Mobile Technology

HP x2 hybrid tablet/notebook family gets Android and Win8 additions

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HP has announced the Android SlateBook x2 and the Win8 Split x2 hybrid tablet/notebooks
HP has announced the Android SlateBook x2 and the Win8 Split x2 hybrid tablet/notebooks
The SlateBook x2's tablet and keyboard base both have batteries
The tablet part of the two-in-one device attaches by a magnetic hinge to the keyboard base
This model runs on Android 4.2.2 and is powered by Nvidia's Tegra 4 mobile processor
The SlateBook x2 features a 10.1-inch, 1920 x 1200 resolution BrightView IPS touch display
The SlateBook x2 comes with 64 GB of included eMMC storage with microSD expansion, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity
A choice of smoky silver and white are available
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
The SlateBook x2 in notebook mode
The SlateBook x2 in tablet mode
The Windows 8 Split x2 has a 13.3-inch, 1366 x 768 resolution BrightView IPS display
The Split x2 Win8 hybrid in tablet mode
There's a choice of 3rd gen Intel Core i3 or i5 processor options, up to 128 GB of solid state storage and up to 8 GB of RAM
The keyboard base includes its own battery, but the increased display size means that HP can include a full-sized keyboard with ClickPad
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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.

The SlateBook x2 in tablet mode

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.

The Split x2 Win8 hybrid in tablet mode

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

View gallery - 14 images
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3 comments
Darth Stig
What the hell is with HP. Love their products, but will NOT buy a low res unit. The "baby" (Android) X2 has a 10.1" 1920x1200 (Really??) screen, but the range topping Split X2 (Win 8) has a 13.3" 1366x768 screen?? Why? Ihave always had a great experience with HP product, but migrated to a 17" ASUS for a gamimg PC as it was 1920x1080 while the equivalent HP unit (an Envy model at that) only went to 1600x900. I can't understand why HP won't go 1920x1080 on their laptops, but can get put in a better than 1080P screen on an Android powered unit. Have they lost the plot, or do they not think Windows users would require higher resolution?? I'm after a (min) 1920x1080 ultrabook/convertible - with no MS Surface PRO in Australia, I had high hopes for the Win 8 X2 model that was then rumored (now announced) with a Core i5 but they insist on stiffing the consumer with rubbish resolution. 1366x768 HD screens are beyond yesterday. Samsung ATIV PRO & Sony VAIO Duo 11 looking really good, right now, and they've both been out for months. Get with the program HP. 1080P touch is the minimum!!
Robert in Vancouver
I agree with Darth about the low res screen on the X2. The new X2 is exactly what I've been waiting for, except I won't buy it because of the low res screen.
Too bad I'll have to keep waiting for a unit like the X2, but with a decent screen.
Jon A.
Any idea what chipset is going in the Windows 8 models?