Just a heads up, the HDMI/USB dongle shown is not supplied with HP direct purchase, but the pen is. Best Buy omits both. That dongle is available for a steep price on HP's website. Unfortunately, HP is sending reviewers the dongle without explaining that and Best Buy isn't explicitly telling you there is no pen on their version.
@@dons1643 I invested in a dock. Wish I could say that worked out perfectly. But the one I chose, C2G Thunderbolt, has a fight with the HP negotiation each time I hook it up. Apparently, HP has a history of poor dock compatibility outside their own brand. The fix is SuperSketchy. I have to connect to 2nd Thunderbolt port which doesn't support Power Delivery, then once the connection is established, I have to speed swap the connector to the actual laptop port. HP should patch to fix this problem.
Thanks for another great review, Lisa. Long time fan here. Question - I’m trying to decide between this laptop and the 2024 ZenBook oled that you also reviewed recently. Taking price and 2 in 1 out of the equation, would you agree that Spectre is the better buy with a nicer keyboard, a better touchpad (haptic unlike the ZenBook) and arguably nicer speakers? I’m also waiting to see how the new Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen4 is going to perform (amazing design even if no oled option). Thanks!
I REALY wana know when is Your birthday Lisa, been watching your videos for the last 8yrs and your still getting much better.Infact my RU-vid Tech channel is mainly Inspired by You.I just love the way you explain things clearly and with simplicity here on your channel.For the sake of us Tech Lovers May You live long to the fullest
I would wait for Snapdragon X Elite versions of these as using my M2 MB Air I get around 12 hours SOT with 4 days standby and instant-on. I do not think I could return to battery life this average. Hoping that the X Elite versions are very efficient but I haven't heard Qualcomm brag about that so far, so I am suspecting that it does not beat the M-Chips in efficiency. This is a solid laptop and the lower end of the premium ultrabook sector so is one of the value options compared to the more expensive Galaxy Book4 Pro360 and non-2-in-1's like the XPS 14.
This laptop with the superior AMD HS 8th gen, 32 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD is $1,600 CAD in Best Buy and a similarly priced MacBook Air with 16 RAM/512 SSD is close to $2,400. The spectre has a nicer screen and nicer everything, so I think the trade off with the AMD variant is definitely worth it! NOT the intel one.
I watched your spectre x360 G1 review and owned the i7-5500U version with 8 Gigs of RAM and 256GB Nvme storage for nearly a decade. New spectres are just as amazing i am torn between the 14's and trying to go all out on the 16s f2xxx version specifically as it fits my budget..
Please start reporting standardized battery test? This laptop gets 15 hours of battery life per PC Mark 10's standardized battery test using MS Office applications.
These are the PC I want.. my dream would have one of the Spectre x360 to go in tandem with my old MacBook. I do kinda miss a clean windows machine. macOS is great but I can’t tinker and I miss that a bit.
My last two laptops were HP Spectres. My current one is a 2018 Spectre X360 and it's about time to replace it. The bottom cracked a few months ago so it's duct taped on. The battery doesn't hold a charge anymore so I have to keep it plugged in at all times. It overheats constantly and the speaker has an annoying rattle. Also, after a Windows update in May, the screen share stopped working. Can't figure out why. Windows tells me that the feature isn't supported by my computer but it was working fine before the update. It's annoying. Anyways, I'm planning on buying a new laptop in the next few months but wasn't sure if I wanted to go with a Spectre again or try something new. After watching this video, I think I might just go ahead and stick with the Spectre. I really like my current laptop minus the few minor issues I listed.
Hello, this is indeed a great machine. In case you're looking for alternate and worthy options that are similar to the spectra in build quality etc. I would heavily consider a current generation Lenovo Slim 7 with the OLED screen. If you happen to be a Costco member, they have a great configuration of the above which also on display currently at most locations, that you could check out. I have a feeling you will really like it. Better reliability than HP. With that said, I type this from my 2024 Spectre as it has some deal breaking features (for me) like it's 120 hz display that the lenovo doesnt. I am however taking a huge gamble and chance on HP against all advice I've been given. I hope this helps with your decision, and feel free to ask any questions.
the dongle is not supplied. at least not anymore. HP sends tech reviewers the dongle but consumers don't get one 😑. tech reviewers are erroneously stating its included. i just bought my hp direct from HP a few days ago (march 2024) i live in US btw. of course i / we need the dongle so you add it (purchase) as an accessory. they do, however, give customers a choice of a few different types of dongles but they don't come by default you have to pay extra. btw, fwiw Best Buy and other big box stores just sell the basic model HP. i highly recommend buying it direct from HP!! plus the laptop is approx $200 - $300 cheaper AND you can add/customize with better options. its worth noting you can walk out same day with laptop in hand if you purchase from a big box store. if you buy it directly from HP it will take 3 - 4 weeks for them to get it to ya. for me it was definitely worth the wait!
I've got the x360 /w i7-1165G7 and am very happy with it overall, just need a better iGPU for GFX-Work and playing Anno 1404. But the whole convertible experience I am using way too little, so I am thinking of getting the Dragonfly G5 that will hopefully soon be released with Ultra 7.
