HP revealed the next iteration of the EliteBook x360 at CES
2017, and though it does have some things in common with the new Spectre x360 –
most notably the convertible design – the new EliteBook has a few features that
make it stand out.
The EliteBook x360 1030 G2 comes in a variety of
hardware configurations. Two such models will sport a Core i5 processor – a
Core i5-7200U in what is presumably the base model, and a Core i5-7300U in the
mid-range one. Users will be able to upgrade to a Core i7-7600U if they so
choose, but unlike its Spectre x360 counterpart, these notebooks won’t use
discreet graphics. Instead, they’ll opt for integrated graphics, which each one
using Intel HD Graphics 620.
The 13.3-inch touchscreen display comes outfitted
with Gorilla Glass and is available in FHD (1080p) or UHD (4K) resolutions.
Obviously, this being a hybrid, you’ll be able to rotate the screen to a
handful of different positions, with HP naming five different use modes: laptop,
tablet, media, conference, and tent. Rounding out the hardware will be 16GB of
RAM, an SSD that ranges in capacity from 128GB to 512GB depending on the model,
and a 57Wh lithium ion battery that uses HP’s fast charge technology and is
said to provide 16 hours and 30 minutes of life.
HP also spent a significant amount of time
explaining the amount of ports this new EliteBook offers. With one USB Type-C
port with Thunderbolt, two USB 3.1 ports, 1 full-size HDMI port, a MicroSD card
reader and a smart card reader, HP is making it clear that this is no MacBook
Pro. In a world where professionals may not want to carry around a bunch of
different dongles and adapters, that could give the EliteBook a competitive
edge.
The 1030 G2 supports HP Sure View, which reduces
viewing angles and clarity for the people around you and can be activated using
a keyboard shortcut. HP’s third generation Sure Start technology can help
protect against BIOS attacks, and you’ll find support for Windows Hello through
both the touch fingerprint scanner and the IR camera for face authentication.
The EliteBook x360 1030 G2 will be launching later
this month, though at the time of this writing, HP hasn’t given a specific
release date. Just as well, pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it seems
safe to assume that the EliteBook will launch around a US$ 1500 price point.
