Design and Build: Sleek and Elegant
The HP Spectre Fold is undeniably sleek and elegant. When folded shut, it looks like a premium leather-bound book. The exterior has a durable yet luxurious feel, thanks to the use of genuine leather and high-quality materials. The attention to detail is evident in the craftsmanship, with smooth edges and a seamless transition between the different components.
Display: Vibrant and Versatile
The flexibility of the display is the main selling point of the Spectre Fold, and it does not disappoint. The OLED screen offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making for an immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or browsing the web, the display performs admirably. The ability to fold and adjust the screen position adds versatility, allowing you to find the perfect angle for every task.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
While the design and display of the Spectre Fold are impressive, the performance leaves something to be desired. The device is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and has 16GB of RAM, which should be sufficient for most tasks. However, there are occasional lags and stutters, especially when multitasking or running resource-intensive applications. This could be due to optimization issues or the strain put on the hardware by the flexible display. Overall, the performance is decent, but not exceptional.
Portability
Design and Convenience
The HP Spectre Fold is a revolutionary PC that takes the concept of portability to a whole new level. Unlike other devices that require a detached keyboard to function, this laptop folds into its own footprint, making it incredibly compact. With the keyboard neatly sandwiched between the two screen sides, the HP Spectre Fold offers a convenient and space-saving design.
One impressive feature that sets this laptop apart is the wireless charging capability of the keyboard while it is docked. This innovative feature, borrowed from Lenovo, adds convenience and eliminates the need for cumbersome cables. Despite its slim design, the keyboard still provides a decent amount of key travel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience. Additionally, the Bluetooth connection is strong, minimizing any double letter typing issues. Even the trackpad, although not on par with a travel mouse, is usable and allows for smooth navigation.
Backlight and Connectivity
One drawback of the HP Spectre Fold is the lack of a backlight on the detached keyboard. This can be inconvenient, especially in low-light conditions. However, considering the overall sleekness and portability of the device, this can be overlooked. To compensate for the limited number of USB ports (only two), HP includes a dock in the box, which expands the connectivity options and provides a broader range of possibilities for users.
Sound Quality and Internal Components
Despite the slim bezels on the HP Spectre Fold, the speakers pack a punch and deliver huge sound. This is a pleasant surprise, as one might expect compromised audio quality due to the device’s folding design. The moving parts, such as the hinge, feel sturdy and are built to last. During a briefing, HP showcased the internal components of the device and highlighted the frame’s extension up to the hinge gutter. This ensures durability and reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering a top-quality product.
The Smart Battery
In a move that demonstrates HP’s attention to detail, the battery of the HP Spectre Fold is smartly split. Not only does it divide evenly between the two halves of the PC, but it is also split asymmetrically. This unique approach allows for optimized battery performance and efficiency. Users can expect longer battery life and consistent power distribution throughout both halves of the laptop.
The HP Spectre Fold is truly a device that pushes the boundaries of what a PC can be. With its folding design, wireless charging capabilities, and impressive sound quality, it is undoubtedly a step into the future. While there are some trade-offs, such as a limited number of USB ports and the absence of a backlight on the keyboard, these can be overlooked when considering the overall convenience and innovation of this device. HP has done an excellent job in minimizing compromises and delivering a product that showcases the possibilities of the future of computing.
Physical Privacy and Security Features
The HP Spectre Fold is designed to meet the needs of users who prioritize privacy and security. With a physical privacy shutter on the webcam, users can ensure that their camera is only active when they want it to be. This feature is particularly useful for those who frequently use their laptops on their laps, as the heavier bottom half of the device helps to anchor it in place.
In addition to the privacy shutter, the Spectre Fold also offers several security features. These include walkway autolock, unlock on approach, and lurker detection. These features provide an added layer of protection against unauthorized access to the device, giving users peace of mind when it comes to their personal information.
