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HP Envy x2 2-in-1 tablet PC swaps Qualcomm for Intel inside

Following on its first x2 with a Qualcomm chip, HP's adding another version with some Core i-series power.

Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials
  • More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
Joshua Goldman
2 min read
HP Envy X2

HP Envy x2 gets a processor shake-up. 

Sarah Tew/CNET

HP was one of the first companies to debut a Windows 10 PC running on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 chip: That PC was a 2-in-1 tablet/laptop, the Envy x2 . The Snapdragon 835 is the same chip in phones like Samsung's Galaxy S8 and LG's V30 and promises to deliver up to 20 hours of battery life.

However, if you like the design but are unwilling to jump to Qualcomm, HP announced an Intel version of the tablet at CES 2018. 

Watch this: HP adds some Intel to its Envy X2 2-in-1 tablet PC

The fanless design is a millimeter thicker than the Qualcomm version at 7.9mm and a touch heavier at 1.65 pounds, but you'll likely be getting better performance with its seventh-gen Intel Core i-series processor. (It seems to come at the cost of some battery life, estimated at up to 15 hours.) The backlit keyboard cover has been redesigned as well to make it more lap-friendly. 

Otherwise, the two tablet PCs are similarly configured with up to 8GB of memory and up to 256GB of storage and a 12.3-inch WUXGA+-resolution touchscreen with Gorilla Glass 4 on top for strength. 

Like the Qualcomm version, the Intel x2 is ready to be used on a 4G LTE network, so you can start working without worrying about an unsafe Wi-Fi network or tethering to your phone or hotspot. Also, the tablet is pen-enabled, and HP is throwing in the pen and keyboard for the price, which unfortunately isn't available just yet. 

Exact availability is undetermined, too: HP expects it to start shipping sometime this spring. 

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