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HP Split x2 Hybrid Notebook ~ Review

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Ever since reviewing the HP Envy x2 earlier this year, I have been excited to see what HP was going to come up with next. This past month, I have been testing out the HP Split x2 notebook/tablet hybrid and have included my thoughts below.

The Split x2 is a larger and more powerful version of the Envy x2, that acts more like a standard laptop but also has the functionality of a tablet. My first impression was that, based on the 13.3″ screen, the tablet option was going to be wasted. That was until I removed it for the first time during a presentation I was giving. It was nice to be able to hold the screen up in the board room, knowing that everyone would be able to see the message I was trying to get across. Since that time, I have found the tablet portion excellent for watching movies at home and while travelling, as well as using the touchscreen as a learning tool for the kids, by visiting educational and puzzle websites.

With a dual battery system, HP claims a 10 hour battery life and I was averaging between 8  and 9 hours, which works for me. I’m guessing that battery life is also dependent on frequency of use and being in social media, I am on there almost all day long. The power of the Intel® Core™ processor is also very noticeable over it’s Envy x2 counterpart and with a price point of around $749.99, the Split x2 definitely delivers a lot of bang for your buck.

I have heard mixed reviews on Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system but I have become accustomed to it and couldn’t imagine using anything else at this point. As a Windows phone and XBox360 owner, I like being able to access all of my data from one device. The live tiles are easy to manage and with Beats Audio™ and dual speakers, the sound quality is amazing.

One of the few knocks I had on the Split x2 is that it is a fairly heavy device. As someone who tends to bring my laptop everywhere with me, it took a couple days to get used to, but the functionality it offers for the price makes that flaw easy to overlook. So if you are looking for an affordable alternative to a full sized laptop this holiday season, whether as a gift or for yourself, I would definitely recommend the HP Split x2 as a device that gets the job done.

You can check out more HP devices by visiting Their Online Shop and you can stay up to date by visiting the HP Canada Facebook Page.

Disclosure: I received compensation in exchange for my work on this program.

 

Win An HP Envy x2 With Printer In The “HP Loves Dads” Giveaway!

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HP Envy X2 Laptop Tablet

This Father’s Day, HP Canada would like to give one of my readers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to think outside the box and win a brand-new HP ENVY x2 and HP ENVY 120 e-All-in-One printer. You are invited to participate in the “HP Loves Dads” Father’s Day Gift Challenge. To enter, you must complete ONE of the following THREE TASKS:

1. HP Loves Dads: Nominate a special father in your life and share why they should receive a new HP ENVY x2 and HP ENVY 120 printer for Father’s Day. Please explain how your father would use the new PC and printer in their everyday life, to balance being productive and staying connected with their loved ones. You can express your nomination through words, photos and captions, or video.

2. Dad’s First Gadget: Nominate a special father in your life and share what his first tech gadget was and what it meant to him.

3. Think It! Make It! Build It!: Create a unique, personalized Father’s Day gift and share it with me. It could be an old, cherished jersey, niftily framed for dad’s “man cave”, a recipe book of dad’s favourite dishes, or a video of the kids doing a choreographed dance created especially for dad. You will be required to share step-by-step instructions on how you created the project and will need to provide a photo or video of the finished Father’s Day gift once complete.

The winning entry, as chosen by me and a panel of great Dads in my life, will be featured on the blog, along with step-by-step instructions on how to recreate it at home, a couple of days before Father’s Day. Sound good?

How To Enter

Entering the giveaway is easy. Simply choose one of the three choices above and email your entry to [email protected], with “HP Loves Dads” as the subject. I will gather all the entries and the winning entry will be posted on the blog by June 14th.

Rules and Regulations

Contest is open to residents of Canada, excluding Quebec. Winner will have 48 hours to respond after being notified and will have to answer a skill testing question. Prizes will be supplied by HP Canada. Contest closes Tuesday, June 12th at 11:59pm.

Disclosure: I received compensation for my participation in this program.

The Age Of Electric Is Here! My Day With Ford Canada (#FordOttawa)

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If you can get passed the handsome gentleman holding the sign, you’ll notice that in behind there is a beautiful looking ride.

That is the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid Energi. From what I was told, there are only 7 of these in the world, so of course I had to touch it!

I was invited by Ford to come and test drive some of their new energy efficient cars and to learn a little more about their upcoming projects. They had sandwiches, drinks and other things, like cars.

I was lucky enough to test drive 2 of the vehicles on hand. The first was the 2013 Escape with EcoBoost Engine. This is the most fuel efficient small SUV on the market. You have to keep in mind that my current leases are up this year, so the last time I went car shopping was 6 years ago.

Things have certainly changed. From the Keyless Touch Starter to the Microsoft Sync system, the Escape was definitely fully loaded. I enjoyed the reverse cam and how the side mirrors had blind spot indicators that old you if anyone was next to you. This was the vehicle I came to see. With a 4 piece family, we need something with a lot of room and that provides the safety my family deserves. The Escape did not disappoint.

I stuck around after my test drive because there was no way I was leaving without trying out the 2013 Focus Electric. It also gave me an opportunity to enjoy a couple more sandwiches. Did I mention the sandwiches yet?

Where do I start with the Focus Electric? It’s one of 6 new electrified vehicles that Ford will deliver over the next two years. Zero emissions? Gas free? It’s such a surreal concept but it’s happening. You notice it from the moment you press the touch starter and hear nothing. I thought the car hadn’t started but my Ford expert assured me it was go to go!

As I pulled out of the parking lot, I noticed something else. The car itself made no noise while driving it either. No engine sound, only the faint sound of the tires on the pavement. It drove like a hot knife through butter, totally smooth and effortless. I was very impressed with this drive and was glad I waited around for it. The only issue I could see was that without gas, you would need to charge this vehicle a lot, especially on longer trips.

Overall, I had a great time at the event and met some great new people. If you get a chance, head on over to Ford Canada’s Website and check out all the new Fuel Efficient vehicles they have in store for you.

Cheers!