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HP Spectre Foldable Laptop: A Complete Review
Linsey Knerl
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April 3, 2024
Convertible laptops have come a long way over the years and have made it easier for people to stay productive in more situations than ever before. The latest in versatile devices comes in the form of the HP Spectre Foldable laptop. It’s the first of its kind to feature a foldable screen for use in laptop, tablet, or all-in-one desktop mode.
With features never seen before in an HP computer, it offers a truly new way to work, communicate, and entertain. HP's technology is changing the landscape of PCs with these innovative benefits for busy consumers on the go.
Right out of the box, the style of this computer makes waves. The world’s smallest and thinnest 17-inch foldable PC has an ultra-sophisticated design with a thinner bezel than similar laptops, so there’s more screen real estate for the space.
Design and build
Using the PC is a completely unique experience. As a foldable PC, it can be used in four ways:
- Wrap the screen around the keyboard, and just use the top half of the display in laptop mode
- Pull the screen out from under the keyboard a bit, and you get access to expanded screen mode
- Completely remove the keyboard, and use the screen as a tablet
- Place the keyboard near the propped-up screen for use as an all-in-one desktop
Many thoughtful design features help take this device from a simple tablet to a true innovation. The screen, for example, has a stand in the back for holding it up in 17-inch display mode. As you turn the screen to be used in the different configurations, it responds to show you the workspace in the proper orientation. Move the screen and keyboard in various positions to get just the experience you want.
The keyboard has a hinge at the bottom that slopes down when the screen is in expanded mode. This gives your wrists a nice place to rest while working and adds to the comfortable design of this device.
When in laptop mode, the screen measures 12.3 inches x 17 inches across in desktop and tablet modes. It weighs just under 4 lbs. with the keyboard attached.
Performance and hardware
Small convertible laptops often come with lackluster processors, but that’s not the case with the HP Spectre Foldable. Equipped with the power of the 12th Generation Intel® Core™ processor, it easily handles multiple applications at once. Whether you’re on a video call or editing graphic design files for work, you’ll find the Intel Turbo Boost technology allocates processing resources nicely.
It also comes with the Intel Iris® Xe graphics, a known performer for gaming and entertainment. That means you can enjoy games on the road or on a plane with the same graphics as bulkier desktop computers. The HP Spectre Foldable brings power and portability into one convenient package.
You’ll also have room to store the files that matter most, from photos to videos, in addition to those game titles. The 1TB PCIe® Gen4 NVMe™ TLC M.2 SSD leads the industry for reliable storage of your most valuable files.
Display and graphics
You can’t discuss the ingenuity of the HP Spectre Foldable without talking about its display. It’s the highlight of this device, offering up to 17 inches of screen space for performing multiple tasks at once. Instead of using a second screen, choose to extend it part-way or use it in its full size. The IMAX enhanced added screen size is 24% larger than a standard laptop screen and has full touch screen capabilities.
The OLED technology boasts deeper blacks and enhanced colours, so your projects appear in rich contrast for better viewing at more angles. Accurate colour representation makes it an ideal choice for designers, content creators, and gamers.
Connectivity and ports
The HP Spectre Foldable has some clever additions to make it convenient to take anywhere. The WiFi 6E (2x2) technology can transfer files up to three times faster than the previous version of WiFi. It also offers Bluetooth 5.0 to connect to your printer, phone, or wireless earbuds with enhanced security and performance.
While some compact devices leave you no room to plug in external accessories, the HP Spectre Foldable comes out ahead. It comes with 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports with USB Type-C 40Gbps signaling rate. Use it for USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort™ 1.4, and HP Sleep and Charge). It also has a 5 PIN connection.
Battery life
Few things are more frustrating than being on the road with a dead laptop battery. With a keyboard, display, and pen to charge, it’s important to know that the HP Spectre Foldable has you covered. It offers HP Fast Charge technology. When you use it with the included charging cord, you get up to a 50% charge in just 45 minutes. Charge waiting for a plane or on your lunch break. The device has the following usage times with a full battery:
Regular battery life
- Foldable mode: Up to 12 hours and 30 minutes
- Detachable mode: Up to 11 hours and 45 minutes
Video playback battery life
- Foldable mode: Up to 14 hours and 15 minutes
- Detachable mode: Up to 13 hours and 30 minutes
The full charge easily gets you through even the busiest workdays. The HP wireless charging MPP2.0 Tilt Pen charges without cords, ensuring you never leave the house unprepared for the opportunities ahead.
Audio and entertainment
One of the top uses for a laptop or tablet is for watching movies and other streaming entertainment. In addition to the large IMAX-enhanced screen, the HP device has outstanding audio features from the HP Quad Speakers with HP Audio Boost and DTS:X® Ultra technology. The immersive sound experience offers rich, clear tones and custom tuning from the pros at Bang & Olufsen.
Additional features and software
The HP Spectre Foldable does so many things differently than before, but it’s consistent with HP’s commitment to sustainability; it’s made with 50% ocean-bound and post-consumer recycled plastics, as well as 90% recycled metals, like aluminum. Plus, the keycaps are coated with 100% water-based paint, balancing durability with concern for our natural resources.
It’s also raising the standard for security. It offers a camera privacy switch to prevent accidental video streams from the 5MP webcam and a mic mute key to easily block out the noises of your kids or dog in the background. Those familiar with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) technology will appreciate that this PC supports enhanced encryption to prevent tampering with your operating system and firmware.
Camera extras
With such a brilliant display on your end, you may be wondering what it’s like for the other person on a video conference call. The HP Spectre has thought of that, too, with auto camera switching, temporal noise reduction, and natural tone enhancer to help you look your best. It auto-frames your face to help you move about comfortably and still be seen; skip the settings in your video conferencing software; this device features background blur to help minimize distracting things behind you.
AI enhancements
Finally, thoughtful artificial intelligence (AI) extras, such as a privacy alert, tell you when someone is behind you and might be looking at your work. It also notifies you if you’re sitting too close to the screen and reminds you of time spent staring at the screen.
Power-saving AI features include a walk-away lock that powers off your screen when you leave and dims the screen when you look away. If you set it to wake on approach, it will come back on when you sit back down to use it.
Final verdict
This compact device can expand to a full 17 inches of incredible functionality, and it may be hard to believe that it’s so loaded with features. The designers have thoughtfully maximized every inch of space, however. You get the benefits of a laptop, tablet, and all-in-one desktop without the hassles of a clunkier convertible device.
The folding screen is truly the highlight of the HP Spectre Foldable, doing things that no other HP laptops have done before.
Who is the HP Spectre Foldable made for?
- Gamers who want an immersive video and audio experience, plus robust processing and graphics support
- Creatives who can get the most out of a table and pen combo but need to see their projects in vibrant colour on the full screen
- Business professionals who want to ditch the clunky workstations and transition between laptop and desktop while still fitting behind those aeroplane seats
- Students who aren’t sure yet what they want to do but need the freedom to explore every possible option
In truth, anyone who recognizes the value of a device that blends performance, design, and sustainability can benefit from the HP Spectre Foldable PC. It is full of "firsts" and may change how we use PCs for years to come. But it also offers some traditional comforts that you can expect from a PC, including craftsmanship and trusted components. If you already know and love HP, this upgrade is a natural next step toward the future.
