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Usage and performance
One big caveat to start with here: the Intel Core i5-7300U found in our review machine is far better than the Core i5-7200U that ships in the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 in retail; expect performance differences of between 10 and 20%.
Here’s how the HP EliteBook x360 1030 G2 performed in our suite of benchmark tests:
Passmark: 3044
Passmark CPU: 5518
CPU-Z: 1741 (single-thread); 3929 (multi-thread)
Geekbench: 4528 (single-core); 8348 (multi-core); 20708 (compute)
Cinebench: OpenGL: 45.05 fps; CPU: 354
CrystalDiskMark: 483 MBps (read); 474 MBps (write)
Novabench: 1018
Atto: 535 MBps (read, 256mb); 484 MBps (write, 256mb)
Sisoft Sandra (KPT): 6.83
Windows Experience Index: 6.1
UserBenchmark (higher is better): 77
The storage subsystem is one of the few stumbling blocks we encountered. The SATA-based SSD, a SanDisk X400 model, delivered read/write speeds that could best be described as average. Why an NVMe SSD was not used by default remains a mystery.
Wireless connectivity was good thanks to the Intel 8265 solution. Note that the laptop did become a bit noisy under load when we benchmarked it.
Battery life was surprisingly good: we achieved half of what HP promised, 8 hours 6 minutes instead of the firm’s very optimistic 16 hours 30 minutes.
We fired up YouTube, played a count-up video and let it run till the computer shut down, which meant that the default power settings were left on (except for brightness – set to maximum – and the fact that sleep and screen off were disabled).
Note that you can also use the laptop with an optional active digitizing pen that costs around £60 ($80) and comes with a three-year pick up and return warranty.
As expected, the EliteBook x360 1030 G2 runs Windows 10 Pro and comes with a bewildering array of HP applications and security features, nearly two dozen of them. Some of them may qualify as bloatware, but the majority will be useful to system administrators.
Final verdict
There are two models of this EliteBook that feature the Core i5 CPU – choose wisely and opt for the more expensive one which carries the part number 1EN90EA#ABU.
At £1,427 ($1,880) at the time of writing, it is slightly dearer than the other model (by about £50) but comes with an integrated privacy screen, an NVMe SSD and an integrated 4G modem. You lose out on the HP Subscription offer, however, which allows you to own the laptop via a pay monthly scheme.
The EliteBook x360 1030 G2 is competitive with other rival convertible laptops, and it’s a good choice for anyone looking for more than just a traditional laptop.
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