Today Hewlett Packard has announced a new pair of hybrid laptop computers. The company calls them “detachable PCs” as they are both basically tablets with a specially made magnetically hinged keyboard dock which transforms them to “offer the full functionality of a notebook”. The HP Split x2 runs Windows 8 while the HP SlateBook x2 runs Google’s Android Jelly Bean mobile operating system.
“Customers want to access and share content anywhere, anytime, on any internet connected device - and they expect those connections to be seamless,” said Ron Coughlin, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer PCs, HP. “The HP SlateBook x2 and the HP Split x2 are next-generation devices and the latest examples of our continued commitment to evolving the computing experience by providing the flexibility necessary for customers to be productive at home, at the office or on the go.”
HP Split x2 with Windows 8
HP informs us in its press release that the HP Split x2 employs an Ivy Bridge Intel processor (a choice of i3 or i5) and is a effectively a capable “high-performance ultraportable notebook” with the flexibility to be used as a tablet for entertainment and content consumption.
The specs I have managed to glean from the pre-release product information pages are as follows:
- Third generation Intel® Core™ processor with integrated graphics, choice of i3 or i5
- 2GB RAM or more
- 13.3-inch diagonal 1366x768 pixel LED backlit IPS touchscreen
- Durable magnetic detachable hinge
- 2 batteries; one in the tablet and another in the dock
- Full HD webcam, 8MP rear facing camera
- Beats Audio system
- 128GB SSD with optional 500GB hard disk in the dock unit
- Soft-touch coating for comfort and fewer fingerprints
- 802.11a/b/g/n + Bluetooth
- MicroSD reader, Combo audio jack, 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, HDMI, SD card slot
- 1.9Kg
- Microsoft Windows 8
HP SlateBook x2 with Android Jelly Bean
The HP SlateBook x2 shares many of the qualities of the Windows based HP Split x2, detailed above. It shares the magnetic screen attaching dock mechanism and the philosophy behind the system design. However this is an ARM powered device, employing an Nvidia Tegra 4, which runs Android Jelly Bean to provide a hybrid combination of laptop and tablet, work and play.
HP’s product headline describes this device as “100% tablet. 100% notebook. 100% Android.” Another major difference to the previously detailed HP Split x2 is the downsizing of this Android based machine; it sports a 10.1-inch display. However the screen offers a much higher res than the 13.3-inch screen on the HP Split x2.
HP SlateBook x2 key specs:
- 1.8GHz quad-core NVIDIA® Tegra® 4 processor
- 2GB RAM or more
- 10.1-inch 1920x1200 pixel LED-backlit IPS touchscreen display
- Durable magnetic detachable hinge
- 2 batteries; one in the tablet and another in the dock
- 64GB of storage
- 720p webcam, 1080p rear facing camera
- SD card slot, combo audio jack, 1x USB 2.0, HDMI
- 802.11a/b/g/n + Bluetooth
- DTS Sound+ Solution
- HP-imprint finish in white or silver
- 1.4Kg
- Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 and Kingsoft Office suite
Availability and pricing
The HP Split x2 will be available in August starting from $799. The HP SlateBook x2 will be available in August starting from $479.