This is a fine 12 inch Win10 2in1, with unique features that give it the edge over other options for my use.
Lots of goodness:
+m7 (that's core m, not core i) low voltage part, but still good speed. Not blazing, but plenty fast for all my software up to and including lite video and graphics editing. The m7 variant pushes core m performance up just enough to be a good option in a 12inch tablet.
+very good screen, brightness is plenty for all the places I use, including shade outdoors. 1920x1280 is a very good resolution on a 12" form factor, and the 1280 vs. 1080 vertical is noticeably better for viewing and scrolling content.
+upgradeable storage. Replaced the 512GB ssd with 2TB Samsung 860, then bought the new 1TB microSDXC from Sandisk for too much money, but solved my storage needs for now. The disassembly to replace the SSD is not difficult once you see it done on youtube. The slot for the microSDXC uses a tray, which I really prefer when using SDXC storage on going. Thoughtfully, the SDXC tray is separate from the SIM tray. Good design!
+Excellent security. HP provides pre-boot security and drive encryption via hardware with biometric unlock for both as well as for Windows Hello. Only hassle is that you have to have keyboard attached to unlock the pre-boot security, and the screen goes full bright at this point, kinda blinding, but these are minor compared with the benefits of real pre-boot security.
+WLAN/SIM slot. Critical to me for secure connectivity on the go. Using Verizon, $20/mo unlimited data on my family unlimited plan.
+Excellent touch and pen responsiveness. Fortunately this model also works with active pens like the one for my Lenovo Flex5, providing options in terms of styli.
+Good removable keyboard. I can type almost full speed on it despite the compact dimensions. Nice backlight, very strong magnetic connection that pops into place quite easily.
+Nice kickstand. I really prefer this approach to some of the other much less flexible ways to support a 2in1 screen on other designs. I can balance the unit on one leg and my lap using the kickstand, and type pretty comfortably. Not many others are capable of this.
+Total wt is very low for all the power and flexibility you get. The size and weight make me willing to just grab my X2 and go to a meeting even in fairly social settings, since it says "tablet", not "laptop" in appearance.
+USB-C charging is great, and unlike some other HPs, is not too terribly picky about chargers. Works with all 45W and above USB-C PD chargers that I've bought, except one from NekTeck https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0719KV9PH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Tried other more powerful NekTecks and they work. Will not charge from 30W USB PD adapters, so not as flexible as Samsung 2in1s, but overall pretty good and definitely workable.
+USB-C PD power banks with 45W output will charge the X2 as well, and can double or more your run time depending on which you get. I've got two that work well and the one I like best is the Zendure A6PD.
Improvement areas
-no place to store pen, so I bought an adhesive pen loop and put it on the back on the left side. Working well, but not nearly as well as a small internally stored pen like Samsung does on some models.
-good but not great battery life. 4-5 hours on "balanced" power plan. Worth the time to create a couple other power plans to extend battery life a bit more where you think through your own usage scenarios and turn off other features. If I put the X2 to sleep regularly during the day when not in use, I can usually go all day, and sleep/resume are really quick, but is also worth carrying something like the Zendure power bank mentioned above, will just about guarantee all day + performance.
-ports. One USB-C 3.1 with PD and Thunderbolt 3 is a plus, but there is only one other port, one USB-A 3.0, at best just adequate. I quickly acquired a number of USB-C multifunction hubs with PD charging, hdmi out, etc. and consider this essential to carry along in my bag.
Net, I'll be keeping this baby for a while, no plans or needs to upgrade other than storage. This frees me to look for a replacement for my Flex5 14". Will likely be an HP, especially something under 3 pounds with Optane, so I can discard the Optane and have a dual SSD lappy.
| Standing screen display size | 12 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1280 pixels |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Processor | 1.2 GHz core_i5 |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR3 |
| Memory Speed | 1866 MHz |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 515 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth, 802.11ac |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
