HP Claims Innovation Over Apple With 'World's Thinnest Laptop'

[theluggage]

Need to see exactly how big those bezels are, and the overall laptop footprint, but I like it better than the impractical Macbook.

The bezels are a symptom: the disease is what looks like a 16:9 display - great for movies at the expense of everything else. So if that's a 13.3" screen at 16:9 its going to be a tad wider than the 16:10 screen in an MBA/MBP. That would just about account for the thick lower bezel - but then its got an extra 'lump' sticking out behind the screen (which is how they fit the ports in).

...so, apart from the thickness, the footprint is going to be well into MBA territory and probably larger than the rMBP 13" (which, remember, has a slightly smaller footprint than the MBA). Its not competing with the rMB.

If Apple puts a bit of MB/MBA-style tapering into the new rMBP then it will probably give the impression of being smaller than this big, flat HP... Hopefully, the minimum we can expect portwise on a new rMBP is 2xUSB-C/TB3

 

[diegov12]

Amid rumors that Apple is working on ultra-thin 13 and 15-inch "MacBooks", HP yesterday announced the "world's thinnest laptop" in the form of the Core-i powered 13.3-inch Spectre, with a design that the company said offered proof that it is driving innovation faster than Apple.

Created with a focus on "luxury and artisanal craftsmanship", the HP Spectre is 10.4mm thick and weighs in at 2.45lbs, sporting a twin-tone aluminum and carbon fiber chassis with an edge-to-edge Corning Gorilla Glass IPS 1080p display. Apple's 12-inch Retina MacBook is 13.1mm thick and weighs 2.03lbs by comparison.

The copper and dark gray body has contrast bronze edging and a full-size, recessed backlit keyboard with 1.3 mm travel, and includes a pair of arcing piston hinges that fold flush for a "nearly hingeless look" when the laptop is closed. HP says the design is inspired by high-end furniture details.

The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 Skylake processor, rather than the significantly slower ultra low-voltage Core M CPU specifically designed for ultra-thin notebooks and found in the 12-inch MacBook.

HP claims this is made possible by the Spectre's integration of Intel's "breakthrough hyperbaric cooling system", which features two ultra-thin fans, a heat-pipe and a copper radiator, allowing the system to not only extract heat but also draw in cool air and direct it over the processor.

HP used two differently sized polymer batteries in the Spectre, making up four cells in total for a claimed battery life of up to 9.5 hours. HP also used a new variant of its logo on the rear of the display to set apart the laptop from its other ranges.

Other specifications include a glass trackpad, three USB-C ports (two of which support Thunderbolt 3), up to 512GB PCIe SSD storage, a maximum of 8GB RAM, dual speakers part-designed by Bang & Olufsen, and Intel HD Graphics 520. Early indications are that the SSD and memory are soldered onto the mainboard, suggesting HP sacrificed repairability for thinness.

HP says the Spectre will be be available for pre-order on April 25 and begin shipping sometime in May. Prices will start at $1,170. In addition, a Bluetooth mouse, carry bag and leather sleeve that match the design of the Spectre notebook will be sold as accessories.

Speaking ahead of the Spectre's unveiling at the New York Times' International Luxury Conference in Paris, the company's PC chief Ron Coughlin said that the laptop is an example of HP's determination to lead the way in the PC industry. "For years, Apple has been seen as the innovator and the driver of innovation [but now] HP is really taking over that mantle," Coughlin said.

HP has had to defend its laptops in the past over perceived design similarities with Apple's notebooks, but the company is clearly attempting to push its latest "luxury" model as a trendsetter in the premium PC laptop market. At the CES in January, HP unveiled its more business-focused Elitebook Folio, measuring less than half an inch in thickness.

A recent DigiTimes report claimed that Apple's upcoming "ultra-thin" MacBooks will "share a design similar to the existing 12-inch MacBook" and be "thinner than [the] existing MacBook Air," but failed to specify which MacBook lineup the new design is destined for.

New Macs could feasibly be introduced by WWDC 2016, which will likely take place between June 13-17 based on scheduling information available from the Moscone Center.

Apple's refreshed Mac lineup is expected to feature Intel's faster Skylake processors and Thunderbolt 3 with USB-C, while the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are also deserving candidates for an overall redesign.

Article Link: HP Claims Innovation Over Apple With 'World's Thinnest Laptop'

HP laptops run the spyware that is windows 10. Also, HP is the most hated laptop maker, look at consumer reports.

 

[dilbert99]

As nice as they are, I'd want a weight reduction to go with the thinness.

