bottom, the screen sways a bit at its
hinge. Still, we don't think you'll hold the device this way too often, so it
shouldn't be a big problem.
X2
looks like a clamshell netbook - and an attractive one.
With 1.5 pounds and 0.3-inch thick as an
independent tablet, Envy x2 feels very light; the LTE version of the Samsung
ATIV Smart PC is 1.65 pounds weight and 0.39 inch thick in tablet form, though
10.1-inch Acer Iconia W510 is a bit slighter with 1.27 pounds. The x2's rounded
edges and lightly rough rear creates a comfortable grip. With the keyboard dock
attached, the device weighs 3.1 pounds, and it's quite easy for use, even when
carrying with one hand.
We doubt our insight for a while when taking
a look at this hybrid laptop's power button. It's located on the back of the
tablet - along with the volume rocker - which just doesn't feel intuitively.
Most tablets have these buttons on the sides, and we definitely prefer that
setup. Once you overcome the initial confusion, you'll still have to think over
a bit if you're viewing the screen from the front. Other ports are located in
more traditional positions: along the left edge of the dock are HDMI and USB
2.0, while the right one holds the power connector, another USB 2.0 connection
and an SD card slot. Remove the tablet from the dock, and you'll find the slate
includes a microSD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a docking port that
connects to the keyboard or the charging cable.
Connecting the tablet to the keyboard dock
feels satisfying, but it can take a few moments to arrange the connectors
correctly. Once you've handled that, slide the release latch and the device plucks
into place. When it's on laptop mode, the device feels very solid. It won't
fall out of place until you pull the latch in the opposite direction to release
the slate.
Keyboard touchpad
At first look, Envy x2's keyboard looks
pretty nice. The black, separate chiclets keys are well-spaced, and the layout
doesn't feel cramped. (This is an advantage that hybrid laptops-tablets have compared
to slider tablet; the slate doesn't infringe upon the keyboard deck). There's large
space for your wrists. Get ready for the "but": the keys feel spongy;
they don't offer the satisfying feedback we want. On a typing test we gained a
lower wpm score - and a higher error rate than we typically found. We wouldn't consider
this keyboard as horrible, but it's less comfortable than its looks would indicate.
At
first look, Envy x2's keyboard looks pretty nice.
We will use a stronger language to describe
the Synaptics touchpad. On the positive side, it's very quick; we have no problem
executing Windows 8 gestures like swiping in from the right to reveal the
Charms bar, for example. But the fact is that this is too sensitive. Almost every
time we accidentally graze the touchpad with our finger, it is manifested as a
click or swipe. You'll find this issue especially troublesome when you're
writing emails or working in a document, as the cursor often moves to a point at
the begin in the text.
Screen and audio
Though Envy x2's 11.6-inch screen has a
standard 1,366x768 resolution - this pixel number is especially common among
hybrid laptops running Atom microprocessors - IPS technology creates a
better-than-average viewing angles. We are able to view the content on the screen
when moving to the far right and left angle, but pushing the panel forward excessively
causes images to be diluted. However, beside this issue, colors look accurate,
and text is crisp.
Evaluating the touch screen as an input
method, we don't have any complaints. Performing specific gestures for Win 8 is
easy and smooth. At the same time, the screen provides enough friction so that
you won't accidentally click on items constantly. Envy x2 also supports pen
input, though we aren't able to test this function with our review unit.
Envy
x2's 11.6-inch screen has a standard 1,366x768 resolution.
HP includes Beats Audio on x2, but it
doesn't pack as much power here as it does on full-package laptops. Sound is
very tinny and muffled - both for music and dialogue - and even at maximum
volume, the sound isn't very loud.
