HP Spectre x360

So does anyone even have the oled yet? I have found zero reviews or comments on it.

And are there any hp discounts available? I can't seem to find any working coupons or student discounts or corporate discounts.

 

It's not available downunder...

 

I've the latest bios F.42, skylake i7, 8gb, QHD display (4102nl model), and battery bar (latest version) doesn't show the discharge rate. I've to force the estimation in options menu.

Inviato da mTalk

 

I'm just using battery bar standard so it doesn't show any options. However, when unplugged the discharge rate does show - this may be the estimation which you are talking about.

 

Sorry for a late reply. Out of town, laptop failure. I am using Battery Bar Pro v3.6.6. It does show discharge rate, but only as a calculated estimate. It does not have access to data that allows for real time discharge rate.

Regards, Jim

 

OK, big time problem. Out of town for five days. Took my x360. On second day, it refused to power on when power button was pushed. Back home now, put it on the charger for two hours. Still won't power on. Pressing the power button does nothing. The led doesn't turn on and it doesn't boot.

Any advice will be very much appreciated.

Regards, Jim

 

Do you have a multimeter to check the ac adapter voltage? Was the battery charge of the Spectre depleted?

Inviato da mTalk

 

Try holding down the power button for 10 seconds. That is equivalent to a hard power off.

Then press the button and see if it will boot.

P.S. How far along the boot sequence do you get e.g. LCD backlight? HP Bios Logo? Windows Bios Logo?

 

WOW!! That worked!! Everything OK now. Prior to the fix, nothing happened. The led by the power button didn't turn on and there was no backlight and no boot progress.

Much thanks for the advice.

Regards, Jim

 

Seems like your laptop got into a bad sleep state - are you running the F.42 bios? I had the same/ similar issues on older bios versions.

 

I am running F.04 because of the lack of real time battery discharge rate info on all later versions.

Best regards, Jim

 

It's better to use newer bios to avoid any bugs in earlier versions. I'm trying get used not having the battery estimate in Windows 10.
Nice to see you solved the problem.
Good work Jim

Inviato da mTalk

 

How interesting...I just noticed that when I run a Virtualbox Linux client inside the Windows 10 host, it not only accurately displays my remaining battery percent, but Ubuntu also gives me an estimated battery rundown time. Too bad that isn't a general-purpose solution to our problem!

-Matt

 

Oh, and on a TOTALLY unrelated note: wanted to mention that I read reviews for the Kaby Lake Spectre X360 today, and I'm really proud to see that it looks like a kick-ass machine. Proud, I mean, that we own previous generations and they're holding up while the lineage continues to do well. Not sure if I want to sell my Broadwell and upgrade to a Kaby Lake, or maybe keep mine another year and see what comes around the corner.

http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/hp-spectre-x360-13-inch
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/10/hps-new-spectre-x360-is-probably-the-best-pc-laptop-around/
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/hp-spectre-x360-2016

Sorry to see the HDMI and SD ports get dropped but yeah that's sometimes the price you pay for next-gen (dammit, Apple!).

EDIT: and kinda funny, don't you think, that there's no sign of an OLED Kaby Lake model. I was always a bit skeptical about that whole idea...

 

Looks like a significant update - kaby lake performance, better battery life, quad speakers, USB-C / TB3, better display, Windows Hello, thinner and lighter..
Thinking of selling my Skylake 13" and upgrading

 

Love Windows Hello (on my daughter's Dell 13" Inspiron 2-in-1). I was disappointed to see the battery life test in the arstechnica review has the Kaby Lake X360 on par with the older Skylake model, though they emphasized that would change with upcoming driver updates.

Strangely, I think what appeals to me most on the new model is/are the small bezels on the sides, plus the dedicated row of keys on the right side of the keyboard (really appreciate those on the Pavilion X360)!



-Matt

 

No SD card slot? Sorry HP, I won't be "upgrading" to Kaby Lake. If I do decide to upgrade to Kaby Lake, it won't be HP.

