HP Introduces Elite X2 – A Surface Pro Like Tablet Laptop Combo

While “innovative” is most likely an overstatement when attempting to describe what Microsoft did with the series, it still comes relatively close to that.

Considering all of the above, the device is a success both as tablet or laptop, or if you prefer to call it a laplet, is entirely up to you. A hybrid that at this moment is setting the standards in its category.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 – Priced at $899. Put in Turbo Boost and the device will reach 3.5GHz. It’s not as light as the iPad Air, but Surface does have a larger screen.

The main “neck” can be swiveled 180 degrees, so that the feet/reversible base of the stand can be pointed away from you if needed, such as if you have the device on a table and need to use an external keyboard. There’s an 8MP camera on the back, a 3.5MP camera on the front, discreet front stereo speakers, and a microphone. The area all around the edges however has seen some considerable change. The position of the lock itself was even more annoying, since it placed the pen over the tablet’s physical power and volume keys.

There is a USB 3.0 port for the Surface Pro 4, along with a Mini-DisplayPort and microSD card slot.

Under connectivity, the laptop offers both Thunderbolt ports and USB-A ports.

The Surface 3 sports the classic Surface design. Even though the hybrid is created to be used mostly on flat surfaces, it will manage to remain stable even in your lap. It’s a laptop and it’s a tablet. The keys have been altered so they’re raised, separated, and significantly more solid, resulting in fewer accidental key presses – a common issue I experienced with the Type Cover 3. Its pressure sensitivity has gone up to 1024 levels, which makes it mimic what a real pen would feel like on paper amazingly well. Also, the pen features a programmable Bluetooth Application launch button that can be used to launch OneNote or any other Windows application. A lot of the expected touch gestures worked, and navigating the Windows experience was the same as always, but now it’s touch-friendly.

However, Microsoft is way beyond just that. While the Type Cover doesn’t seem that frail, it would be advisable to not hammer on the keyboard either so you don’t risk any damage to the platform.

The Surface Pro 4 is a nice uplift from previous models. PixelSense Display with 3,000 x 2,000 resolution. The Microsoft Surface Book comes with a 13.5 inched screen. From that perspective, you can say that you would be getting your money’s worth. While benchmarks would suggest that the Intel Core m3 manages to exceed the performance of the Intel Core i5 in terms of GPU Clock Speed for example, it would be a far-fetched act to say that it’s better.

Loss of work is the biggest downside of this, more than anything else. It doesn’t even require a Microsoft account or force you to make one. The Surface Pro 4’s display is also a step above its predecessor in contrast and colour reproduction. Memory ranges from 4 to 16 GB, and storage from 128 GB to 1 TB. There is a series of setups you can opt for when purchasing the hybrid, thanks to the compatibility offered by the components. The device features the latest Windows 10 OS and has a 6th Generation Intel Core M vPro processor. My experience with the base model with the Core m3 processor nets me anywhere from 6 to 8 hours on a single charge.

Users rejoice for the blight of Windows 8.1 has lifted.

Having full Windows on a tablet is pretty incredible. However, HP has unveiled the Elite X2 which has the backing of a popular PC device brand name, but is relatively under-the-radar in the tablet market. It’s really lovely how universally compatible the Surface is.

Once you’re done here, you can pick your sleeve to protect the device.

Except the Microsoft Mobiles division, Microsoft’s run in the markets hasn’t been that bad.

While the Microsoft website advertises the Surface Pro 4 battery to last to up to 9 hours of video playback, things are not that plain and simple.

That said, the Surface Pro 4’s magnetic clip is a significant step above past Surface Pen storage options.

And last but not least, add Microsoft Complete, which provides extended protection and accidental coverage of the Surface Pro 4. It’s a bit heavy for one handed or prolonged use. It’s a seamless transition too, you can just toggle tablet mode on and off. The price is only slightly lower than what is available from Microsoft themselves.