 

[gnasher729]

Only the utterly dishonest and envious can deny the practical advantage of this device over Air

You are trying to mark anyone disagreeing with you as "utterly dishonest and envious". In other words, an ad hominem attack. So what do I think about people who stoop down to ad hominem attacks?

 

[diegov12]

Amid rumors that Apple is working on ultra-thin 13 and 15-inch "MacBooks", HP yesterday announced the "world's thinnest laptop" in the form of the Core-i powered 13.3-inch Spectre, with a design that the company said offered proof that it is driving innovation faster than Apple.

Created with a focus on "luxury and artisanal craftsmanship", the HP Spectre is 10.4mm thick and weighs in at 2.45lbs, sporting a twin-tone aluminum and carbon fiber chassis with an edge-to-edge Corning Gorilla Glass IPS 1080p display. Apple's 12-inch Retina MacBook is 13.1mm thick and weighs 2.03lbs by comparison.

The copper and dark gray body has contrast bronze edging and a full-size, recessed backlit keyboard with 1.3 mm travel, and includes a pair of arcing piston hinges that fold flush for a "nearly hingeless look" when the laptop is closed. HP says the design is inspired by high-end furniture details.

The laptop is powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 Skylake processor, rather than the significantly slower ultra low-voltage Core M CPU specifically designed for ultra-thin notebooks and found in the 12-inch MacBook.

HP claims this is made possible by the Spectre's integration of Intel's "breakthrough hyperbaric cooling system", which features two ultra-thin fans, a heat-pipe and a copper radiator, allowing the system to not only extract heat but also draw in cool air and direct it over the processor.

HP used two differently sized polymer batteries in the Spectre, making up four cells in total for a claimed battery life of up to 9.5 hours. HP also used a new variant of its logo on the rear of the display to set apart the laptop from its other ranges.

Other specifications include a glass trackpad, three USB-C ports (two of which support Thunderbolt 3), up to 512GB PCIe SSD storage, a maximum of 8GB RAM, dual speakers part-designed by Bang & Olufsen, and Intel HD Graphics 520. Early indications are that the SSD and memory are soldered onto the mainboard, suggesting HP sacrificed repairability for thinness.

HP says the Spectre will be be available for pre-order on April 25 and begin shipping sometime in May. Prices will start at $1,170. In addition, a Bluetooth mouse, carry bag and leather sleeve that match the design of the Spectre notebook will be sold as accessories.

Speaking ahead of the Spectre's unveiling at the New York Times' International Luxury Conference in Paris, the company's PC chief Ron Coughlin said that the laptop is an example of HP's determination to lead the way in the PC industry. "For years, Apple has been seen as the innovator and the driver of innovation [but now] HP is really taking over that mantle," Coughlin said.

HP has had to defend its laptops in the past over perceived design similarities with Apple's notebooks, but the company is clearly attempting to push its latest "luxury" model as a trendsetter in the premium PC laptop market. At the CES in January, HP unveiled its more business-focused Elitebook Folio, measuring less than half an inch in thickness.

A recent DigiTimes report claimed that Apple's upcoming "ultra-thin" MacBooks will "share a design similar to the existing 12-inch MacBook" and be "thinner than [the] existing MacBook Air," but failed to specify which MacBook lineup the new design is destined for.

New Macs could feasibly be introduced by WWDC 2016, which will likely take place between June 13-17 based on scheduling information available from the Moscone Center.

Apple's refreshed Mac lineup is expected to feature Intel's faster Skylake processors and Thunderbolt 3 with USB-C, while the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are also deserving candidates for an overall redesign.

Article Link: HP Claims Innovation Over Apple With 'World's Thinnest Laptop'

Lol.
What crack is hp on?
They make some of the worst laptops, even del is better.

 

[antonis]

Well, if I were them, I wouldn't take a close shot of the spot where the screen attaches with the body. It's really ugly. Other than that, though, it looks great. And it also has ports !

 

[diegov12]

you lot...

I saw a Spectre in real life - think it's pretty similar to this, just not as thin. I was playing with it for 10 minutes in the shop, it's gorgeous in real life.

Can't speak about this new model, but the HP Spectre I played with was stunning, the keyboard was cracking, lovely screen, touchpad was very MBP like...

And Windows 10 is awesome, no idea what you lot are complaining about!! It's given a new lease of life to my work PC (7 years old).

Meanwhile, my MacBook Pro from 2012 is slowing down to a crawl, ridden with bugs and I wish to hurl it through a window. So frustrating.

