though not as bizarrely big as the 2016 MacBook Pro models. The keyboard backlight Fn key no longer glows at all times (which drove folks mad) and the trackpad is as huge as ever. This is simply a smaller and lighter take on the last generation model-the keyboard deck loses the dished out look since the keyboard runs almost the full width of the deck. HP laudably includes the pen in the box, so you won't have to hunt it down. The pen has two side buttons but no Bluetooth connection to launch apps like the Surface Pen (fine with me). Now it's available in a separate model and HP has switched from the 'meh' Synaptics pen to the more established N-Trig that's also used on all current generation Microsoft Surface products. The one feature missing in the base model from the previous generation is the active digitizer for the optional HP Active Stylus (a Synaptics pen technology). despite the rock-solid base and lid, and it's a little thinner at 13.5mm (not that the outgoing model seemed thick). The convertible weighs a very competitive 2.8 lbs.

The core feature list is the same as last generation-360 degree convertible design, IPS display, the latest Intel 7th generation dual core i5 and i7 Kaby Lake CPUs with 8 or 16 gigs of RAM, and 256 gig or 512 gig SSDs (now fast PCIe NVMe SSDs). In early 2017 HP beefed up and also confused the lineup- there are now pen models (so you'll really have to pay attention when purchasing if you want that pen) and 4K display options with and without the pen.They also released a 15' version in the darker color (silver ash) with pen and 4K display (there are currently no variants without those upgrades). At intial release in late 2016, HP offered just one model without active pen support in, clad in natural silver model with a full HD 1920 x 1080 display. The last gen Spectre x360 branched and grew-there were 2K display models, ash silver premium models (with a dark brownish gunmetal finish), an OLED display model and even a 15' model. If you accidentally banged the HP into a wall, the wall would dent, it's truly strong. While Lenovo's Yoga 910 is equally as light and has that attractive watch band hinge, we still give the nod to HP for a slightly more premium casing and more rigid design. 5.4mm), a significantly smaller footprint and a half pound less weight.

Just as the Spectre x360 was starting to look a little dated with large display bezels and a pretty hefty weight, HP refreshed the popular laptop with side bezels almost as thin as the Dell XPS 13 that started the no-bezel craze (5.6mm vs. Technology moves quickly and Lenovo, who first popularized the 360 degree Yoga hinge improved their casing and materials, and Asus' 13' convertibles have crept up in quality and price.

It was the first 360 degree convertible to sport a truly classy and solid aluminum chassis, plenty of ports, very good battery life and quite strong specs for the price. In Chief (twitter: first generation HP Spectre x360 was a big hit when it launched in March 2015. What's Not: Fewer ports than outgoing model, base model loses active pen support. Very good keyboard, lovely IPS touch screen, versatile convertible design. What's Hot: Excellent design and build quality. Home > Laptop Reviews > HP Spectre x360 (late 2016) Models 13-W013DX and 13-w023dx

Hp x360 spectre 2017 specs