How Did HP Fail This Hard? - HP Spectre x360 2019 Review

The video begins with an owner’s perspective on competing ultrabooks, noting that the HP Spectre x360 lines have been a point of interest for years but that the 2019 models don’t automatically win, despite some appealing features. The host highlights the design language, including non-square corners and premium aesthetics, while immediately flagging a practical usability issue on the 15 inch model where the power button location makes it awkward to access when the charger is plugged in. He then walks through the I/O choices, praising full-size USB-A, USB-C Thunderbolt 3, microSD, and HDMI on the 15 inch, and notes that the 13 inch trims keep compactness without sacrificing ports. In terms of build, the chassis is described as rigid but not as solid as competitors like Dell or Apple, with some palm-area flecks and a wobbling screen that becomes a recurring quality concern. Performance is explored next, with the 13 inch model offering a capable quad-core setup and decent cooling, while the 15 inch ships with a 6-core processor and a GTX 1050 Ti, delivering professional performance and light gaming, yet the display suffers from extremely slow pixel response times that create visible motion artifacts even during basic navigation. The host notes that despite strong color accuracy, HDR support, and a privacy display option, the bezels remain relatively thick and the 360-degree hinge design of the x360 feels dated compared to the more premium Spectre Folio’s hinge concept, leading to a perception that HP shot themselves in the foot with design choices. He also covers the keyboard and trackpad, praising long key travel and quiet keystrokes but criticizing the trackpad’s poor palm rejection and precision due to Synaptics drivers, which undermines the otherwise strong typing experience. Battery life is cited as a high point for the 13 inch at about a 60Wh capacity, delivering a solid full workday with remaining charges after hours of use, while the 15 inch lags behind a bit with an 84Wh pack compared to a 97Wh rival in the Dell XPS 15. The verdict is that while the Spectre x360 models are compelling on paper with good battery life, connectivity, and a premium look, the practical user experience is marred by the trackpad issues, hinge design, and some display tradeoffs, suggesting that HP may need future software updates and a potential redesign to truly compete at the highest level. The host closes with a teaser for LTX 2019 featuring DreamHack, highlighting hands-on PC hardware experiences, workshops, and Lenovo-affiliated events, inviting viewers to participate and buy tickets as prices rise, and encouraging engagement with the channel through subscribing and merch.

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