Finally picked up a Chromebook x2 by HP and couldn’t wait to get it out of the box only to realize this may not be for me.
First let’s begin with some positives. Out of the box you are getting an awesome Chromebook that you can use as a tablet. You get a pen to jot notes with, and the best that Chrome OS has to offer. Swift updates, minimum to no lag, easy set up with your Google account, and the ability to pop in a SD Card for extra storage. I also like the build quality. I am definitely liking what HP did with the hinge design.
But after that it just felt like my other Chromebook. Having a detachable keyboard didn’t give it any added benefit as ChromeOS just is not ready for tablets yet. Apps like Youtube TV do not work, and other apps still have not been optimized for chromebooks yet. The other issue, that I could have overlooked had everything else been fine, was how the device felt. All the guts are in the screen and the weight feels a little disproportionate when holding it by the keyboard. Not an issue when on a desk but you do feel it when you try and pick it up.
At the end of the day this is not a HP problem it is a Google problem. Apps for ChromeOS feels a little half-baked and still needs to be considered a beta. A stable beta but definitely not something to build $500+ devices around. At the time of purchase it cost me over $600 out of store cost. Now if you are looking for a Chromebook this may indeed be for you. The ability to detach the keyboard feels like an added bonus. But if you already have a chromebook and are looking for a tablet then I suggest pass on this. There are better options that do a better job at being a tablet. Right now you can easily get an iPad or iPad mini for half the price and put all Google Apps on it.
At the end of the day the HP Chromebook x2 makes for an awesome chromebook but a poor tablet. Until Google fixes the issues with Google Apps and ChromeOS, Chrome Tablets are not going to be the thing.
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