A workhorse for the office
> The HP EliteBook x360 is built for business with security features to match and the style of a premium consumer laptop
THE HP EliteBook x360 is built for business and it has all the security options and performance of a workhorse office laptop. It also caught my attention as an HP business device that merits a second look.
As far as builds go, the EliteBook x360 is fashioned from a bright silver aluminium unibody chassis and styled to look more like a premium consumer laptop compared to a typical business PC.
Weighing in at 1.28kg (depending on the configuration), the EliteBook x360 is slightly heavier and has a larger footprint than its predecessor.
However, it is still very portable and not cumbersome to carry.
The EliteBook x360 comes with three processor options – the Intel Core i57200U, the Intel Core i5-7300U, and the Intel Core i7-7600U – all of which are excellent performers.
These processors are then paired with up to 16GB of DDR4-2133 RAM which is ample to make any multitasking a breeze. But our review unit came with only 8GB.
The double-hinge design makes folding out the EliteBook x360 a smooth experience.
The device could be used in one of the four configurations and anything in between.
However, I find the tablet mode takes some getting used to as the sides of the device turn into a sharp inverted wedge.
I also found that the EliteBook x360 will run very hot if pushed to its limits. Thankfully, HP has the foresight to build its convertible laptop with vents.
Typing and using the device was a pleasure. The square keys of the backlit keyboard were stiff at first, but it gave the reassurance needed to make typing easy and fast.
The large glass touchpad is also more comfortable than those found on an average laptop.
On the touchpad is a sticker that reads NFC, and just below the keyboard and to the right is a thumbprint reader.
Along the left side of the EliteBook x360 is also a smart card reader, another security feature. All of the security features
are paired with an abundance of corresponding software packages. In the week that I had the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2, I used the thumbprint reader the most. It is fast, accurate, and it works hassle free, just like a thumbprint reader on a smartphone. You would also find a power button, a USB3.1 port, a stereo jack, a volume rocker, a MicroSD slot, a USB TypeC with Thunderbolt port, a security lock slot, an HDMI port, another USB 3.1 port, and a power supply port. The number of ports available is very welcoming, but it was a surprise that the device did not use a USB Type-C port for charging, but e
instead opted for a proprietary connector. In addition to the touch screen, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 is compatible with the HP Active Pen which lets users takes full advantage of the Windows Ink, and other drawing programs.
On the The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2, HP has once again partnered with Bang & Olufsen, to enhance the quality of its speakers.
The results were a mixed bag. They were beautifully tuned to handle midrange sounds such as vocals, but it also flattened extremes high notes and low bass.
It was when I saw the price tag that I understood how HP managed to do it.
According to the HP online store, the highest configuration of the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 retails for RM8,902.94.
This puts it beyond the reach of most consumers. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing.
The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 is built for business with security features to match.
It is most at home in the hands of an onthe-go executive who is looking for a system that is flexible, reliable, powerful, portable, and on the plus side, fashionable as well.
You can find the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 at all HP brand shops, authorised dealers nationwide, and online store. For more, visit the HP Malaysia website.