HP Chromebook x2 release date, specs news update: Detachable Chrome OS laptop rivals iPad Pro

HP has recently announced the arrival of the Chromebook x2, the world's first detachable laptop that is powered by Google's Chrome OS. The latest HP laptop is a huge development in the 2-in-1 Chromebooks that can function as both a laptop and a tablet, due to its ability to have the screen portion completely removed from the keyboard base.

Official render of the latest HP Chromebook 14HP website

As reported by Tech Times, the new HP Chromebook x2 is different from the previously launched Chromebook laptops in the market. A typical hybrid laptop like the Chromebook could transform to a tablet and back to a laptop by simply folding its body. On the other hand, the Chromebook x2 can actually split into two different devices, with the detached screen functioning as a separate tablet. 

"The HP Chromebook x2 hits a trifecta for customers, combining the productivity of the Chrome OS and power of the world's most-used app platform into a versatile form factor ideal for experiencing all the Google ecosystem has to offer," HP vice president Kevin Frost, said, who also happens to be the general manager for consumer personal systems. Meanwhile, The Verge compares the HP Chromebook x2 with Apple's current top-tier tablet, the iPad Pro, as the latter could also function as a complete laptop when connected to a keyboard accessory. However, in spite of having almost the same functionalities, the Chromebook x2 is offered at a much cheaper price.

The HP Chromebook x2 is believed to be a serious competitor against the iPad Pro. For starters, the Chromebook x2 sports a 12.3-inch screen display, which is only slighly smaller than the iPad Pro's 12.9-inch panel. Regardless, the Chromebook x2 is the full package compared to the iPad Pro because it already comes with a keyboard dock and stylus.

The entire Chromebook x2 package costs $599, while the small variant of the iPad Pro, still without the keyboard dock, is already priced at $649. For the tablet to achieve a complete laptop build like the Chromebook x2, the buyer must be willing to spend as much as $1,067.

Other features of the HP Chromebook x2 includes a 7th-generation Intel Core m3 processor, with 4GB of RAM that can be upgraded to 8GB. The laptop is also packed with 32GB of internal storage space, as well as an expandable memory up to 256GB through a microSD card.