HP Spectre x360 2017 Review: The Best Laptop

In the ever-evolving landscape of laptops, the HP Spectre x360 2017 model stands out as a premier choice for those seeking a blend of style, performance, and versatility. As technology continues to advance, the demands of users have evolved as well, necessitating devices that offer more than just basic functionality. With its sleek design and robust specifications, the HP Spectre x360 is a device that aims to cater to the needs of professionals, students, and casual users alike. This article dives deep into the details of this remarkable laptop, examining its design, performance, battery life, features, and more.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first aspects that catches the eye when you encounter the HP Spectre x360 2017 is its striking design. Crafted from premium materials, the laptop boasts an all-aluminum chassis that not only exudes luxury but is also engineered for durability. The device is available in a sophisticated dark ash silver color with copper accents, giving it an elegant and modern look that sets it apart from competitors.

The HP Spectre x360 measures just 0.5 inches in thickness, making it one of the thinnest convertible laptops on the market. Its lightweight design (approximately 2.78 pounds) allows users to easily carry it anywhere, from coffee shops to meetings and classes. The 360-degree hinge adds versatility, allowing you to use the laptop as a traditional laptop, tent mode, or tablet mode, depending on your needs.

The device also features a stunning edge-to-edge glass display, which not only enhances the visual experience but also contributes to the laptop's overall aesthetic appeal. The bezels around the display are thin, maximizing screen real estate and providing a more immersive viewing experience.

Display Quality

The HP Spectre x360 2017 sports a 13.3-inch full HD (1920 x 1080) or optional 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS display, offering impressive color accuracy and brightness levels. Whether you’re editing photos, watching movies, or conducting video calls, the clarity and vibrancy of the screen are bound to captivate you.

The 178-degree viewing angles ensure that colors remain consistent even when viewed from the sides, making it ideal for sharing content with others. The anti-glare display option is a welcome addition, particularly for users who often work in brightly lit environments or outdoors.

For those who crave more visual fidelity, the optional 4K display provides stunning detail, though it does come with a slight trade-off in battery life. The ultra-thin bezel creates a near bezel-less display experience, further enhancing the laptop’s modern look.

Performance

Under the hood, the HP Spectre x360 2017 is powered by the latest Intel Core processors, with options ranging from the i5-7200U to the more robust i7-7500U. Coupled with Intel’s HD 620 graphics, this laptop is capable of handling everyday tasks seamlessly, whether it’s browsing the web, streaming videos, or running productivity applications.

With a standard 8GB of RAM and options for up to 16GB, multitasking becomes a breeze, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing lags or slowdowns. The laptop can be configured with up to 1TB of SSD storage, ensuring quick access to files and programs, and offering substantial space for all your documents, media, and projects.

In benchmark tests, the HP Spectre x360 scores impressively, often surpassing competitors in its class. For users interested in light gaming or creative tasks, this laptop can even handle casual gaming and photo editing software, making it a versatile option for a range of capabilities.

Battery Life

One of the standout features of the HP Spectre x360 2017 is its exceptional battery life. Users can expect to get around 10-12 hours of usage on a single charge, depending on their usage patterns and settings. This endurance makes it ideal for professionals on the go who may not always have access to a power outlet.

Thanks to rapid charging technology, the laptop can recharge up to 50% in just 45 minutes, which is particularly useful when time is of the essence. Whether you’re in a meeting, at the airport, or in a lecture hall, the reliability of this laptop’s battery adds to its overall appeal.

Features and Connectivity

The HP Spectre x360 2017 is packed with useful features that enhance the overall user experience. One notable aspect is its beautiful backlit keyboard, which provides a comfortable typing experience in low-light environments. The precision touchpad is responsive and supports multi-touch gestures, further streamlining navigation.

For connectivity, the laptop includes a mix of USB-C and traditional USB-A ports, offering ample options for peripherals and accessories. The inclusion of an HDMI port is a thoughtful feature, enabling users to easily connect to external displays. HP has also integrated Thunderbolt 3 support, which vastly accelerates data transfer speeds and allows for versatile docking options.

The laptop comes equipped with HP's privacy features, including a privacy screen that can be turned on to limit viewing angles and protect sensitive information. It also includes facial recognition technology for secure login, providing a seamless and secure way to access your laptop.

Software and User Experience

HP ships the Spectre x360 2017 with Windows 10 Home pre-installed, providing an intuitive and familiar interface for users. The operating system is optimized for touchscreens, making the transition between laptop and tablet modes smooth and easy.

HP also includes its suite of software solutions tailored to enhance productivity, including HP's Command Center, which allows users to manage system performance and temperature smoothly. Users can take advantage of features like HP Feedback to share improvements and issues, fostering a community-driven development approach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the HP Spectre x360 2017 successfully blends elegance and performance, making it one of the best laptops available in its class. With its stunning design, exceptional display quality, robust performance, and impressive battery life, it caters to a wide range of users with varying needs. Whether you're a creative professional, a student, or someone who simply appreciates a powerful and stylish laptop, the HP Spectre x360 2017 is worthy of consideration.

As we continue to see advancements in laptop technologies, the HP Spectre x360 2017 serves as a benchmark for what a premium laptop should aspire to be. With its combination of form and function, it maintains relevance and desirability, proving itself as a top competitor in the crowded laptop market.