The new HP ZBook x2 is a remarkable 4-in-1 workstation

Touchscreen laptops should be great for creativity, but many are geared more towards consuming content. In contrast, HP’s powerful new detachable workstation eats Photoshop for breakfast.

The new HP ZBook x2 is a remarkable 4-in-1 workstation
  • Is it worth getting a touchscreen laptop for graphic design? Absolutely. The latest touchscreens are incredibly responsive.
  • How much RAM do I need for running Photoshop? Adobe recommends you have at least 8GB of memory for a smooth experience.
  • What is the best touchscreen laptop? While the Microsoft Pro is a great device, HP’s ZBook x2 is on another level.

One day in the future, graphic designers and illustrators will be able to amuse their kids by describing a graphics tablet. “You did WHAT grandma?!” they will cry. Even by today’s standards, these peripherals seem a bit silly when you could be drawing on a touchscreen.

The only trouble is, many touchscreen devices aren’t capable of running Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator smoothly. You don’t have any such problems with the HP ZBook x2. This detachable workstation offers a 4K touchscreen display, NVIDIA graphics, and four different ways to work.

What is a detachable workstation?

Unlike 2-in-1 laptops, which only offer tablet and laptop modes, a detachable workstation also works as a desktop machine.

With the ZBook x2, you can detach the keyboard and use it separately thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. You can also hook up the device to an external 4K display via the built-in Thunderbolt 3 port.

[tweet_box]HP’s powerful new detachable workstation eats Photoshop for breakfast[/tweet_box]

This flexibility is particularly useful for multi-disciplinary creatives. While tablet mode is great for illustration, you may prefer a desktop workflow for editing video.

detachable workstation 06

Laptop or desktop?

What is the best laptop for running Adobe software?

Many laptops are capable of running Creative Cloud apps, but you probably won’t find a better option than the ZBook x2. The HP device is billed as the most powerful detachable workstation in the world.

detachable workstation 04

Portable beast

It might be the big fish in a small pond, but the ZBook x2 is definitely a powerhouse. Under the hood, you will find a Quad Core Intel i7 processor and up to 32GB of RAM. It also has a NVIDIA Quadro graphics card, which is specifically designed to handle CAD and other strenuous tasks.

detachable workstation 02

Impressive specs

As an added bonus for Adobe users, the ZBook x2 even has quick keys for Creative Cloud apps.

The best touchscreen display for digital creativity

Well, it’s certainly one of the best we’ve ever seen.

detachable workstation 05

Great display, great stylus

This 4K DreamColor display measures 14 inches from corner to corner. Under an anti-reflective coating, the 10-bit colors bring your work to life.

detachable workstation 03

Wacom stylus

What’s more, HP provides an awesome Wacom stylus with the ZBook x2. This digital quill has 4,096 pressure levels, with natural tilt and zero latency. It doesn’t even run on battery, so you will never suffer an enforced charging break.

“Introducing the world’s most powerful detachable PC, with remarkable performance and versatility to push your favorite Adobe applications to the limit.”

“Work quickly and comfortably with 18 preconfigured shortcuts at your fingertips, customized for all your favorite Adobe applications. With HP Quick Keys, easily change the brush size and hardness, turn touch on and off, pan and zoom, lock and unlock, and see a full-screen preview.” — HP.com

detachable workstation 07

Get creative

The best bits

Many people consider the Surface Pro as being the best 2-in-1 laptop, but HP has blown Microsoft out of the water. The ZBook x2 is powerful, versatile, and compact enough to take anywhere.

Things to consider

This is a professional laptop, and it comes with a professional price tag. At nearly $2,300, the HP is aimed at committed creatives.

Availability

– Order now: via HP.com

– Price: $2279 USD

Mark is best known for writing about apps, but he also loves the tactile, hardware side of technology. Being a professional photographer, he's pretty handy with a camera, and he's a self-confessed tweetaholic.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster review: These kinetic sand sculptures bring serenity to your life

SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster review: These kinetic sand sculptures bring serenity to your life

Meet the SANDSARA Obsidian & Alabaster Editions. These kinetic sand sculptures are completely wireless. Plus, you can create your own sand designs via the companion app. Life gets chaotic, I know. Between work and family responsibilities, it can seem like..
Flashlightgo EDC flashlights: They shine light on your outdoor adventures

Flashlightgo EDC flashlights: They shine light on your outdoor adventures

I’ve got adventurers in my family. So when the holidays roll around or their birthdays are near, I know exactly what to buy: EDC gadgets. A palm-size, lightweight design characterizes EDC products, so they’re ideal for my favorite boaters and..
Apple Wonderlust: The new iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and more

Apple Wonderlust: The new iPhone 15 Pro with USB-C, Apple Watch Series 9, and more

We’re following the Apple September event. Everyone who follows Apple know that this one’s all about the—you did not hear it!—new iPhone 15. The event began at the Apple Park with Tim Cook and showed us glamorous Apple Watch upgrade..
Everdure KILN R Series review: An outdoor pizza oven for home that has a rotating table

Everdure KILN R Series review: An outdoor pizza oven for home that has a rotating table

Elevate your home pizza nights with the Everdure KILN R Series. This pizza oven for your backyard cooks pizza in 2 minutes. Plus, it has a rotating table, giving you an evenly-cooked pie, every time. Anyone who loves pizza knows..
Vitaloop review: This filtration water bottle purifies water from nearly any source

Vitaloop review: This filtration water bottle purifies water from nearly any source

Want to drink fresh, safe water while you hike? Maybe you’re not sure about the water quality at your school or office. Well, that’s where the Vitaloop can help. This filtration water bottle cleans water from pretty much any source...
Withings ScanWatch Light & ScanWatch 2 health smartwatches are like personal health assistants

Withings ScanWatch Light & ScanWatch 2 health smartwatches are like personal health assistants

Withings ScanWatch Light and ScanWatch 2 are both health-focused smartwatches equipped with features for tracking movement, heart rate, and menstrual cycles. Plus, they boast an impressive 30-day battery life. Smartwatches offer a wide range of features and functions that make..