Perks and Sacrifices
When it comes to additional perks, the HP Spectre Fold does not disappoint. The device comes with an active stylus that can be magnetically docked and wirelessly charged. This makes it convenient for users who prefer a stylus for tasks such as note-taking or creative work.
However, one sacrifice that users may expect to see is the battery life. Surprisingly, the Spectre Fold offers impressive battery endurance, lasting between 7 to 8 hours during extensive testing. Even when used in full 17-inch workstation mode with the entire display illuminated, the device still performs exceptionally well. While the display brightness may not be as high as some users would prefer, it still manages to deliver excellent performance for a flexible machine.
Limitations on Mobile Workstation Capability
Despite its many impressive features, it is important to note that the HP Spectre Fold was never intended to be a mobile workstation. While it may be flexible and offer a range of functionalities, its performance in terms of mobile workstation capabilities falls short. Users should not expect this device to rival the power and capabilities of dedicated mobile workstations in the market.
Data Control and Privacy
Transitioning to a different topic, it has been over 6 months since the introduction of “delete me” – a service aimed at giving users control over their personal data. In this time, delete me has reviewed over 4000 listings from data brokers across the web. As a result, they have successfully removed personal information from almost 80% of these listings, alleviating concerns regarding privacy and data security.
The listings that have been removed include sensitive personal information such as physical address history, property and court records, and even the names of family members. Delete me has efficiently scrubbed this data from data brokers’ archives, without requiring any additional effort from users themselves.
In conclusion, the HP Spectre Fold offers an innovative design that prioritizes privacy and security. With features such as a physical privacy shutter, walkway autolock, unlock on approach, and lurker detection, users can confidently protect their personal information. While the device may not excel as a mobile workstation, it compensates with other appealing features and excellent battery endurance. Additionally, the introduction of services like “delete me” empowers users to reclaim control over their personal data, addressing concerns about privacy in the digital age.
The HP Spectre Fold: A Revolution in PC Design
In the ever-evolving world of technology, the concept of the foldable PC has always fascinated us. The idea of having a device that seamlessly transitions between various forms and functions is truly an innovative concept. HP’s Spectre Fold is here to push the boundaries and drag the PC into the future.
A Long Road for Android
The journey to create software for foldables has certainly not been an easy one. Android, the popular mobile operating system, has had to work tirelessly to develop a pseudo tablet experience that is even remotely passable. However, the key difference lies in the fact that manufacturers in the Android world are more empowered to make necessary changes and improvements that Google, at the platform level, either cannot or will not make.
Windows: A Complicated Path
On the other hand, the world of Microsoft has proven to be a much more complex one. Windows, the predominant PC operating system, seemingly complicates or even ruins the foldable experience in an attempt to justify the high price tag of such devices. HP, however, has attempted to paint a picture of jet-setting executives who value both money and mobile flexibility. While in theory this may seem appealing, it is hard to imagine that even the wealthiest individuals would find this level of compromise acceptable.
The 1.5 Screen Mode: A Potential Game-Changer
One of the standout features of the HP Spectre Fold is its 1.5 screen mode. Theoretically, this mode could provide users with a level of utility similar to that of the highly acclaimed Asus ZenBooks. Unfortunately, in practice, there are very few meaningful ways to utilize this additional screen space. Windows, it seems, is yet to fully grasp how to optimize this feature for maximum productivity. Nonetheless, to their credit, HP has made an effort to build upon the Windows operating system.
Overall, the HP Spectre Fold represents a significant step forward in the world of PC design. While there are certainly some limitations and hurdles to overcome, the concept of a foldable PC holds immense potential. As technology continues to advance, one can only imagine the endless possibilities that lie ahead for this innovative device.
The Effectiveness of Snap Mode
The HP Spectre Fold offers a unique feature called Snap, which allows users to run two programs side by side. However, the effectiveness of this feature depends on how each program is coded. In some cases, it works well in 1.5 mode, but in other cases, it may not be as impressive.