Regards, Jim

 

That speakers grid is terrible in my opinion and steal a lot of space on the chassis. Everything looks too shrinked and constricted.
Thin bezels are very nice btw.
I hope they improved the display lid material thickness because on actual latest iteration of Spectre the lid bend very easily if you apply a slight force to the opposite corner of the screen. Infact my lid is bent, not at sides, but at center, when you put your hand to open the laptop.


Inviato da mTalk

 

I can see how that can be an issue with people who use the SD card slot a lot.
Since the laptop has only one USB A, I'd get a USB C hub like this https://www.amazon.com/HooToo-Shutt...UTF8&qid=1477114678&sr=1-3&keywords=usb+c+hub which gets you 3 USB A, HDMI, and SD card slot.

 

Hello. If I put laptop in this mode (please open spoiler) will I be able to keep keyboard active somehow? The goal is to time to time use this laptop as a keyboard + external display in front of the laptop.

Spoiler

The second question is - has someone used Linux on this laptop (especially with second generation laptop, ie with Kabe Lake CPU)?

 

First question: I think this has popped up a few times, may be worth going back and reading those discussions...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/hp-spectre-x360.772405/page-31#post-10002190

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/hp-spectre-x360.772405/page-83#post-10079228

EDIT: looks like if you do a full Linux install you can easily create a utility function to turn the keyboard on in Tablet mode -- this link explains how to control the keyboard and touchpad state independently of the screen angle:

http://askubuntu.com/questions/757900/hp-spectre-x360-disable-touchpad-in-tablet-mode-ubuntu-15-10


Second question: I don't think anyone here owns a Kaby Lake yet, and I haven't heard much mention of Linux. HOWEVER: I do run an Ubuntu virtual machine (Virtualbox) on my Broadwell (that's X360 v1, and Skylake is v2) and have 0 problems.

-Matt

 

gadgetrants, thanks a lot. I'm familiar with the "xinput" Linux utility, so I'm now sure I will be able to make keyboard work in any modes at least running Linux, great.

PS I'm considering buying this laptop + portable external USB Type-C display https://www.asus.com/Monitors/MB16AC/

 

This was a good review

 

Oh nice, glad to see the Linux link was useful. That's a very, very cool external display! Are you planning to use it as a mirror or an extended desktop? EDIT: duh, nvm that last question -- I just remembered that you wanted to use the laptop in tablet mode!!!

-Matt

 

This laptop is looking much better now with the upgrades, especially with tb3 being added. Hoping the 15 gets updated in the new year as well.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Add to my list of "sad to see them go", which already includes HDMI port and SD slot, the active digitizer in the display. I hope there's enough of a revolt that HP brings it back in the next gen!

-Matt

 

Hi All,

New here.

The mouse cursor on my 2-month old Hp Spectre X360 15-ap018ca has been skipping all over the screen. This occurs whether it is plugged in to power source or on battery, using the touchpad or on a USB mouse.

The mouse cursor turns into a diamond shape and it moves up and down the screen sporatically (see attached ), which makes general use frustrating.

I have disabled the touch screen and touchpad, deselected "Enhance pointer precision" under Pointer Options in Mouse Properties but this problem persists. This problem also sometimes occurs even when I am not moving the mouse. The version of Synaptics Pointing Device is v19.0.12.112

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

If someone is looking for Thunderbolt 3 dock station don't miss to consider Acer Graphics Dock, it gives you more ports + grapic card in a relatively small form factor and for a reasonable price (there is no alternaives on the market), review http://www.notebookcheck.net/Acer-Graphics-Dock-with-Nvidia-GTX-960M-Review.175429.0.html

 

Does it actually work with the x360?

 

Looks like the pointer which is triggered when you use the stylus.
Defective digitizer?
Did you tried resetting the OS to factory state?

