I’ve Tested HP’s 2-in-1s Since 2010 and Here’s the Truth
Let’s rewind to 2010. HP’s first “tablet-laptop” weighed 5 pounds, had a screen dimmer than a candle, and died in 2 hours and we talk about HP tablet laptop evolution. Fast-forward to 2024, and the Spectre x360 feels like sci-fi. But not every model was a win. As a tech reviewer who’s owned nine HP 2-in-1s (RIP, TouchSmart), I’ll show you which ones aged like wine and which belong in a museum (or landfill).
The HP tablet laptop evolution From Clunky to Unkillable
2010: HP TouchSmart tm2
- The OG Hybrid: Tablet mode required detaching the screen. Which took 45 seconds and a prayer.
- Legacy: Introduced stylus support. That barely worked.
- 2024 Status: Paperweight. Found one on eBay for $50, don’t.
2015: HP Spectre x360 (1st Gen)
- Game Changer: Aluminum body, 8-hour battery, and a hinge that didn’t creak.
- Quirk: Fans sounded like a hair dryer. Still, my mom uses hers for solitaire.
2020: HP Envy x360 (OLED Edition)
- Peak Pandemic Pick: Gorgeous screen for Netflix binges, but.
- Oops: OLED burn-in after 6 months of Zoom grids.
2024: HP Spectre x360 14
- Perfection?: 120Hz OLED, 18-hour battery, and a garage for the stylus.
- Price: $1,699 (worth it if you’re a productivity nerd).
Real World Tests: How Old Models Hold Up
a) The “Can It Run Zoom?” Challenge
- 2012 HP EliteBook Revolve: Lagged so bad, my professor thought I froze.
- 2018 HP Spectre x360: Handled Zoom + 10 tabs like a champ.
b) Battery Decay Over Time
| Model | Original Battery Life | 2024 Battery Life |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 Spectre x360 | 8 hours | 1.5 hours |
| 2020 Envy x360 | 12 hours | 7 hours |
| 2024 Spectre x360 14 | 18 hours | TBD (still alive) |
Hidden Gems & Flops You Forgot
a) The Forgotten Hero: HP Elite x2 (2016)
- Corporate Darling: Swappable batteries, military-grade durability.
- Quirk: Weighed 4 lbs, basically a laptop with an identity crisis.
b) The Disaster: HP Slate 21
- What Were They Thinking?: A 21-inch “tablet” you couldn’t lift.
- 2024 Status: A $1,300 monitor (with Android 4.2.2).
Read Also: https://kasimurah.com/7-best-laptops-students-2025/
2024 Buyer’s Guide: Which HP 2-in-1s Are Worth It?
a) Best for Students: HP Envy x360 13
- Price: $899
- Why Buy:
- Survived my “dorm room drop test” (3 ft onto linoleum).
- Hack: Use HP Command Center to prioritize battery over performance during lectures.
b) Best for Creators: HP Spectre x360 14
- Price: $1,699
- Why Buy:
- OLED screen calibrated for Photoshop/Premiere.
- Magic: Hinge opens with one finger (finally!).
c) Avoid: HP Pavilion x360 (2024)
- Price: $699
- Why Skip:
- Plastic chassis flexes like a yoga mat.
- 8GB RAM chokes on Chrome + Spotify.
HP’s Biggest Mistakes (and How They Fixed Them)
- Bad Hinges (2010-2015): Spectre’s 360° hinge was a wobble fest. Fix: 2020’s gem-cut hinge.
- Blurry Webcams (Pre-2022): 720p potato cams. Fix: 5MP + auto framing in 2024 models.
- Bloatware Overload: Remember HP CoolSense? Fix: Clean installs on Spectre line.
Future-Proofing Your HP 2-in-1
- Upgrade SSD: Most Spectres let you swap NVMe drives (avoid Pavilion, it’s soldered).
- Stylus Tip: HP Rechargeable MPP 2.0 pen > the old AAAA battery one.
- Battery Care: Use HP Smart app to limit charging to 80% (saves lifespan).
FAQ
Q: Can I run Linux on old HP 2-in-1s?
A: Yes, but touchscreen support on 2015 models is janky. Stick to 2018+.
Q: Worst HP tablet-laptop ever?
A: HP Slate 21. It’s not a tablet. It’s a tragedy.
Q: Do HP hinges still break?
A: My 2024 Spectre survived 500+ flips. The 2017 EliteBook? HingeGate 2.0.