HP announced three new Windows 8 devices earlier today at IFA 2012 in Berlin, including the Envy X2 hybrid PC which combines a detachable screen and keyboard dock for the best of the tablet and ultraportable worlds.
Interestingly, the keyboard dock attaches to the tablet style display with a magnetic latch that promises to make swapping the X2 between tablet and notebook modes fairly simple.
“[Users] want the flexibility to move between creating rich documents and losing themselves in a great movie,” explained HP exec James Mouton. “With the HP ENVY X2, customers can have it all, and the touch experience on these three new notebooks brings out the best of Windows 8.”
Indeed, the X2 boasts an 11.6-inch HD resolution display – promising ultra-wide viewing angles and lots of brightness with a rating of 400-nit and IPS technology. The hybrid machine also features integrated NFC tech and HD webcam on the front for video conferencing and eight-megapixel camera on the back for taking photos and video.
The device is also equipped with Beats Audio for high-quality music and video playback on the go, along with an optional stylus to allow the user to write, draw and navigate the touchscreen using a pen-like stylus.
Next up is the Spectre XT TouchSmart ultrabook. The device – which measures 17.9 mm thick and weighs 4.77 pounds – sports a a 15.6-inch screen with full HD resolution. The system is built around an all-metal design, with edge-to-edge glass and touchpad. This will be HP’s first notebook to offer Thunderbolt for faster connectivity, although the XT TouchSmart still has USB ports capable of charging smartphones and other devices while the computer is turned off.
The Spectre is powered by the latest generation of Intel Core processors paired with fast SSDs for storage. Other features include multiple connectivity options with gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 and HDMI out.
Last, but certainly not least, the HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 is 23 mm thick, weighs 4.77 pounds and features a backlit keyboard along with a 14-inch multitouch HD display. HP promises up to 18 hours runtime per battery charge and the system – which includes an integrated subwoofer with Beats Audio technology – can also be fitted with optional AMD graphics.
The above-mentioned machines are expected to be on the market in time for holiday shopping with the Envy systems slated to priced at a later date. The Spectre XT TouchSmart starts at $1399.99.
