HP Pro X2 612 G2, 2-in-1 Detachable Laptop/Tablet

At MWC, HP is launching a business 2-in-1 detachable PC: the new HP Pro X2 612 G2 replaces the G1 hardware that was around for nearly two years, so this G2 update brings a huge leap: the HP Pro X2 612 G2 is 25%, 27% lighter has 100% better battery life than the G1.

HP says that the HP Pro X2 612 G2 targets professionals that want a good touch and pen experience, a real laptop (lapability) with a backlit keyboard, a long battery life and reliable connectivity – and all of this in a thin and light form-factor.

The industrial design of the HP Pro X2 612 G2 is profoundly changed from its predecessor. The 2017 edition has a kickstand design (tilts at 160 degrees) which allows it to be a full PC, or a great tablet, like the Microsoft Surface. The tilt range and wide kickstand should make it “lapable,” although we haven’t tried it yet.

The G1 model was a 360-degree swivel design which made it a relatively thick tablet. On the contrary, this new G2 computer is a detachable tablet, and this design choice makes all the difference in the world in tablet mode.

Connectivity has also been improved with the addition of USB-C 3.1 for charging and connecting to docking options. There’s a legacy USB A 3.0 to conveniently connect with existing devices. Wifi is present of course, and there’s a “Global” 4G LTE option for those who need to be connected at all times.

The 12” display of the HP Pro X2 612 G2 is a 1080p (FHD) LCD Display with a maximum brightness of 340 NITs, which means that it should be readable in outdoors settings or bright environments. Just above the screen, there is a 5 Megapixel camera for video conferencing, and there’s a 8 Megapixel camera in the back to take photos. Interesting detail: the display has Gorilla Glass 4 to protect it from scratches.

Because it is expected to be used as a true tablet, the HP Pro X2 612 G2 has improved the palm rejection so that users can draw/sketch naturally using the Wacom digitizer pen. The pen as a quick launch button that will start an app – we expect this button to be programmable. The touch functionality remains available at all times, even when the pen is in use.

In the back of the computer, there is a touch fingerprint reader that is compatible with Windows Hello. I really like those because you can now use a long password without bothering entering it every time.

Because this is a computer that is supposed to be in service for a while, HP made sure that it is easily serviced. The user can change/repair the SSD drive and the kickstand. HP Certified technicians can change all kinds of modules such as WiFi/LTE, Webcam, Motherboard, Battery and other key parts.

HP has a wide range of configurations for this laptop, going from a Pentium 4410Y CPU for low-intensity point-of-sales, to Core i7 7Y75 (+$1079) for work that requires more computing muscles. Prices start at $980 (4GB, Core m3, 128GB SSD), and all models are available for order… now. The most configuration costs $3299 on HP’s website.

Hubert Nguyen
Categories: Computers, Tablets
Tags: HP, Laptops, MWC, MWC 2017