HP has truly pushed the boundaries with the release of the Spectre Fold, a cutting-edge and innovative device that represents a true leap in next-gen hybrid design. Despite its high price tag of $5,000, the Spectre Fold offers a unique and versatile user experience that is unlike anything else on the market.
The centerpiece of the Spectre Fold is its 17-inch 2,560 x 1,920 OLED panel from LG, which boasts impressive features such as high brightness, a wide color gamut, thin bezels, and a barely noticeable crease. This allows the device to seamlessly transition from laptop mode with a 12.5-inch screen to an expanded mode with the equivalent of one and a half screens, or to a full 17-inch panel when propped up on its kickstand. The flexibility in display size offers users the perfect-sized display for their content or working space, making it a versatile and convenient option.
In terms of design, HP has paid attention to every detail, ensuring that the Spectre Fold is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The device features a sleek and thin chassis, a kickstand that folds flush against the body, a keyboard that neatly fits inside the system when closed, and hidden magnetic charging coils for the keyboard and stylus. Additionally, the Spectre Fold weighs just 3.58 pounds and measures 0.84 inches thick when closed, making it significantly thinner and lighter than similar devices on the market.
The device comes equipped with an Intel Core i7-1250U chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, offering sufficient performance for general productivity tasks. However, it may not be suitable for serious gaming or video editing. Despite its impressive features, the Spectre Fold also presents a few challenges, such as the orientation of the camera and the placement of the USB-C ports. However, overall, the device is a significant leap forward in next-gen hybrid design, showcasing the potential of flexible-screen laptops.
In terms of battery life, the Spectre Fold defies expectations, offering impressive longevity that is on par with more traditional ultraportables. Its battery life lasts for over 10 hours in laptop mode and around 8 hours with the 17-inch panel fully unfolded, making it a reliable option for on-the-go use.
Ultimately, the Spectre Fold is a sleek and versatile device that presents a new and exciting category in the market. While its high price point may be prohibitive for many users, it serves as a showcase of what the latest technology and design principles can achieve. The device represents the future of hybrid devices, offering a unique and compelling user experience. While it may not have mass appeal at its current price, it sets the stage for more affordable and accessible flexible-screen laptops in the future.