Thin is clearly in - not just in life but in the world of technology too. With the jaw-dropping Spectre 13, touted as the world's thinnest laptop ever, global computer and laptop giant HP Inc has surged ahead in the race to go thin in the premium segment.
It is not a question of just being thin. The laptop has some top-of-the-line specifications for a powerful experience and gives its nearest rivals - Apple MacBook Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro4 - a run for their money.
After using it for over a week, we can confidently say that it has been a never-before experience. Be it design, performance or portability, the machine leaves every other laptop in the premium segment miles behind.
Let's decode it further.
Spectre 13 has a hand-polished, jewelery-like finish and a copper-colored "piston hinge" that creates the illusion of a hinge-less design to offer an unmatched premium look-and-feel.
HP Inc claims that its innovative hybrid battery - split into two thinner pieces - delivers the same wattage as a single battery for up to 9 hours 45 minutes of charge. Well, for us, continuous use - movie watching, video gaming and internet browsing - gave a cool 4-5 hours of battery life.
Thin as an AAA- battery at just 10.4 mm with 13.3-inch edge-to-edge display, the Spectre 13 is equipped with sixth generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, 8GB RAM and a unique hyperbaric cooling technology. (Our review unit had the i7 processor.)
The technology helps the device to draw cool air and direct it over the processor rather than just venting heat out, thus keeping the device cool even with peak performance. And we did not hear the sound of the fan much during use.
The device has a carbon fiber bottom that is both durable and lightweight, keeping the total weight of the notebook at just 1.1 kg.
Packed with Windows 10 Pro, Spectre 13 uses Intel's integrated HD 520 GPU for graphics and packs in a lightning fast PCIe solid-state drive (SSD) with storage of 512GB with up to 8GB of memory.
The device has full HD IPS Corning Gorilla Glass 4 display, a full-sized backlit keyboard, a superb touchpad, a wireless Bluetooth mouse and Bang & Olufsen audio with Quad speakers for superb-quality sound. You do not need an extra set of speakers at all!
Another disruptive feature: three full-function USB Type-C connectors with two of these supporting Thunderbolt 3 connectivity to provide a fast and versatile video/data connection including 4K display (via an optional dock).
You can charge the laptop with any of the three USB Type-C connectors and all three ports can charge external devices like your smartphone too.
When you hold the Spectre 13 in its specially-designed leather case, it appears as if you are carrying a folder with a thin sheaf of papers. For people on the go, it is a clear choice.
What doesn't work
Well, try finding for yourself! In the premium segment, this is truly a technology marvel.
Conclusion: If we were to describe Spectre 13 in one sentence, it will be, "Style and luxury with powerful performance". The revised price in India for Spectre 13 with the i5 processor is Rs 99,990; and with the i7 it is Rs 139,990 (taxes extra). Both units are now available for purchase.
(With agency inputs)
