Is there a better alternative?

The Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 is the Spectre’s direct competitor. It has a better display and more eye-catching design, but HP delivers a better keyboard.

　　Microsoft’s Surface Book 2 is another option. It loses in CPU performance, but the 15-inch model is even faster in gaming and graphical test. It’s much more expensive but, unlike the XPS 15 2-in-1 or the Spectre x360 15-inch, it’s useful as a tablet.

　　

How long will it last?

HP’s Spectre x360 15-inch has extremely fast hardware and will zip for years. Our only worry is the battery. Its endurance is only going to degrade over time. HP ships the Spectre x360 15-inch with the usual 1-year warranty. Extended warranties are available, starting at $240 for a 2-year protection plan.

　　

Should you buy it?

No.

　　The HP Spectre x360 15-inch is full of cutting edge technology, but its 2-in-1 design disguises the machine’s old-school inspiration. This is a big, chunky, fast machine that works best when it’s used near a wall socket. Those disparate halves give the machine a split personality that doesn’t work in its favor.