[doublepost=1460027076][/doublepost]and try hp,

 

[cb.schweiz]

I don't argue on good or bad look, that's a matter of taste, prone to useless argument as the golden iphones or some weird apple watch wristbands. Just sticking to the thinnest-ever hype. Has anybody noticed that the marketing photos are at least misleading, aimed at showing the thin border but never giving the side profile view. Either the Spectre is floating on the table or the bulk of the laptop body is definitely fatter than the bezel.
I would need to put this thing in my hands and look carefully for weight and form factor, before buying it.
cheers

 

[TallManNY]

I got an HP Spectre from work in the Spring of 2013. Nice looking machine, nice screen. Two issues. First, the trackpad was terrible. You couldn't drag files around the 13" screen because you would end up at the end of the trackpad before you got your file where you wanted to go. Second, the battery life was something like only three hours. I think I got the last of the pre-Broadwell processors as they came out later that Summer. But really it was pathetic battery life for machine that cost more than $1,100.

This looks good. Gaudy as heck, but good. Personally I think super think laptops are mainly a waste of time. They still have to go in a briefcase. And if I need super thin, then I can carry an iPad. But maybe the machines being thin is what sells them out of the store.

 

[robjulo]

That shtick would have flown a few years ago, but not anymore. Windows 10 is a great OS, whether the crowd here (who likely have not used it) can admit it or not.

This is actually a very good looking laptop. Too bad it runs windows

 

[iRikal]

double post

 

[Arran]

That hinge. |

Yeah, and the gap it creates is a mistake.

Someone in a hurry is going to slam the lid shut at the end of the day and not notice there's a cable or some other object wedged in the gap. Crunch.

 

[osxrumours]

... and artisanal craftsmanship

Marketers and producers of the world, can you please leave words alone and stop making perfectly relevant words into buzzwords that kill them off. Artisanal is pretty much meaningless now but the dictionary still believes it to be:

(of a product, especially food or drink) made in a traditional or non-mechanized way.

Standards and watchdog groups in some countries have had to start enforcing the removal of this word from food and craft products that blatantly aren't.

 

[Rogifan]

Nice bling HP. Way to be a couple days late to the news MR.

 

[peterdevries]

Pretty sure this one of those machines that we see on the Internet and discuss while not encountering a single one in the wild.

 

[bluush]

Dear lawdy, that might be the most gorgeous notebook we'll ever see in our lives.

 

[ka-spot]

ain't that awesome? or it's just terrific?

 

[bushido]

too thin, i would be scared to break it. isnt the point of portability that you can somewhat toss it around for example in your backpack without having to worry about it hence mobile.

i do like the new HP Logo though

 

[robjulo]

Kind of like the Apple Watch.

Pretty sure this one of those machines that we see on the Internet and discuss while not encountering a single one in the wild.

 

[W2u7Yw4HaD]

Windows 10 isn't bad

I didn't think so either, i'm a casual user sometimes on a vm. But after reading this, maybe you'll change your opinion:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/03/25/reputational_damage_and_windows_10/

 

[Moonjumper]

It is good to see a PC manufacturer focusing on design without copying Apple. I quite like the copper and dark grey combination, but even if I didn't like the look, I would still appreciate the attempt and following their own design aesthetic.

 

[iRikal]

I certainly am partial to Apple...however, not so blinded as to not see what is out there competing.

This is possibly the best competition Apple has had in a number of years as far as design goes. I have not touched it and cannot vouch for construction quality but the trend of hitting better materials and making computers look like something else than an aluminium or plastic box is a nice change.

Internals seem to be pretty standard, still a bit dubious about USB-C but time will likely push that form in the widespread adoption realm.

The only thing that remains to be seen... will it be rock solid running W10 or will it be flakier than my morning croissant. Gotta say that some people at HPQ have worked hard for a number of months to come up with that...

Ah the good old days...

Bravo HP, now, make the same thing with the rest of your... lackluster brand. 8GB Ram though.... come on!

 

[Rogifan]

Pretty sure this one of those machines that we see on the Internet and discuss while not encountering a single one in the wild.

Can someone tell me how being thinner is better if it doesn't weigh less? To me weight is more important than thinness.

I do find if curious that they chose Apple as their comparison point and not Microsoft and it's line of Surface products or even Dell and it's XPS series. I guess Apple comparisons still do get more attention/clicks.

Anyway here's what the laptop looks like in a non-press render. I don't think it looks any nicer than the XPS or Surface Book and had HP not trotted out the out-innovate Apple line how much attention would this laptop even be getting?

 

[2499723]

Dat hinge tho.

 

[vmistery]

If you need to say it is proof that smacks of desperation to me. That said, it looks nice enough and if you want a thin Windows laptop it might be a contender