Why the HP Spectre x360 is Australia’s Best Convertible Laptop for Hybrid Work
Hybrid work has hit the big time in Australia, where 55% of knowledge workers operate remotely at least part of the week. With a lingering demand for workplace flexibility in the post-pandemic world, Aussie companies are adopting the hybrid model en-masse to attract skilled personnel.

This seismic shift means Australian businesses must acquire suitable, hybrid-ready hardware. A clunky, cumbersome laptop won’t do when staff whisk their device between home and the office multiple times per week.

Enter the HP Spectre x360, a powerful, hybrid-optimised laptop with boardroom-ready aesthetics and a light, slimline design. In this post, we’ll explain what to look for in a hybrid laptop and outline the benefits of the HP Spectre x360 series. Then, to cap off the article, we’ll cover a couple of top options in the HP Australia Store.

What to look for in a hybrid work laptop?

Before you start shopping, it’s worth pondering the top considerations of a hybrid laptop. From power to portability and industry-specific hardware, there’s a host of factors to contemplate.

Power

Hardware should be the top consideration for any work laptop. Attempt to save cash by purchasing an underpowered machine, and your staff will suffer a severe productivity slump. Conversely, investing an excessive sum in needlessly potent hardware will burn through your budget with a negligible ROI. Analyse what hardware your team actually needs and shop accordingly.

Industry-specific specs

Many hybrid workers don’t need a beefy dedicated GPU, as a modest integrated component (such as Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics) is sufficient for most everyday workflows. However, a decent graphics card is essential for animators, engineers, and 3D modellers. Other industry-specific specs include large, high-resolution displays for visual design creatives, abundant RAM for CAD pros, and speedy processors for data engineers.

Portability

Portability should be a crucial consideration for hybrid employees moving a laptop between the home and office. Aim for a slim, lightweight device, ideally weighing less than 2 kg. Professionals who benefit from larger displays (software developers, spreadsheet gurus, etc.) may prefer to sacrifice weight or a more sizeable screen.  

Battery life

Battery life ties into portability, especially for hybrid employees who work on the move. As power points aren’t always available in public places, a long-lasting battery can have a massive impact on productivity. Aim for a battery life of 10 hours to ensure your staff can cruise through a full day of work without interruption.

Aesthetics

Appearances are important in the corporate realm, so spring for a sleek, understated laptop with a streamlined design. Remember, a business-orientated laptop offers a more professional look than a gaming or home-use device. That kind of boardroom-ready aesthetics bolsters your company’s image and reputation.

Connectivity

Hybrid workers tap into a multitude of WiFi networks, from home to the office and client HQs. A speedy WiFi adapter optimises your connection speeds for a productivity bump. Ports are important, too. Ensure your hybrid workers have everything they need, from HDMI to Thunderbolt and USB-C. Also, high-quality webcams enhance collaboration during those inevitable conference calls.

360-degree screens

Convertible laptops feature rotating hinges for a versatile 360-degree screen, perfect for in-person collaboration. Workers can fold the 2-in-1 over into tablet mode for a handheld experience or prop it into tent mode for client presentations. Convertibles also feature productivity-boosting touchscreens and better battery life due to superior hardware efficiency.

Unveiling the HP Spectre x360

Combining power with portability, the HP Spectre x360 is a versatile convertible boasting all the key features an on-the-go worker needs. This premium, business-orientated laptop is a perfect choice for discerning Aussie hybrid workers.

Top-Tier performance

Packing a late-generation Intel processor, a sizeable solid-state drive (SSD), and abundant RAM, this high-performance laptop is all about optimising productivity. Some come with a potent Intel Arc™ GPU for 3D rendering on the move.

Hassle-free portability

A slimline shape and feather-light weight make the HP Spectre x360 among the most portable work laptops from HP. Ultra-efficient processors squeeze more battery life out of the device for all-day productivity. And with sizes ranging from 13 to 16 inches, there’s an HP Spectre x360 for everyone.

Business-ready aesthetics

Razor-thin bezels and high-quality materials characterise the C-Suite-ready aesthetics of this high-end device. The 360-degree screen enhances the wow factor while adding versatility. A smooth black or silver finish and a premium keyboard complete the professional look.

Versatility

Blending a laptop and tablet into one slimline design, the HP Spectre x360 offers next-level versatility. Fold the screen into tent mode to deliver impressive presentations or stream work-related videos. A touch screen and stylus pen compatibility ramp up the versatility factor a notch.

