Best 2017 Surface Pro Alternatives

HP Spectre X2 12t

The HP Spectre X2 12t has a stunning display and all the accessories you need.

The Spectre X2 12t’s 12.3-inch display is just as large as the Surface Pro’s display but is slightly sharper at 3,000 x 2,000 pixels, so your apps will have more detail and your movies will look better – provided they support detailed displays.

Like other Windows 2-in-1s in the breakdown, multiple models get you exactly what you need. Models start with an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Customizing lets you replace that standard processor with a more powerful Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM.

The HP Spectre X2 12t has a media card reader, 2 USB 3.1 Type-C ports and a headset jack. The tablet does a lot with those two ports though. They both work with printers and monitors when you aren’t using them to charge. Fast charging technology makes that ability more useful. With fast charging, the Spectre X2 12t’s battery gets to 50% charge in 30 minutes.

There’s no Windows Hello camera in the HP Spectre X2 12t, which forces you to type in your password to unlock Windows 10. On the other hand, there is a web camera and a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera that should let you scan documents and take photos in an emergency that aren't as grainy as photos taken with the Surface Pro’s 8-megapixel camera.

Buying an HP Spectre X2 is better for your budget because it includes an HP Active Pen and an aluminum keyboard cover at HP.com for $949. If you want more storage, Amazon sells an HP Spectre X2 with a 256GB solid-state drive for $1,499. It also includes those accessories.