My ~2018 15" Spectre is still chugging along just fine. Easy to fix if needed. It is finicky and not perfect but it's served the investment better than most. Waiting this long to upgrade for a better CPU/GPU in a laptop is rare for power users but I've had friends and family buy them too and I've always been hesitant to do the ol' eBay flip after seeing it in-person. This latest model is tempting but not enough. Until the mobo or maybe screen dies, I'm sticking with it. Wanted to grab a Framework but ahhh I like the spectre line so much
I have one purchased in January of 2017 that is still going strong. Just bought this model today and looking to set it up. Bummer about the dongle, but I did know it didn't come with a pen.
Hi, could you kindly tell me if the SSD can be changed? and please the precise name of the model and how much read/write speed it has, I saw on the official website that it is TLC and it worried me a bit that it might be slow, would you be very kind if you give me this info thanks
Find someone that has a similar type of laptop and see if you really, really can live with this. If you are doing creative work (Photoshop, Lightroom, DiVinci) or any high demand, long usage apps - get an M-chip Macbook. About the only reason to get something like this is for high performance, short run, Windows-only apps or Windows-based games. Expect to think about replacing it 2-3 yrs in.
@@mengshunagreed completely. PCs have a strange habit of falling off a cliff performance-wise (and often build too) after a year or so. I had a 2012 MacBook which was one of the best computers I ever owned. My dells and asus’ never had such longevity.
Funny I just did the opposite. Had a 2009 Intel MacBook Pro which I gave up after about 9 years once the battery & keyboard both went. Got the 1st gen Spectre x360 in copper with top specs and I loved it. Figured that would be much greater value for money as far as features over a new MacBook, and it was. My only issue was Windows and the constant shutting down to update and stuff I'm working on all being closed out when I wake up in the morning, ugh. But it was worth it when paired with the Spectre. Unfortunately it croaked a couple weeks ago when I had a mishap replacing the battery. So I ordered the new M3 MacBook Air. Just two days with it now but I'm glad I switched back, a beautiful machine and the OS is so much more refined, but I find myself out of habit forgetting this is not a touchscreen. These new M3 MacBooks are next level. Felt like I might regret not getting the pro but with what I've read so far, my use doesn't warrant the extra heft. If going for the Spectre, you'll love the hardware, I was looking at the 14, bigger would be too much if on the go alot.
@@Glenny2TimezI'm long term both Mac & PC user. 2006 MBP, 2010 MBP, 2012 rMBP, 2017 MBP touch bar, M1 MBP, 2009 MBA, 2015 MBA, 2019 MBA, 2021 Spectre X360 13.5" Surface Pro, Surface Book and like 20 other windows laptops including hp, Toshiba, Dell, Asus and Lenovo. My main reason to choose Mac over Windows laptops was reliability. The only Windows laptop I would choose over Mac is the Spectre x360, Asus & Dell didn't work for me especially Asus has inferior build quality. You have to work with Spectre to experience the fun with it, touch and tablet mode is great. Also there are serious constraints with Mac like lack of some specific software, file management and soldered SSD which is a big no for me. Windows Evo laptops are great these days and premium laptops like Spectre meets my expectations.. thanks.
I had a lot of bad experiences with HP laptop and with the customer service. Weird thing is only their printer works well for me, which is not for most people.
Does anyone have had any bloating batteries with HP products? My two laptop batteries bloated up though the laptops have been with me for 3years or more.
Yes. It happened to my 2016 HP Spectre x360 a few years ago. I replaced it with a genuine HP battery and it is still working today. It also happened to two of my Dell Xps 13 9360 laptops. They don't like being plugged in 24/7 but that is mostly my use case. These days I try and set them up to not exceed 95% charge in the power management settings.
yes, my old spectre had a battery that bloated and the spacebar wouldn't register. it cost $300 for a new battery. Then the screen went all wonky because of the hinge. I sent it to them for repairs and they sent it back saying it couldn't be fixed. It was the best looking laptop I've ever had but it was a lemon. The next laptop I bought was also a spectre but the fans run even when it's doing nothing, so I'm done with HP.
These are all highly, short-lived, disposable laptops. HP didn't bother updating drivers for my 2020 for the Windows 11 (Oct 11th 2021). So no pen support and a flaky display. The Intel "performance power" is illusionary as it overheats and throttles badly. Dell is only slightly better. Mind you I am or was a die-hard 20+ yr Windows user. Windows has a strong,important place in work environments. So this is not an Apple fan-boi rant. But the terrible treatment of buyers by HP, Dell and others that I have used in recent years is appalling. Windows laptops are becoming barely mobile desktops. So far the M1 Macbook Pro has held up far better but mein gott.. other than being absolutely great for creative tools, I still wouldnt use this for work due to UI and other weird Apple-isms. But it is lasting far better and looks to provide a better ROI for even casual users.
