HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 Laptop: A Complete Review
A versatile office and business notebook, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 laptop is slim and well-equipped for its size and price.
It boasts a 13.3-inch display with options for different high-definition panels, impressive security, and the flexibility of an adaptive hinge design that supports a range of work modes. It also features powerful new manageability features, and a design tailored to get the most from its touch screen and convertible features.
What’s covered in this review
In this HP EliteBook x360 G2 review, we’ll cover the basics of convertible x360 designs, provide a full rundown of the hardware and features, and give more details on your options for customization.
And if you’re not familiar with convertible laptops, we’ll also explain what convertible means in laptop computers and how you can get the most out of a new 2-in-1 laptop because some features are particularly useful for certain scenarios and work modes.
Meet the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 convertible laptop
The HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 is clad in a precision-cut, silver CNC aluminum unibody frame with diamond-cut accents, and boasts a lot of functionality packed into its small build.
From a convenient spill-resistant backlit keyboard with adjustable brightness to biometric security features, even its core convertibility features don’t come at the cost of sacrificing space or performance.
Compact and easy to carry or hold
This laptop is incredibly slim and measures just 15 mm thick from top to bottom. Overall, its body is 12.48 x 8.6 x 0.59 inches, which makes it easy to stow and go in just about any bag or carrying case you prefer. It may not be the thinnest HP laptop, but it’s certainly in the running.
Preloaded with Windows 10 Pro 64
If you’re looking for a little more than just the standard OS, you’ll be happy to hear each configuration ships preloaded with Windows 10 Pro 64. With the Pro version of Windows 10, you’ll gain access to a variety of features that support stronger collaboration, manageability, and security across the board.
Great touch functionality
As a convertible, this laptop offers superb touch functionality with options for extra display protection and stylus options including the HP Rechargeable Active Pen and WACOM AES Pen.
You’ll also benefit from the core convertibility features, such as the option to work in any one of five basic modes. These include a traditional laptop mode and a more viewer-friendly tablet mode that we’ll describe in more detail below.
Extra security features
To offer some additional protection, the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 boasts hardened laptop security features that you can manage at your discretion. Starting with login authentication, you can set up as many as three authentication factors including fingerprint and facial recognition.
The display’s HP Sure View feature protects your information and activity from prying eyes, while a whole suite of new functions keeps your BIOS safe from attack. HP Sure Click improves your security while browsing the web, while HP Sure Run offers additional OS protection.
Primary hardware specifications
Now we’ll take a look at the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2’s critical hardware components, such as its processor and displays options, among others, to give you a better idea of what’s powering this versatile device.
A range of processor options with integrated Intel HD Graphics
The HP EliteBook’s starting configuration features the Intel® Core™ i5-7200U processor, but if you need something more powerful, you can upgrade all the way to the Intel Core i7-7600U. And when it comes to graphics, your options range from integrated Intel HD Graphics 620 - X3U19AV up to the more powerful Intel HD Graphics 620 - X3U21AV.
Memory
You also have options to choose from when it comes to RAM. This laptop comes loaded with your choice of 8GB or 16GB of onboard DDR4–2133 SDRAM, so you can choose whichever level you need based on your use and software preference.
Responsive solid-state drive storage
There are plenty of storage options, too, for those who want to locally maintain their files. And luckily for those who want the most responsive and efficient drive available, the customization options all include solid-state drive (SSD) options.
From 128GB to 1TB, there are plenty of options and price points in-between. If you’re not familiar with an SSD, this type of storage is more efficient and lower impact than the traditional HDD, which has moving parts and can accumulate more heat and may require cooling down your laptop.
HD displays with privacy and anti-wear protection
The 13.3-inch ultra-slim touch screen display is available in three configurations, starting with two Full High Definition (FHD) options. These can come equipped with Corning® Gorilla® Glass for extra protection against wear and use, in addition to the HP Sure View integrated privacy screen for privacy concerns.
At the top end, you’ll find the premium Ultra High Definition (UHD) display with Corning Gorilla Glass. No matter which you choose, all these displays are optimized for usability with an enhanced brightness range to offer extra visual clarity in any light.
Multiple work modes for improved use
When we think of the workspace, many of us still imagine a traditional setup with a desk, PC, and monitor. But flexibility is becoming increasingly important in our modern work environments, which is exactly why the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 was designed with five work modes.
