While Microsoft brought an overwhelming hype last Tuesday after launching the new Surface Pro, under the radar is HP's Spectre x2, which was released a day before Microsoft's legendary hybrid laptop. Far from what people expect, the Spectre x2 is the device seemingly exciting Microsoft for a match.
Spectre x2 vs new Surface Pro
HP is inconspicuously challenging Microsoft's Surface Pro with its unassuming Spectre x2, a convertible tablet sporting a 12.3-inch display and a digital pen-based input. To set the record straight, HP is looking at the same market with Microsoft this time.
HP's Spectre x2 wins over Microsoft's new Surface Pro on many levels. First, HP has an incredible device with screen resolution pegged at 3,000 x 2,000, a sporting advantage over Microsoft's 2,736 x 1,824. Second, HP uses the seventh generation Kaby Lake Core i5 processor, way step ahead of Microsoft's Core m3 chip. Third, the Spectre x2 is thinner at 0.31 inches in contrast to the Surface Pro at 0.33 inches. It does not make much difference in terms of mobility but definitely matters when it comes to design.
Surface Pro's advantages
On the other hand, Microsoft gains the upper hand in two ways—price and battery life. At US$799, the new Surface Pro favors the cheapskates over the Spectre x2 for US$200. Depending on the user's need, HP will ask a hundred dollars more than the US$999 base price for a better processor, memory, and internal storage space. A caveat though, the new Surface Pro does not come with the Surface Pen and detachable Surface Pro Signature Cover as they are separately sold.
In terms of battery life, the Surface Pro is the more enduring device. At 13.5 hours, it's a huge leap from its predecessors and the Spectre x2's 8 hours. Talk about mobility, Spectre x2 may be thinner but Surface Pro is lighter at 2.37 lbs.
Both devices are arriving in June. Which laptop are you buying? Watch the next generation Surface Pro below.
