HP Spectre x360 15-inch (2017) Review: A Creative Powerhouse
HP’s refreshed 15.6-inch Spectre x360 (2017) blends desktop-grade performance with premium convertible versatility. Priced at $1,500, this laptop delivers exceptional value for creators, professionals, and multimedia enthusiasts alike.
Key Features at a Glance
- 4K UHD touch display (3840×2160 resolution)
- 7th-gen Intel Core i7-7500U (Kaby Lake) processor
- 16GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Convertible design (laptop/tablet/tent modes)
- Bang & Olufsen quad-speaker audio
- Fast-charging 79.2Wh battery (up to 13 hours claimed)
Design & Build Quality
The Spectre x360 sports a sleek aluminum chassis with a sophisticated ash silver and gold finish—a step up from 2016’s natural silver option. At 0.7 inches thick and 4.42 pounds, it’s slightly bulkier than its predecessor but remains portable for a 15-inch powerhouse.
Keyboard & Trackpad
- Full-width backlit keyboard with 1.5mm key travel
- Dedicated column for Home/Page Up/Down/End keys
- Precision trackpad supports multi-finger gestures (occasional cursor drift noted)
Display: A Visual Masterpiece
The 4K micro-edge display is this laptop’s crown jewel:
- 3840×2160 resolution (vs. 2016’s 1920×1080 or 2560×1440 options)
- 4.65mm ultra-thin bezels for immersive viewing
- Touch-enabled with included stylus support
“Watching content feels cinematic—the colors pop and details shine.”
Performance That Impresses
Equipped with:
- Intel Core i7-7500U (dual-core, up to 3.5GHz Turbo)
- Thunderbolt 3 via USB-C
- HDMI + USB-A ports for legacy devices
Handles demanding tasks like:
- Photo/video editing
- 4K media playback
- Multitasking across creative suites
Audio & Battery Life
Bang & Olufsen quad-speakers deliver rich sound, while the 79.2Wh battery provides:
- ~9 hours real-world use (web browsing, video calls, productivity)
- Fast charging: ~50% in 30 minutes
- Minimal heat/fan noise during operation
The Stylus Experience
Included active pen features:
- Comfortable weighted design
- Two customizable buttons
- Palm rejection technology
Drawbacks:
- Requires AAAA batteries
- Lacks pressure sensitivity
- More steps needed vs. Samsung’s S-Pen
Camera & Software Features
- 1080p webcam (adequate for video calls)
- HP Orbit for file sharing across devices
- Noise cancellation (buried in audio settings)
Final Verdict
The HP Spectre x360 15-inch (2017) stands out as a premium convertible that:
✅ Excels in display quality (best-in-class 4K) ✅ Delivers strong performance for creative workflows ✅ Offers versatile form factors
While not ultra-portable, it’s an excellent desktop replacement that justifies its $1,500 price tag for professionals who value display quality and convertible flexibility.
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