HP Envy Spectre XT TouchSmart Ultrabook: One Sweet 1080p Touchscreen

Expanding its Spectre line of Ultrabooks, HP has announced the Spectre XT TouchSmart, a 15-inch system with a 1080p touchscreen. This Windows 8 machine is also the first HP system with a Thunderbolt port.

Unlike the HP Envy Spectre 14 that we reviewed, the Spectre XT TouchSmart does not have a glass lid.   However, its aluminum design still looks very attractive, and doesn't pick up nearly as many fingerprints. At its thickest, the XT TouchSmart is just 0.7 inches, and it weighs 4.8 pounds, which is light for a 15-inch notebook. Like the more recent HP Envy 4, it also has a soft-touch base that feels really comfortable when carrying the system. 

MORE: Ultimate Windows 8 Guide

Up close we loved the clarity and colors offered by the full HD screen, as well as its responsiveness when performing Windows 8 gestures.

Another feature of this notebook is the 90 days of free HP SmartFriend Setup and SmartFriend Complete, a concierge-like service that will pick up within one minute and answer any question related to the notebook. 

The system will also have a backlit keyboard, Beats Audio, and third-generation Intel Core processors. Like other premium HP notebooks, Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements is also included. Other ports include HDMI and USB 3.0.

The Spectre XT TouchSmart will be available in December, and start at $1,399. 

Laptop Reviews Editor

Michael was the Reviews Editor at Laptop Mag. During his tenure at Laptop Mag, Michael reviewed some of the best laptops at the time, including notebooks from brands like Acer, Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and Asus. He wrote in-depth, hands-on guides about laptops that defined the world of tech, but he also stepped outside of the laptop world to talk about phones and wearables. He is now the U.S. Editor-in-Chief at our sister site Tom's Guide, where he oversees all evergreen content and the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories for the site..