Inviato da mTalk

 

Supposed to work due to the Thunderbolt 3 standard. Notebookcheck has tested it with a few Acer laptops and is going to test with Dell XPS 13. But it's already known that it works with Dell XPS 13 (I've seen confirmation somewhere on this forum, there is an owner), so I see no reason why it won't work with hp x360 (kaby lake version with Thunderbolt 3).

 

Hi AndreaM,
Yes, I did. But problem persists.

 

I'm concerned that it's also happening with an external USB mouse. That suggests the problem isn't a simple driver issue, but something more systemic. If you did a full wipe and OS reinstall and the problem persists I'd suggest contacting support -- it doesn't sound like a problem that can be easily solved by the usual trouble-shooting (e.g., it reminds me a bit of the "ghost touch" issue on the Lenovo Yoga 3 14").

-Matt

 

there's been at least one review about HP disabling the ability to use 3rd party thunderbolt graphics docks

 

I was also disappointed to find HP removed this feature. Though I didn't find myself using it much, on the few occasions I did use my Dell Active Stylus, I was glad to have it.

 

I've noticed since when I bought my Spectre I have a hinge (the right) which sticks out from the display lid.
It's about less than 1mm. From the picture looks like a lot, but it's a very tiny portion.
When I open the lid it makes a faint clicking sound from it, but only if I open it from completely close position and I've leave it for some seconds closed.
If I open it as soon as it was closed the clicking sound disappear.

Here are some images of the hinges:

The supposed defective from the top


The good one from the top


defective from side


good hinge from side


A video I've recorded to show the problem to HP Community.





Inviato da mTalk

 

Update:

I uninstalled Synaptics Pointing Device v19.0.12.112, and PC "updated" to v19.0.12.107. Still need time to see whether this is a fix.

There is a buzzing/static/whine noise near the left front-facing speaker and is especially noticeable when PC is plugged into wall. Is there a fix for this?

Thanks All.

 

Pretty normal, some capacitor are vibrating with current passage.
Mine does the same.
It's an insulation characteristic of capacitor, between the board and it self.
Probably it comes from the circuitry which feeds the CPU/GPU.
No fix at all, you can send it to service but it will come back again the same because it isn't an hardware fault.

Inviato da mTalk

 

That's unfortunate. Since I work in extremely quiet environments, the buzzing is noticeable to me even at sitting distance. Found it hard to believe this buzzing is normal considering it is an expensive machine.

Thanks.

 

Glad to hear you're making progress on the cursor issue! Regarding the whine, search our thread for "coil whine" and you'll see it's been discussed quite a bit. Not sure if some units are louder than others or if some owners are more sensitive...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/search/15723571/?q=coil+whine&o=relevance&c[node]=3

-Matt

 

Hi

I was very excited about the new x360. Upon getting it I like it, BUT I've noticed a few issues. I bought it to replace a surface pro 4 since it turned out I didn't need a tablet hybrid. It does appear the surface is the a more refined device though.

Main issue I've noticed is that the laptop heats up. Especially the top left and to the point where it is almost too hot to touch. I fixed it after putting it on battery saver mode to automatically come on at 100%. Battery saver comes off when you charge it though, so I installed speed fan. That seems to fix it but it seems to constantly heat up when charging, then speed fan kicks in, and it cools back down.

Also in general compared to the SP4 it seems the screen does not get as bright. Around 330 nits vs 384 for the SP4. It did make a difference during the day with me having to set max brightness on the Spectre.

Not trying to complain, just want to get some inputs on this. The heating thing alone makes me feel that I got an early production model with some bugs to be ironed out.

 

I've the i7 version with QHD display, and it gets hot only when I do high intensity task on AC adapter.
With hot I mean the normal CPU temperatures for this kind of machine.
We talk about 70-80 in the worst cases, when I export a lot of picture on LR for example.
Did you updated the bios? Did you check if you have some processes on Windows which keep CPU usage high?
Do you have the latest drivers and Windows Updates?
I've the 4102nl model and it has been manufactured in 2015.
Mine stays cool. Check those things I wrote and let's see if there's something wrong.