Palm Rests vs Second Screen
While the Snap feature may not always deliver, I find myself more impressed by the comfort and functionality of the palm rests rather than the second screen. The hardware of the device also has its inevitable compromises.
Webcam Placement and Screen Orientation
One noticeable compromise in the HP Spectre Fold is the placement of the webcam. Instead of being positioned to the side, it is rotated to a portrait orientation due to the sensor’s orientation. This means that when making video calls, users need to deal with smaller screen space. This limitation can be unfortunate for those who rely heavily on their webcams for communication purposes.
Kickstand and Stability
In tabletop workstation mode, the kickstand of the HP Spectre Fold is slightly offset from the center. As a result, it needs to stretch further back to hold up the machine in a stable position. Unfortunately, this means that the device leans back just a bit too much, affecting the user’s viewing and typing experience.
Licensing Agreements and Appearance
One disappointing aspect of the HP Spectre Fold is the presence of licensing agreements that mandate the placement of unsightly stickers on the device. These stickers make the revolutionary device look like any other PC, taking away from its unique design. Additionally, the device comes pre-loaded with unnecessary software that can be considered scareware. It is surprising that a high-cost machine like this still comes with such bloatware, which many users find unnecessary and frustrating.
Limited Processor Options
To round out the list of complaints, it is worth mentioning that the HP Spectre Fold is equipped with a 12th generation Core i7 processor from February 2022. When asked about the choice of an older processor, HP explained that the design of the Spectre Fold required a 9 watt CPU, and unfortunately, Intel’s 13th generation does not offer a 9 watt option. This limitation may disappoint users who were expecting the latest and most powerful processor in their high-end device.
Design
The HP Spectre Fold certainly stands out from the crowd when it comes to design. Its unique foldable screen is something that we haven’t seen in a PC before. The device looks sleek and modern, with a premium feel to it. The hinge mechanism is sturdy and allows for smooth transitions between different modes. Overall, HP has done a great job in terms of design, making the Spectre Fold a head-turner.
Flexibility
As mentioned earlier, HP’s CEO emphasized the importance of flexibility in today’s world, and the Spectre Fold delivers just that. With its foldable screen, users can easily switch between different modes – laptop, tablet, and tent. This makes it versatile for various tasks and use cases. Whether you are working on the go or enjoying multimedia content, the Spectre Fold adapts to your needs.
Performance
While the Spectre Fold impresses with its design and flexibility, it falls short when it comes to performance. The lack of a dedicated GPU limits its capabilities for intensive gaming or video editing. This is something that potential buyers should consider, especially if they rely on such tasks. However, for everyday tasks and light productivity work, the Spectre Fold performs admirably with its high-end processor and sufficient RAM.
Pricing
It’s no secret that the HP Spectre Fold comes with a hefty price tag. It is definitely not a device that everyone can afford, and it’s important to consider the value you get for the price. While the unique foldable screen is undoubtedly a standout feature, the overall performance and features may not justify the high cost for some users. HP needs to find a balance between innovation and affordability to make the Spectre Fold more accessible to a wider audience.
The Future of Foldable PCs
The Spectre Fold represents a glimpse into the future of PCs. It showcases the possibilities of foldable screens and how they can enhance the user experience. However, for this future to be fully realized, it is crucial for manufacturers like HP to invest more in research and development. Only then can we expect to see foldable PCs with a perfect combination of design, power, and pricing. Until that happens, the Spectre Fold remains an exciting precursor of what’s to come.
Conclusion
The HP Spectre Fold is a groundbreaking device that pushes the boundaries of PC design. Its foldable screen and versatile modes offer flexibility in a portable package. However, the lack of a dedicated GPU and the high price tag may be deal-breakers for some. It is a device for early adopters and those who can appreciate the innovation it brings. As we look towards the future, we hope to see more affordable and powerful foldable PCs that truly revolutionize the way we work and play.
