Is the newly announced HP Envy x2 going to give Surface Pro 3 a run for its money?
The HP Envy x2 is amazing similar to the Surface Pro 3 and as the saying goes:
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery - Charles Caleb Colton
Last week, HP announced the release of their 13 and 15-inch Envy x2 line of tablets. They each come with Bluetooth keyboard that “docks” in the device and create a Surface Pro 3-like experience. In fact, the design of the keyboard is remarkably like that of a Surface, from the fabric cover to even a similar stylus loop.
Both of the HP devices will sport an Intel Core M processor and the starting price point will be $1050. They will have an adjustable kickstand – closely mimicking Surface Pro 3
again, but unfortunately they are going to be somewhat heavy. The 13-inch model is reported to weigh 2.8 lbs. without the keyboard and 4.06 lbs. with the keyboard.
The release date for 13-inch HP Envy x2 will be October 29 and the 15-inch model will be available on November 5.
Here is a side by side comparison of the Surface Pro 3 and the 13-inch Envy x2:
| Feature | Surface Pro 3 | HP Envy x2 13-inch |
| Processor | 4th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7 | Intel Core M |
| Screen Size | 12” – 2160 x 1440 | 13” – 1920 x 1,080 |
| Weight | 1.8 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
| Attached Keyboard | Yes – attached | Yes – Bluetooth attached |
| Stylus | Yes | Yes |
| Ports | USB 3.0, MiniDisplay, microSD slot | USB 3.0, mini HDMI, microSD slot |
| Battery life | 9 hours of web browsing | Unknown yet |
| Starting Price | $799 | $1050 |
HP Envy x2 vs Surface Pro 3: Will HP Envy x2 compete?
Yes, the new HP Envy x2 design is very Surface-like, but even before the product is officially released there are already reports of weak magnets that fail to keep the keyboard attached, general bulkiness, weightiness, and so on…
I’m willing to give HP the benefit of the doubt but I will believe it when I see it – so, let’s just say I’m skeptical.
Over a year ago, I got my hands on a pre-lease ElitePad (which was very secret and I was sworn to keep my mouth shut) and honestly, I was not impressed. At that time, I was comparing it to a Surface Pro 1 and Surface RT and they both seemed so much nicer than the HP device. The HP felt like an old, bulky, first generation iPad – it lacked the sturdy feel and design of the Surface.
So, with the Surface Pro 3 out now, it seems to me that HP is trying to play catch-up and I personally think they will have a difficult time coming close to the Surface design. I mean, their stylus technology alone, better be impressive because Surface Pro 3’s pen is the best I’ve ever seen.
Combine that with HP’s pretty high starting price and heaviness of the Envy x2 , all I have to say to HP is…..Good Luck.
You may also like our posts on Surface Pro 3 and Surface Pro 2 comparison and Surface Pro 3 First Impressions.
Joanna-