Anyway, my Spectre has the right hinge a bit misaligned and makes a faint sound from it when opening the display lid. I've contacted HP support to check if it's a defect or it's within production tolerances.

Inviato da mTalk

 

I'd pretty well settled on replacing my aging Alienware M17x with a Dell XPS 15, but the threads here are filled with so many problems with that one I'm a bit worried about pulling the trigger. I ran across the HP Spectre x360, 15 inch screen (I don't think I could live with a 13" screen for my only PC, plus I do some video editing and would like a bit more screen space) and it looks VERY interesting, but it appears there is no Kaby Lake 15 inch version of the x360 right now? Any word on when that will be available?

 

None yet.

 

Quad core kb chips are coming in Q1 2017 so expect updates to the 15 inch spectre and xps 15 at that point.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

Any idea when quad core ulv Kaby Lake chips are coming?

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

Thanks. I don't really need the nVidia 960m discrete video for most of what I do, though it might be nice for HD video editing with Cyberlink Powerdirector that I do (though I discovered a problem with PD using the nVidia chip in my current M17x Alienware laptop, so I've been using the Intel HD4000 video in my M17x and it works not bad (and I assume the newer Intel video GPUs are a lot better than that one?) But I'd like the quad core chips over the current dual core options.

My targeted specs are a 1080p screen, 16 G RAM, minimum 512G SSD (1T would be better,) i7 quad core CPU, and whatever the best current mainstream mobile Intel GPU is. I want light, long battery life, high quality, and minimal problems. This will be my ONLY PC - I will use it at home and on the road. I'll use it for "normal" stuff - Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint,) Internet, watching videos, HD video editing, serving as my Plex media server.

The XPS 15 gets GREAT reviews, but man, there's a 150 page thread of XPS 15 problems. I don't want a notebook that I have to get and then spend a month working on to get it working with minimal problems and irritations.

 

Hi guys,

I just got an HP Spectre x360 with a 13" QHD IPS display (Skylake). To my eyes, however, the screen looks very 'grainy,' which is especially noticeable when displaying bright colours, but otherwise serves to make everything else appear less clear, so while white appears to be white, it does not look very 'clean.' It's as if I have dirtied up the screen a bit, except I cannot wipe it off, or as if there is a screen protector on it.

Is this what the display should look like, or did I just get a dud? I am wondering whether I should exchange or just return, because I cannot stand the graininess, which I wouldn't have expected on such a high-end device.

Thanks in advance!

 

Is anyone else having problems with super scratchy/distorted sound on the newest (Oct 2016, 7th gen i7) Spectre x360s? I got mine and it sounded like the speakers were blown out when playing certain frequencies. I sent it in for repair, allegedly the speakers were replaced, but the replaced unit is just as bad.

I know this is a laptop and I'm not expecting flawless sound, but the buzzing and rattling is really annoying. Is this inherent to this model or am I just unlucky? I've tried updating drivers, BIOS, etc. and the problem persists. Headphones are fine...either my speakers are blown or something in the body of the laptop seems to be rattling.

Steps to reproduce:

1. Right click on sound in system tray
2. Choose "Playback devices"
3. Choose the only option, "Realtek High Definition Audio (SST)"
4. Click "Configure"
5. Click the "Test" button that plays three chimes in each speaker.
6. Listen to it rattle.

Is this happening to anyone else? Seems like it's identical to this problem on the HP forum, but that's for an older model of the x360 and this new model has different hardware.

 

I just got this HP Spectre x360 today the newer version..

I have a little concern..

On the lower left side and right side of the LED panel.. when you press near the edges it makes this clicking noise.. like the glass is note glued down or adhered properly.

I have enclosed a video of my little issues.. anyone with a new one that can check?



Phone recorded the volume a little low.