Not only that, but the keyboard and hinge were built to function quietly, so converting the laptop from one mode to the next is discrete and comfortable.
Traditional laptop mode
Laptop mode is the traditional, classic way of using your computer’s keyboard and display. It’s rooted in the typical workspace layout, but designed to be comfortable.
That’s because of this HP EliteBook’s small measurements and surprisingly low weight, which also make it less obtrusive. That’s especially true for when you have to commute or travel for work.
Presentations and video with tent mode
For uninterrupted views when streaming or sharing, tent mode offers a display-focused view with the keyboard flipped backward. Your device is still easy to move and turn in this position thanks to the light weight, while it faces minimal risk of damage or distortion thanks to the strong exterior casing.
Extra stability with stand mode
When you’re by yourself and focused on streaming, you may prefer a configuration focused more on stability then sharing. That’s the intention for media/stand mode, which involves flipping your keyboard back behind your display to provide an even more stable setup for you enjoy your favorite media.
Great audio and easy collaboration with conference mode
Conference mode is a great option when collaboration or group work is on the agenda. To do this, you’ll just lay your display back to be flush with the keyboard.
This mode allows you to get the most out of the stellar Bang & Olufsen audio along with the integrated dual-microphone array and quad stereo speakers.
Built-in noise cancellation also helps provide greater clarity during calls with multiple people speaking, or when other people on the call may be subject to environmental interference.
Go mobile in tablet mode
Tablet mode is optimized for mobility and touch screen use. Just fold your display against the back of your keyboard and you’ll be ready to go - with or without the included stylus.
This mode also allows you to cut back on the number of devices you have to carry, because who needs a standalone tablet when you have a convertible like this HP EliteBook?
Power and portability
While the laptop’s slim measurements make it easy to slip into whatever storage is most convenient, it’s even easier to do so consider it weighs a mere 2.82 lbs. You’ll be comfortable during long commutes, when you’re working on your feet in the office, or when you’re using it in tandem with coworkers and friends.
Beyond its size, the HP EliteBook x360 has a lot to recommend it as far as battery performance and the peripherals that can make it even more mobile-friendly.
Super-long battery life
One of this HP EliteBook’s biggest advantages is its incredible battery life that lasts up to 16 hours and 30 minutes with the most efficient configurations. That’s a great contingency against the unexpected and lasts much longer than most workdays.
You also won’t have to wait long when your charge runs low, either, because the battery can recover up to 50% of its charge in just 30 minutes when it’s not in use.
Low environmental impact
If you’re concerned about minimizing your impact and saving a little extra on your power bills, this HP EliteBook is also available in several ENERGY STAR® qualified configurations.
If cutting back on costs at checkout and reducing your monthly power profile are equal priorities, the streamlined HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 convertible laptop may be the perfect PC for you.
Plenty of built-in ports and connections
This laptop comes with a surprisingly full suite of ports and connections for its size, including a combination headphone/speaker jack. It also boasts a USB Type-C™ with Thunderbolt™, 2 USB 3.1 ports, a standard HDMI 1.4 connection, external micro SIM, and a microSD card port.
With these options available, you’ll be able to connect your legacy peripherals to seamlessly blend the HP EliteBook into your existing routine.
Military-grade safety testing
Most users will handle their laptops frequently, which means wear from daily use and travel will accumulate. Plus, using a 2-in-1 convertible laptop or any touch-enabled device can require a lot of additional handling, making confidence in your computer’s durability important.
A thorough awareness of your device and at least some kind of routine maintenance are also critical for longevity, and no HP EliteBook x360 review would be complete without talking about durability.
To guarantee a more rugged build, this laptop was designed to stand up to the military’s own rigorous MIL-STD 810G testing protocol. That means it’s built with thorough testing in mind and can survive physical stresses designed to replicate a variety of adverse conditions, from physical shock to simple moisture exposure.
The right tool for the job
For anyone who craves flexibility and wants to get hands-on with their work, a 2-in-1 laptop like the HP EliteBook x360 1030 is worth a serious look.
Whether your workday is tied to more conventional areas like the office and conference spaces, or dominated by movement and travel, you’ll be good to go with this laptop. That’s particularly true if you want to cut extra devices from your routine, such as a tablet.
This HP EliteBook offers the solid specs and durability necessary to keep you working comfortably across a range of different scenarios, whether you’re working alone in the office, illustrating your latest project on the train, or holding a conference call with staff halfway across the globe.
