HP EliteBook X G2i Flip Review: Laptop Plus Tablet

Quick summary: The HP EliteBook X G2i Flip is a business laptop that flips into a tablet. It’s fast and responsive for work, with a built-in stylus garage and surprisingly loud, clean speakers. It’s not for gamers or streamers.

Key takeaways

• A 2-in-1 touchscreen that flips all the way around into a tablet.
• A built-in slot that snaps the stylus away.
• Ports: a couple of USB-C, USB-A and a headphone jack.
• Gaming: about 15–40fps on ultra in a 3D game, 40–50fps on low.
• Speakers are clean and very loud for the size.
• Webcam and mic are above average, fine for meetings, not streaming.
• With 32GB of RAM, it handles basic 4K editing in DaVinci Resolve.

Design and ports

One side has a couple of USB-C ports and a headphone jack, plus a full-size USB-A port. My favorite detail is the built-in stylus slot. Write on the screen, then snap the pen right back in. The display is touch, and it flips around to use as a tablet.

Gaming

Despite the high price, it isn’t a gaming laptop. On ultra settings in a 3D game, frame rates bounced between 15 and 40fps, which is playable but not impressive. On low, it held about 40–50fps. If you game on it, use low settings.

Speakers, heat and fans

Sound is surprisingly clean, and maxed out it gets very loud for something this thin and light. You can feel some warmth on the sides near the speakers, but not on the keyboard. The fan is audible at times but never loud.

Webcam and mic

Both are above average and good for meetings, but not streamer quality.

Performance and editing

Everyday use is very responsive, and juggling lots of tabs is no problem with 32GB of RAM. In DaVinci Resolve, a 4K clip scrubbed very fast thanks to the RAM, and export didn’t take long. It’s fine for simple 4K edits without many layers or effects.

Who it’s for

It’s great if you want a powerful, fast 2-in-1 for business work. Content creators and gamers should look elsewhere.

• HP EliteBook X Flip at HP