Just put Linux on it and it will run fine (Ubuntu's Noble Numbat is ready to go and scheduled to be publicly released in like 2 weeks, it will have the latest drivers preinstalled for all your hardware)
@@nectarinetangerineorangeCan't install Linux on it. Tried several distros and apparently it's not compatible with newer kernels, and the older ones that do work have a bunch of stuff isn't functional.
Apple M1 and M2 have a critical failure in the way they process cryptographic keys which renders them 100% useless for anything other than casual web browsig sadly.
My interes is good display for photo editing and light video editing on the go, portability and battery life. It does not matte 2 in 1 honestly. Thank you all for your replies.
@@yeyoeddyif you do a lot of editing of video I'd get something with more cooling power than this. Legion 7i for instance. These kind of ultra books get hot under consistent load and it will reduce their life expectancy considerably in that case
@@mrmerm yeah but I hope that M$ gets their head out of the unimaginable space they're currently residing in and fixes windows on ARM to a point where apple is with their M Chips. A man can hope.... Or at least if maybe Linux can be adapted to just run on these things. I don't want much I just want it to work and work for longer hours than you get with x86 . architecture... Again a man can dream
*ALERT! ALERT!* ONLY BUY THE ALL ALUMINUM BODY MODELS, NOT THE CHEAPEST LOWER END PLASTIC BOTTOMED MODELS!!!!! BUY A FULL BODY SNAP-ON SHELL CASE COVER FOR THE 'HP ENVY' OR 'HP SPECTRE' LAPTOPS!!! IF YOU LIKE TO THROW YOUR LAPTOP AROUND, THIS BRAND BUILD QUALITY IS NOT FOR THAT! BUY A WELL PADDING LAPTOP BAG, USE THESE LAPTOPS IN YOUR LAP, OR ON A TABLE TOP! USE IT LIKE AN ADULT, DOING PROFESIONAL WORK!
This laptop is a bad joke from hp. I have spectre from 2018 and it was an amazing laptop. This one, two years ago would be good, today is just average and overpriced. Competition is way ahead. Bye bye hp. Battery life sucks, design is dated, specs are just average for today standard. If this is top of the line its very poor.
I'd genuinely like to know, what competition exists that is ahead? Care to list any specific models to back your point with? It would help me and the community at large. Thanks!
@@shajeelhaider3436 really? Lenovo? Asus? Just take your pick. For a similar price you can get a g14 also oled, with dedicated gpu and also around 10h battery life, just to name one. What the value of the spectre? ....design? ....
@@joaor.8780 I wanna get a 2in1 laptop with a good screen and 120 hz which is better the HP also long battery life so far HP is the only one that's good enough for what I want
Never again, bought on of these "specter" units two years ago. The unit was OK for a medium laptop but horrible for the price they wanted, hot so hot it crashed every other day, despite all the updates, so hot it wrecked the battery, after a year, hinge was online nightmare, even if you were careful, bought thanks to your review, never by HP again, all the faults were well known😢
Thanks for the review. Would you happen to know how's this laptop compared to the Asus Zenbook 14 2024? Between both, if you had to buy one, which one you would go for?
Just want to say thanks after all these years, esp for your honesty about battery life. I don't understand why so many online mags way overestimate the battery life of laptops. I almost went to buy this, on the basis of "14 hours" in tests (which let me to purchase the 11th gen i5 version a few years ago) - I got never more than 6.5 hours back then in actually using it, like a human being. Seems this one is just as bad. Bullet dodged!
I got my first laptop in 1992 and have had many different brands. My current laptop is an HP Spectre and is by far the worst one I have ever owned. I've had numerous issues with the camera and network connectivity. I will probably go with lenovo for my next one.
Can I know where the power button is? I hope it is not on the keyboard. I have a Dell XPS 13 with its power button on the keyboard. I found it hard to turn the screen back on when in tablet mode with the keyboard facing down.
Did not understand the last part of your sentence because your voice lowers and you mumble, I like your videos but this is very annoying why don't you try to improve on that. also repeating It's not a gaming laptop, it's not a gaming laptop, we get it and "Ports not so Bad" one USB port, no HDMi, no sd card slot, yes the ports are bad! I always check you out though, You are one of the best, and I hope my criticism was constructive
I have always loved these laptops. I want to buy one someday, but they are never available used. I wouldn't even mind buying a broken one to fix myself but they just never show up. Really goes to show the level of quality when most people don't get rid of them.
This new trend of most premium laptops nowadays coming with OLED displays has me worried. Don't want a damaged display within a year or so of usage. For devices for content consumption, OLEDs are probably fine, but for devices mainly for content creation, reading, etc., I don't think OLEDs are a good choice. This reduces my choices to Macbook Air (with the added advantage of fanless design) and the Thinkpad X/Z series laptops. Even Zenbooks seems to have gone all OLED this year.
I buyed this x360. This oled with screendoor is really bad close to the display. The clean install Win11 with drivers is a horror. Very bad drivers from HP. Really good ist the fan noises, tastatur, pad and sound. The intel 155h with arc is grrrrrr. spectre with AMD would be better.
