Hp Spectre Specs

Spec sheet:

• CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U (dual-core, 4MB cache, up to 3.1GHz with Turbo Boost)

• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520

• RAM: 8GB LPDDR3 SDRAM (1,866MHz)

• Screen: 13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 FHD IPS UWVA BrightView Corning Gorilla Glass WLED-backlit display

• Storage: 256GB SSD (PCIe; NVMe; M.2)

• Ports: 2 x USB-C Thunderbolt 3, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C, headphone jack

• Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.0

• Camera: HP TrueVision HD Webcam

• Weight: 2.45 pounds

• Size: 12.8 x 9.03 x 0.41 inches (W x D x H)

Performance:

We've never felt like Intel Core M-series processors we're lacking in power, but the Intel Core i7 chip certainly gives the Spectre an extra spring in its step. Beyond everyday web browsing and email correspondence, this Windows 10 is machine powerful enough to run Lightroom and even handle some light PC gaming despite being as thin as a tablet.

HP was able to do this all by going with an unorthodox, hyperbaric cooling system, which essentially uses two fans to pull air into the laptop. That's pretty normal for any laptop, but there isn't a heat sink sitting on top of the CPU.

Benchmarks

Here's how the HP Spectre performed in our suite of benchmark tests:

• 3DMark: Cloud Gate: 4,703; Sky Diver: 2,746; Fire Strike: 731

• Cinebench CPU: 257 points; Graphics: 31.28 fps

• GeekBench: GeekBench: 3,172 (single-core); 6,693 (multi-core)

• PCMark 8 (Home Test): 2,615 points

• PCMark 8 Battery Life: 3 hours and 17 minutes

• Battery Life (movie test): 5 hours and 33 minutes

HP claims the Spectre is just as powerful as any Ultrabook, and these figures back up that claim. The ultrathin laptop keeps in step with the Dell XPS 13 and Samsung Notebook 9 in processor intensive benchmark tests, like GeekBench and PCMark 8. That said, the Spectre lags behind in the graphical department, putting up lower 3DMark scores across the board.

This machine isn't built for any intensive graphical challenges, like video editing and hardcore gaming. But, the integrated graphics are surprisingly robust – we were actually able to play a round of Overwatch at full HD resolution with high graphics settings at a relatively solid 30 frames per second.

Battery life

Although HP claims users can achieve a battery life of 9 hours and 45 minutes, in our testing we found run times last about 6 hours at most. Our movie-based battery test exhausted the ultra-portable's battery cells after just 5 hours and 33 minutes, and regular usage reduced screen-on time by an hour.

The battery life numbers are well beneath the lofty expectations HP put forth, but it's still pretty impressive given how thin the Spectre is. This 13-inch notebook won't get you through a full work day on its battery cells alone, but it should be fine for long meetings or web browsing in a café – plus, fully recharging the Ultrabook only takes about two hours.

Top notch features:

Aside from the premium feel and high-end style, the Spectre's most stand out feature is its bright and vibrant screen. Almost all laptop manufacturers have stepped up their display game, but this 13-inch Ultrabook in particular displays deeper blacks than even the Dell XPS 13 or MacBook.

If you're looking for the best image quality screen to watch the dimly shot scenes in Daredevil or Stranger Things, HP's Spectre is the machine to get.

The HP Spectre also sports one of the best laptop keyboards I've ever used. Despite having to cut key travel down to 1.3mm over HP's usual 1.5mm standard, the electronics firm engineered a higher force curve, so it takes more pressure to type each key stroke. The result is a firmer typing experience and a satisfying click to go with it.

Unfortunately, the trackpad isn't as stand out and a bit smaller than all of HP's other laptops. It feels as smooth as other glass-coated touchpads out there, but it feels a little spongy when you actually click it.