The foldable PC market just got a lot more interesting. HP Inc. has unveiled the HP Spectre Foldable PC, a groundbreaking 3-in-1 device that effortlessly transitions between laptop, tablet, and desktop modes. With this ambitious offering, HP directly challenges existing foldable laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold and the Asus Zenbook Fold. But how does the HP Spectre Fold stack up against these seasoned players? Let’s dive in.
Unfolding the HP Spectre Fold
According to Jo Tan, Senior Vice President & Division President of Personal Systems Consumer Solutions at HP Inc., “Consumers are demanding greater flexibility to connect, work, and play for their hybrid lives beyond what the traditional laptop can provide.” This is the void that the HP Spectre Fold aims to fill.
The Spectre Fold boasts a 17-inch OLED display that can be folded down to a compact 12.3-inch laptop. The device comes equipped with a wireless charging keyboard and pen, and it’s the first foldable PC with built-in AI for security, wellness, and gesture controls. Powered by a 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processor, the device promises up to 12 hours of battery life in laptop mode and up to 11 hours in desktop mode.
How Does it Compare?
To truly understand how the HP Spectre Fold stands in comparison to its competition, let’s look at a detailed specification table.
| Feature | HP Spectre Fold | Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold | Asus Zenbook Fold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 17-inch OLED (foldable to 12.3-inch) | 13.3-inch flexible OLED | 17.3-inch flexible OLED |
| Resolution | Not Specified | 2048 x 1536 pixels | 2560 x 1920 pixels |
| Processor | 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 | Intel Core i5-L16G7 or 12th-gen U9 | Intel Core i7-1250U or 12th-gen U9 |
| Memory | 16GB | Up to 32GB | 16GB |
| Storage | 1TB SSD | Up to 1TB SSD | Up to 1TB SSD |
| Graphics | Intel® Iris® Xe | Intel UHD or Intel Iris Xe | Intel Iris Xe |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | Windows 10/11 | Windows 10/11 |
| Camera | HP True Vision 5MP IR camera | 5MP | 5MP with AI and IR functions |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours (laptop mode) | Up to 11 hours | Up to 9.5 hours |
| Special Features | Wireless charging keyboard and pen, Built-in AI | Optional 5G | Dolby Vision, HDR, PANTONE validation |
| Starting Price | $4,999.99 | Not Specified | Not Specified |
A New Paradigm in Computing
The HP Spectre Fold clearly aims to be more than just a laptop. Its built-in AI for security, wellness, and gesture controls adds an extra layer of personalization that is currently unparalleled in the foldable PC market. Additionally, the device’s eco-friendly construction, including up to 90% post-industrial recycled metal and sustainably sourced packaging, shows HP’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The Verdict Awaits
With its bold new offering, HP is not merely entering the foldable laptop market; it’s looking to redefine it. The Spectre Fold’s unique features, such as its built-in AI and wireless charging capabilities, make it a formidable contender against the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold and the Asus Zenbook Fold. Whether it can truly surpass these established players remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of foldable PCs just got a lot more exciting.
As the tech world keenly watches this unfolding drama, the question remains: which foldable PC will become the go-to device for the next generation of hybrid lifestyles? Time will tell.
Find it at HP’s online store here with a 4th October shipping date.
