The HP Envy x360 2018 is a skinny and lightweight convertible laptop computer that options among the newest cellular know-how in a critically svelte design.

Whereas many flagship laptops include Intel processors and graphics (or Nvidia graphics), the HP Envy x360 2018 is notable for having configurations that include AMD . The unit we now have in for evaluation options an AMD Ryzen 7 2700U processor and Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics.

The AMD variants are cheaper than the Intel-toting x360 configurations, and we commend HP for giving prospects extra selection. This yr’s Envy x360 additionally comes with a thinner and lighter design.

Worth and availability

The HP Envy x360 is a premium laptop computer with a price ticket to match, and within the US it is obtainable beginning at $759.99 for the bottom mannequin, which you’ll be able to configure by including extra highly effective elements to fit your wants. For the configuration we’re reviewing, with an AMD Ryzen 7 2700U processor and Radeon RX Vega 10 graphics and 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage, the worth is $1,1129.99.

Within the UK, the Envy x360 goes for £999, and there’s no configurability, so that you’re caught with the specs of the mannequin that we have been despatched for evaluation. This can be disappointing for individuals who would slightly tweak their machine to higher go well with their wants and price range.

In Australia the worth is AU$1,599, and as within the UK you’ll be able to’t change the configuration, however you’ll be able to choose preset configurations. The worth quoted will get you an AMD Ryzen Three 2300U processor, 8GB of DDR4 RAM and AMD Radeon Vega Three graphics.

The HP Envy x360’s closest competitor is the Lenovo Yoga 920, a barely older laptop computer that gives the same 2-in-1 convertible expertise. On the time of its launch, it price $1,199 / £1,199 for the bottom configuration, and now you can get it for a bit cheaper in the event you store round.

Design

As quickly as you’re taking the Envy x360 out of the field you’ll be able to inform that HP has carried out a superb job of crafting a gorgeous-looking laptop computer. The aluminum physique feels sturdy and premium, with a minimalist design that fits this class of laptop computer properly.

You actually wouldn’t really feel embarrassed to take this out of a briefcase in a gathering, or bringing it alongside to lectures at college. The 13-inch model of the HP Envy x360 comes within the Darkish Ash Silver colour, whereas the 15-inch model is accessible in a second colour, Pure Silver. 

The shortage of colour choices for the 13-inch model could disappoint, however we predict it’s a pleasant colour that fits the aesthetics of the system, and if we had a selection between Darkish Ash Silver and Pure Silver, we’d nonetheless go for the previous.

The 13-inch HP Envy x360 2018 weighs 1.3kg, and measures 14.9mm when closed. The bezels on either side of the display screen (referred to as ’micro-edge’ by HP) are impressively skinny, serving to to shrink the general footprint of the laptop computer whereas putting the display screen entrance and heart. It’s an impressively skinny and lightweight laptop computer, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel insubstantial; in actual fact, it feels sturdy due to the strengthened steel physique, whereas Corning Gorilla Glass protects the display screen.

Regardless of the thinness of the HP Envy x360 2018 it nonetheless encompasses a respectable variety of ports. On the left-hand facet there’s a full-size USB port, headphone jack, energy button and microSD card slot. On the proper there’s the ability port, USB-C port and quantity rocker.

The inclusion of full-size USB ports will probably be welcome for anybody who nonetheless makes use of older USB gadgets and has been dismayed by different laptops, such because the MacBook and Dell XPS 13, solely that includes USB-C. With the full-size USB ports of the HP Envy x360 2018, you don’t have to fiddle with dongles for legacy gadgets.

Nevertheless, we now have been getting used to trendy laptops charging by way of USB-C, one thing the HP Envy x360 2018 cannot do, as a substitute utilizing an old-style energy port. It’s not the largest challenge on the planet, nevertheless it makes the HP Envy x360 2018 really feel rather less cutting-edge.

The HP Envy x360 2018 can also be a 2-in-1 system, with the 2 hinges connecting the display screen to the keyboard (one among which is engraved with the phrase ‘Envy‘) permitting the system for use in laptop computer mode, in addition to tent mode, the place the keyboard is bent backwards, turning the HP Envy x360 into an the other way up ‘V’ form, pill mode and stand mode, the place the keyboard is used as a stand, with the display screen angled at 90 levels. 

This offers the HP Envy x360 2018 a stage of versatility that normal laptops lack, and the system is skinny sufficient that when utilized in pill mode it feels snug and intuitive.

Total, the fashionable and slimline design of the HP Envy x360 2018 matches what we’ve come to count on from laptops on this worth bracket. HP has carried out an excellent job of making a chic laptop computer that you just’d be glad to indicate off when you work.

Work and play

HP is eager to indicate that the HP Envy x360 2018 isn’t only a laptop computer for productiveness, but additionally a formidable machine in terms of leisure. It encompasses a Full HD IPS display screen (with the aforementioned micro-edge bezels), which provides 178-degree viewing angles.

The show is a touchscreen, which makes it straightforward to make use of in pill mode (which Home windows 10 mechanically detects when the HP Envy x360 is in pill mode, and modifications the display screen orientation and format for a greater touchscreen expertise), and the keyboard turns itself off, so that you don’t by chance kind issues in when utilizing it as a pill.

The quad audio system on the HP Envy x360 are custom-tuned by Bang & Olufsen, which HP claims will “awaken you senses with PC audio perfection”. Whereas we’re not fairly positive about “audio perfection”, the sound produced is fairly good, though it lacks depth in terms of bass. It’s a step up from the small, tinny, audio system we’re used to in some laptops, however we have been anticipating to be extra impressed.

So far as the keyboard goes, the keys are good and huge, however there’s not a lot journey to them, which makes them really feel a bit insubstantial when typing (versus keyboards with deeper key journey, which makes them really feel extra responsive).

The touchpad is not the most important we have used, nevertheless it’s sufficiently big for most individuals, and it responds properly to fast actions and gestures.