Productivity on the go
Elegant and effortless, the HP Elite x2 is the perfect tool for the busy executive
A SLEEK AND powerful tablet computer designed for executives on the go, the HP Elite x2 quickly transforms into a notebook computer with its optional keyboard cover. Featuring an aluminium body with a strong stainless steel kickstand that rotates 150 degrees to adjust smoothly to any viewing angle, the tablet comes with a 12-inch LED-backlit touch screen with 1920x12800 pixel resolution that’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4.
Several models of the Elite x2 are available and vary according to processor, memory and storage configurations. The processor ranges from an Intel Core m3 to m7 while the memory varies from 4 to 8 gigabytes of DDR3 SDRAM. Storage on the other hand goes from 128 GB up to 512 GB SATA SSD (Solid State Drive).
I tested the model powered by Intel Core m5-6Y57 running at 1.51 GHz, which has 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB storage.
The Elite x2 runs on Windows 10 Pro operating system with Microsoft Edge web browser. The tablet can be attached to an optional HP Elite x2 1012 keyboard, turning it into a powerful notebook computer. The keyboard is easy to attach thanks to the magnetic latch and the tablet can be positioned with the kickstand for use as a notebook.
HP says every aspect of the Elite x2 1012 is designed to exceed expectations and that’s certainly true in terms of speed. The test found the business application fast and smooth, the touch screen instantly responsive and scrolling quick. The tablet started up and displayed the log-on screen in just 10 seconds while shutdown was immediate.
The tablet comes with a full-size Wacom pen, called the HP Active Pen, which allows you to jot down notes in much the same way as you would with physical pen and paper. Here you simply hover the pen above the screen, press the button on the end and Microsoft’s OneNote will pop up. You can also write notes with the Sticky Notes application – the choice is yours.
Although it is designed for business use, the Elite x2 is also well suited to entertainment and I had no problem running HD video clips. The tablet has a full-size USB 3.0 port so I could attach a flash drive or an external hard drive to access video and other files.
The new USB-C port boasts Thunderbolt technology, allowing it to transfer 4K video files at the super fast rate of 40 Gbps. The port is also used to charge the tablet’s battery.
The Elite x2 has good sound too, especially when it plays HD video clips, not surprisingly when you consider that Bang & Olufen designed the audio system and its stereo speakers. The tablet also comes with HP Noise Reduction Software with dual microphones, allowing you to use the Elite x2 for video calls with the 2-MP 1080p front-facing camera. The 5-MP rear camera is also capable of shooting 1080p video.
The Elite x2 comes with fast Wi-Fi 802.11ac connection with 2x2 dual bands. The model I tested also has a micro SIM slot and supports HSPA+ 3G connection.
I connected the tablet to my Linksys WRT1200 AC router and I found that it accessed the Internet fast and exchanged files with other computers connected to my home network smoothly and without any glitches.
Since it is designed for business use, the Elite x2 comes with enterprise class security measures. Some models also have an integrated fingerprint reader for locking tablet access. And the IT department can streamline client deployment and maintenance with remote BIOS configuring and recovery using HP BIOSphere and HP Sure Start Technology on the tablet.
You can also keep sensitive information safe with pre-installed HP Client Security, Intel vPro, and optional features like a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and self-encrypting drive (SED).
The Elite x2 has a good battery life with about 10 hours of usage, allowing peace of mind when working on the go.
Storage expansion can be achieved through a microSD card slot that supports SDHC and SDXC cards of up to 200 GB.
The tablet alone weighs about 820 grams increasing to 1,205g with the HP travel keyboard and 1,270g with the advanced keyboard.
HP Elite x2 has a starting price of Bt34,990. The HP Elite x2 advanced keyboard retails for Bt9,990 and travel keyboard for Bt9,390. The package with a travel keyboard starts at Bt49,990.
Key Specs
- OS: Windows 10 Pro 64
- Processor: Intel Core m5-6Y57 running at 1.51 GHz
- Memory: 4 GB LPDDR3-1866 SDRAM
- Storage: 128GB SSD drive
- Display: 12-inch diagonal FHD UWVA eDP ultra-slim LED-backlit touch screen (1920 x1280), direct bonded, Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- Graphics: Integrated Intel HD Graphics 515
- Audio: Audio by Bang & Olufsen; Dual stereo speakers; Dual microphone array
- Wireless connections: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2x2), Bluetooth 4.2, HP HSPA+ 3G modem
- Ports and connectors: 1 USB Type-C with Thunderbolt support (docking, charging and USB 3.1); 1 USB Type-A (USB 3.0); 1 headphone/microphone combo, microSD slot,
- Cameras: 2 MP FHD front-facing camera, 5 MP FHD rear-facing camera
- Battery: Up to 10 hours 15 minutes
- Power: 45W Smart USB Type-C AC adapter
- Dimensions: 300 x 213.5 x 8.05 mm (tablet); 300 x 213.5 x 13.45 mm (tablet with travel keyboard)
- Weight: Starting at 820 g (tablet); Starting at 1205 g (tablet with travel keyboard); Starting at 1270 g (tablet with advanced keyboard)
