Two hybrid tablet/notebooks are to join HP's 11.6-inch ENVY x2 to make a new x2 family. The SlateBook x2 is Android-based and has Nvidia's Tegra 4 mobile processor as its power house, while the larger, Intel-powered Split x2 will run Windows 8.
The SlateBook x2 is not the first HP device to run Android, but it is the company's first Google OS outing for a hybrid tablet/notebook. The baby of the newly-created x2 range, this model features a 10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution BrightView IPS touch display. HP says that the Nvidia Tegra 4 processor should provide users with a more realistic gaming experience, coupled with high def video playback.
It comes with 64 GB of included eMMC storage with microSD expansion, and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. There's DTS Sound+ and stereo speakers, a 2-megapixel camera to the rear, and a 720p webcam at the front. Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean) runs the show, allowing access to Google services like Gmail, Google Now, Google Drive, and the option to add apps through Play.
The tablet part of the two-in-one device attaches by a magnetic hinge to the keyboard base, which packs its own battery for extended uptime, and features chiclet-style keys and a trackpad. Physical connectivity comes in the shape of USB 2.0 and HDMI 1.4 ports, and an SD card slot.
The SlateBook x2 has been given a starting price of US$479.99, and is set to due for release in August in smoky sliver or white. The video below demonstrates its main feature set.
The other new family member is the Split x2. Like the ENVY, this model runs Windows 8, but sports a 13.3-inch, 1366 x 768 resolution BrightView IPS display. It's offered in 3rd gen Intel Core i3 or i5 processor options supported by up to 128 GB of solid state storage and up to 8 GB of RAM. There's a microSD expansion slot, included 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera and a 2-megapixel HP TrueVision Full HD webcam, and Beats Audio through dual speakers.
Like the SlateBook and ENVY, the keyboard base includes its own battery, but the increased display size means that HP can include a full-size keyboard with ClickPad, and also give users the option to throw in up to 500 GB of optional HDD storage. USB 3.0 and HDMI 1.4 ports, an SD card slot, and a soft-touch outer coating complete the available specs for the lower section of this hybrid.
Product pages: SlateBook x2, Split x2
Too bad I'll have to keep waiting for a unit like the X2, but with a decent screen.