HP keeps new Pavilion laptop prices low while adding IR cameras, pen support

HP focused on updating its Spectre and Envy lines since the beginning of the year, but now the Pavilion line of affordable laptops is getting some attention. Today, HP announced updates to the Pavilion x360 convertible line and the Pavilion Notebook laptop line, making nearly every model thinner and lighter and adding new hardware components like stylus support and IR cameras that are now seen as standard for most practical laptops.

Less color, more shine

The basic construction of the Pavilion x360 line hasn't changed, but HP added some flair with new keyboard deck options. You can get the new models with a silver-metal keyboard finish or what HP's calling a "strata" design, a brushed-black pattern that mimics the curving lines of the inside of a tree trunk. The x360 models now also have chrome-plated hinges, and this feature—combined with the new keyboard deck finishes and the silver and gold color options—should make the device look similar to a Spectre despite its low price. Last year's update to the Pavilion x360s brought bold colors like "sport purple," but it seems HP is making its affordable range feel as luxurious and as sleek as possible to appeal to younger customers.

Updated HP Pavilion x360.

Updated HP Pavilion x360.

It comes in silver and gold and flips 360-degrees to become a tablet.

It comes in silver and gold and flips 360-degrees to become a tablet.

Updated HP Pavilion x360.

It comes in silver and gold and flips 360-degrees to become a tablet.

The new Pavilion x360s come in 11.6-, 14.0-, and 15.6-inch sizes as HP leaves behind the 13.3-inch model from last year. The new machines are slightly thinner and lighter than the previous year's models, except for the new 14-inch x360 due to the slight size increase. However, it's only .1mm thicker and .06 pounds heavier than the old 13.3-inch model, so you'll get a slightly bigger display without much compromise. The 11-inch x360 is the smallest all around, measuring 19.2mm thick and weighing just 2.55 pounds.

Each model now has pen support and will ship with a stylus in the box. Since these devices will come out in time for the back-to-school season, HP foresees younger high school- or college-aged customers gravitating toward the 360-degree design, pen support, and affordable price. You can also add an optional IR camera to any of the x360 models, letting you use Windows Hello to unlock the device securely through facial recognition.

As with other Pavilion systems, you can build your own model of the x360 from the ground up. The systems support Intel Pentium and Core i3, i5, and i7 processors, up to a 512GB SSD, and either AMD Radeon or Nvidia GeForce discrete graphics. The 11-inch x360 model is the only one that doesn't support discrete graphics, as there's simply not enough space for the GPU in the notebook. You'll have the choice between an HD IPS and an FHD IPS touch panel on the two larger models, while the 11-inch model is only available with an HD IPS touch display. Unfortunately, the 11-inch model also misses out on USB Type-C while the two larger convertibles have one USB Type-C that supports data transfer up to 5Gb/s (the smallest x360 has two USB 3.0 ports to make up for it). Depending on the model, you'll get up to 12 hours of battery life, and the devices will support HP Fast Charge.

Some laptop love

Believe it or not, there are still some people who don't want or need a convertible. You wouldn't know it by the number of new two-in-ones coming out over recent months, but HP hasn't forgotten about those customers, and it has updated the Pavilion Notebook family with them in mind. The updated design includes a sloping keyboard, diamond cut trackpad, and a new lift-hinge design. Previously, the Pavilion notebooks had a noticeable gap between the lid and the chassis, but the new models have a curved hinge that almost hugs the pointed back edge of the chassis. This gives the notebook's design more visual continuity while also lifting the display panel slightly when the device is placed on a flat surface.