First 'affordable' ARM-based Windows laptop from HP will, err, cost a grand

HP Envy X2 laptop only affordable if you've got loadsamoney

The HP Envy X2 laptop, the first ARM-based Windows 10 device running Windows on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, is now available for pre-orders in the US - but for the premium price of $999 rather than a more "affordable" price, as promised by Microsoft.

This also makes it much more expensive than the Asus NovaGo laptop, which the company said last year will be available from a more reasonable price of $499.

Still, the HP Envy x2 comes with the promise of 19 hours of battery life and 'always-on' 4G connectivity, with Microsoft also claiming that ARM-based PCs will resume "instantly" once opened, unlike traditional x86-powered laptops.

Specs-wise, the HP Envy x2 pairs its Snapdragon 835 processor with an Adreno 540 GPU, 4GB RAM and 128GB of universal flash storage. It's a 2-in-1 device and packs an 'edge-to-edge' 12.3in touchscreen with a 1920x1080 resolution.

Elsewhere, the Windows 10 S device packs a non-SIM for access to LTE data, a USB-C port, microSD slot, a headphone jack and Bluetooth 5.0 and 802.11ac WiFi connectivity. The fanless device is crafted from aluminium, and measures just 6.9mm thick.

News of the first Windows on ARM device going on sale comes just days after Qualcomm announced where you'll be able to pick one up in the UK.

While HP's Envy x2 isn't yet available to pre-order in Blighty, the chipmaker said the 'always-connected' Windows 10 PCs will soon be available to pick up at Asus stores, BT Shop, John Lewis, Microsoft stores and PC World.

EE will be Qualcomm and Microsoft's exclusive network partner in the UK.

In the US, where ARM-based Windows 10 PCs will be available to buy via Amazon and Microsoft, customers will be able to choose from either Sprint or Verizon.