SINGAPORE - PC maker HP today announced new consumer devices, including a Surface Pro-like tablet, as well as a special Star Wars-themed laptop.
Like the upcoming Microsoft Surface Pro 4, the new HP Spectre x2 tablet comes with a built-in kickstand. But the Spectre's 12-inch display has a lower 1,920 x 1,080-pixel screen resolution compared with the Surface Pro 4's 2,736 x 1,824 pixels. The slate is powered by a new sixth-generation Intel Core M chip that does not require a fan.
HP also bundles the keyboard accessory with the tablet, instead of selling it separately. The Spectre x2 will be available next month at a starting price of $1,799.
Star Wars fans, especially those who pledge allegiance to the Galactic Empire, can look forward to the Star Wars Special Edition notebook. The palm rest of this 15-inch laptop features an Imperial Stormtrooper and the words "Galactic Empire" written in the Star Wars Aurebesh font.
The touchpad design is based on the X-Wing star fighter's guidance system from the movies. Star Wars wallpapers, screensavers, fonts and behind-the-scene images have been pre-loaded on the laptop's 1TB hard drive. This notebook will be available later this month from $1,299, but consumers can pre-order it now.
For those who prefer an ultraportable, the Envy 13 is HP's thinnest laptop yet at under 13mm. This 1.27kg laptop comes with the latest Intel Core processor and a solid-state drive. The Envy 13 is available now from $1,399.
If you prefer a hybrid that can be both tablet and laptop, the HP Spectre x360 is an attractive option. It has been upgraded to the latest Intel processor, and comes with a new silver colour option with copper highlights along the edges. The new Spectre x360 will be available at the end of the month at $1,799.
HP also announced a premium all-in-one PC with a curved 34-inch display. The HP Envy Curved All-in-One is a capable computer with dedicated Nvidia graphics and an Intel Core i7 processor. It has a special camera that logs users based on facial recognition instead of passwords. This computer will be available next month from $3,499.
Other new HP products are the budget 13-inch Stream laptop (available now at $349) and the affordable 15-inch HP Pavilion Gaming notebook that includes an Nvidia graphics chip and an Intel Core i7 processor (from November at $1,499).