All-day battery life

Cruise through even the most hectic workday without interruption thanks to a potent Li-ion polymer battery. Boasting up to 19 hours of battery life, the ultra-efficient HP Spectre x360 won’t leave you rummaging around for a power point any time soon.

Reliable security

Log in securely without fussing about passwords, thanks to a reliable fingerprint reader. Some models come with a closable privacy camera and a Windows Hello-compatible infrared sensor for fast and secure logins. Add on a subscription to HP Wolf Security for always-on, end-point protection.

Seamless connectivity

From DisplayPort™ to HDMI and Thunderbolt™ USB Type-C, the HP Spectre x360 has all the ports a hybrid worker could need. A high-quality integrated webcam is on hand for a crystal clear picture during those unremitting conference calls.

Eco-conscious design

Made from ocean-bound plastics, repurposed agricultural waste, and recycled metal, the HP Spectre x360 gets top marks for sustainability. From the keyboard frame to the speaker enclosures and keycaps, this laptop has been designed with Mother Nature in mind.  

HP Spectre x360: The best laptop in Australia for hybrid work

Thinking about grabbing an HP Spectre x360 for hybrid work? You’ve made the right choice. We’ve whipped up a shortlist of the top three options in the HP Australia Store.

HP Spectre x360 14-ef0046TU

Weighing a meagre 1.36 kg, this feather-light device is a breeze to whisk between the office and home. Plus, a near-eternal 19-hour battery life makes the slender unit perfect for workers on the move. Whether you’re bouncing between client meetings or forever on frantic business trips, this compact design is ideal.

HP Spectre x360 14-ef0046TU
But don’t let the petite little package fool you because the HP Spectre x360 14-ef0046TU packs a big punch. Powered by a 12th Generation Intel Core™ i7 and 16GB of RAM, this agile device will handle all your day-to-day workflows with ease. A sizeable 512GB SSD gives you all the storage you need, while its capable Intel Iris Xe Graphics outputs crisp images on the WUXGA+ display.

Speaking of the display, like every HP Spectre x360, this model has a touch screen for effortless tablet or tent mode interaction. When it comes time for conference calls, a 5MP IR camera with AI noise removal and dynamic voice levelling make for a seamless collaborative experience.

  • Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
  • Display: 13.5" diagonal, WUXGA+ (1920 x 1280), Touch Display
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
  • Storage: 512GB PCIe® NVMe™ TLC M.2 SSD
  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR4x-4266 MHz RAM (onboard)
  • Weight: 1.36 kg
  • Battery life: Up to 19 hours and 30 minutes of video playback

HP Spectre x360 16-f1013TX

Professional hybrid workers who get a big productivity boost from a larger screen should swing for the HP Spectre x360 16-f1013TX. Despite measuring a whopping 16 inches, this lightweight device weighs just 2.01 kg, a minuscule amount for a laptop of its size. And thanks to its impressive 19 hours of battery life, you won’t need to keep chasing down a power point.

HP Spectre x360 16-f1013TX
Under the hood, you’ll find a 12th Generation Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, and a roomy 512GB SSD. This top-end model also sports Intel Arc A370M Graphics, which boasts 4GB of dedicated GDDR6 memory. That makes it a top option for hybrid workers dabbling in 3D animation, machine learning, or other GPU-intensive tasks.

An extra-tall 3K+ display lets you absorb more content with less scrolling, which is ideal for creatives and administrators alike. And thanks to HP GlamCam, you’ll look your best through the smart MP5 camera that keeps your face in frame and well-lit.

  • Processor: 12th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
  • Display: 16" diagonal, 3K+ (3072 x 1920), Touch Display
  • Graphics: Intel Arc A370M Graphics (4GB GDDR6 dedicated)
  • Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD
  • RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (onboard)
  • Weight: Weighs 2.01 kg
  • Battery life: Up to 19 hours of video playback

Summary

Lightweight and versatile, the HP Spectre x360 is a high-performance workhorse for Australian hybrid workers on the move. Excellent hardware specs, slick business-ready aesthetics, and all-day battery life make it ideal for resource-intensive tasks in the office or at home.

And with a wide variety of HP Spectre x360 models to choose from, you’re bound to stumble upon the perfect option for you. Take a moment to revisit our two leading recommendations or see what else is available in the HP Australia Store.

Harry Stewart is a Tech Takes contributor covering everything from how-to guides to laptop reviews.