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The Atom chip's meager performance isn't encouraging for shoppers who want this to be their one and only computing device. We'd say your $850 is better spent elsewhere, but if you're dead-set on a device in this category, you could do a lot worse than HP's option.

The HP Envy x2’s capacity to be a full Windows 8 tablet or dock with a keyboard works as well as advertised, provided you’re willing to live with slower performance at a high price. You’re paying for style.

The HP Envy x2 offers long battery life and a responsive Windows 8 touch experience in a lightweight hybrid design, but you get netbook-like performance.

It's also eminently viable as a light-use laptop PC. All in all, a nice job, and yes, I was just a tad envious when I had to turn it back in.

Ultimately, I think the amazing design and exceptional usability of the x2 still make it a worthwhile device ... Whether anyone actually needs something like this — at a price of $850 — is another question.

...the HP Envy x2 isn't a bad product by any means, it's just badly positioned on the price ladder. On the positive side the x2 combines a decent build with great battery life and a bright, wide-viewing-angle screen. Its future-thinking features such as NFC are also a bonus.

Though the ENVY x2 isn't perfect on every front, it's still a solid offering at $849 and does provide both a true laptop and tablet experience in one package.

It's let down by extremely disappointing performance and a low-resolution screen that are in no way justified by the high price tag. Regardless of what type of Windows 8 machine you're looking for, your money can be better spent elsewhere.

The HP Envy x2 is a beautifully built Windows 8 convertible tablet/laptop. As long as you don’t stress its Atom processor it’s generally a pleasure to use and sounds great.

With 14 hours of battery life and a quality screen, the Envy x2 had promise... But then we listened to the speakers and headphone output and tested the processors.

As much as we like the Envy x2's screen, battery life, and premium aesthetics, the power user in us has a hard time considering spending ultrabook-like money on a device that performs more like a netbook.