HP Envy x2
HP’s first products to ship with Windows 8 – a hybrid notebook and two new ultrabooks – will reach Ireland over the coming months, with more new computers using Microsoft’s new touch-based operating system to follow.
HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4
The first of the three new consumer notebooks from HP will reach Irish stores in late October. Starting at €1,299, the HP Envy TouchSmart Ultrabook 4 comes with a 14-inch multi-touch HD display, the latest processors from Intel, a backlit keyboard, a HD webcam, and a subwoofer with Beats Audio.
The metal design measures 23mm thick, weighs 2.16kg and houses a battery offering up to eight hours of power. Solid-state drive options are provided, as well as a number of Intel technologies, such as Rapid Start, Smart Connect and Identity Protection.
HP SpectreXT TouchSmart Ultrabook
The larger 15.6-inch SpectreXT TouchSmart Ultrabook is expected to arrive in late November, starting at €1,499. The full-HD IPS display is enabled with multi-touch technology and features edge-to-edge glass. The all metal design is just 9mm thick, weighing 2.16kg, and comes with a soft-touch base for comfort and grip, as well as a glass touchpad.
The SpectreXT is HP’s first notebook with Intel Thunderbolt technology, which enables faster transfer of media files to external devices. It also comes with the latest Intel Core processors and a range of Intel technologies. Features include an mSATA solid-state drive, HD webcam, Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 and Adobe Premiere Elements 10, full array of ports (including USB 3.0 and HDMI), Beats Audio and HP Imagepad for more precise multi-finger and gesture control.
HP Envy x2
Finally, the HP Envy x2, a hybrid notebook and tablet computer, is due for release in Ireland in early December, starting at €1,199. The tablet is connected to the keyboard with a magnetic hinge that glides the tablet into place. The bright 11.6-inch HD IPS display is built for Windows 8 touch interface, and provides ultrawide viewing angles.
As a notebook, the Envy x2 weighs 1.4kg, dropping to just 0.71kg in its tablet form. It comes with a front-facing HD webcam plus an 8MP rear camera, solid-state memory, Beats Audio, and an optional stylus. It’s also NFC-enabled, allowing users to share content with a simple tap.
HP also revealed four new desktop PCs to ship with Windows 8. Further details on pricing and release for these models are expected soon.
