HP Pavilion x360 Aims to Catch the Crest of Hybrid PC Wave

HP is looking to cash in on the popularity of two-in-one hybrids with its Pavilion x360. Here’s why the device should appeal to both consumers and businesses.

HP’s decision to go with a two-in-one hybrid rather than a traditional notebook with the Pavilion x360 is a reaction to market factors. In December, research firm IDC reported that it believes the hybrid market will grow 75 percent year-over-year in 2016 and will continue to buoy a troubled tablet space. Hybrids will also boost sales of notebooks, which are also sagging. HP had little choice but to follow the market’s demand and deliver a hybrid in the Pavilion x360.

In total, the Pavilion x360 can be used in four “modes.” The device of course comes with the traditional notebook mode, allowing users to type while they look at the display. In addition, users can use the device as a screen and the keyboard as a stand in the appropriately named stand mode. Tent mode, in which the device sits on its edges, is designed for “playing with photos, apps, and games,” and tablet mode is designed for standard tablet functionality.

The Pavilion x360 is a great device for those seeking the ability to walk around town and get work done. The Pavilion x360 weighs less than 3 pounds and is about 21mm thick, making it quite thin for a device that can double as a tablet. It’s worth noting, however, that its weight will vary, depending on a customer’s chosen configuration.

The Pavilion x360 can last up to 9 hours and 15 minutes on a single charge, though HP acknowledged that its duration may vary depending on the version customers choose. Still, more than 9 hours of battery life for a device that can be used as a notebook or tablet could be appealing to both consumers and corporate customers.

HP says that customers will use the Pavilion x360 in a variety of ways, including listening to music and watching movies, making sound quality extremely important. So HP has bundled dual speakers in the hybrid that can be custom-tuned for the quality that best suits the user. Plus, an HP Audio Boost feature automatically amplifies audio for “clear and dynamic sound.”

Although the device is thin, HP has bundled several ports in the Pavilion x360. The hybrid features an HDMI port alongside two USB 3.0 ports. In addition, users will find an SD card reader. On the other side, HP’s hybrid boasts a power button, an audio combo jack for headphones and a microphone, and a USB 2.0 port. There’s even a volume toggle on the side for quick access to audio controls.

The HP Pavilion x360 comes with a touch screen to control features and applications. Customers have three screen sizes from which to choose: There are 11.6-inch, 13.3-inch and 15.6-inch models of the Pavilion x360.

Intel’s latest sixth-generation Core processors will be the best options to power the Pavilion x360, but customers can also choose Intel Celeron or Intel Pentium chips, if they don’t want to dole out so much cash. The device also supports up to 16GB of memory and a 512B solid-state drive. Those who want a hard drive can get up to 1TB of storage.

Intel’s latest sixth-generation Core processors will be the best options to power the Pavilion x360, but customers can also choose Intel Celeron or Intel Pentium chips, if they don’t want to dole out so much cash. The device also supports up to 16GB of memory and a 512B solid-state drive. Those who want a hard drive can get up to 1TB of storage.

The Pavilion x360’s price will vary greatly depending on the version customers choose. HP says the 11.6-inch model will start at the affordable $380 mark and nearly double that amount on the 15.6-inch version, which will cost $730 at “select retailers.” The 15.6-inch hybrid will, however, be available for $580 on HP.com before add-ons and customization are accounted for. Expect the Pavilion x360 to be available starting May 15.