HP has quietly launched a new Windows 8 convertible notebook with the help of Best Buy. Priced at $749 at Best Buy (which seems to be the only place to purchase it as of writing), the Split x2 now joins HP's lineup alongside the Envy x2 with a larger display and an Intel processor in tow.
The system is fitted with a 13.3-inch HD LED-backlit touch screen operating at 1,366 x 768 and is powered by a third generation Intel Core i3 processor clocked at 1.4GHz. Why manufacturers continue to release "new" products with Ivy Bridge instead of Haswell is beyond me, but I digress.
The Split x2 also ships with 4GB of system memory (expandable to 8GB), a 128GB solid state drive and utilizes Intel HD Graphics 4000. Other specifications include 802.11n Wi-Fi, USB 3.0, card reader, front-facing HP TrueVision webcam with integrated microphone, HDMI, combo audio jack and Beats Audio. The system features two 3-cell batteries (one in the tablet and one in the detachable keyboard dock) although neither HP nor Best Buy mentions any battery life claims.
The tablet portion of the system weighs 2.3 pounds and measures 0.4-inches thick. When connected to the keyboard base, the total weight jumps up to 4.9 pounds - a bit hefty for an Ultrabook but not shocking so considering there are two batteries involved.
At $749, it's priced competitively compared to other Windows 8 convertibles but whether or not it brings enough to the table remains to be seen.