HP ZBook Studio x360 review

If you’re in the market for a portable workstation PC, HP’s latest has to be on your list .

Product shot of HP ZBook Studio x360

Our Verdict

One of the very best workstation laptops out there, the ZBook powers through any task with aplomb – but it’s questionable whether you really need it to be convertible. The range of options is bewildering, but to handle most creative tasks, we recommend going for at least a Core i7 model.

For

  • Superb performance
  • Super-bright 4K display
  • Huge range of options

Against

  • Expensive high-end options

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A level up from your average laptop, convertible workstation PCs include top-level processing and graphics to enable you to do your best work on the move. Suitable for professional video editing, game development and design apps, the HP ZBook Studio series features the latest generation Intel Core i5, i7, i9 or Xeon processors, Nvidia Quadro graphics, fold-back 15.6-inch 4K touchscreen display, a surprisingly long battery life and a very portable but durable design. 

Microsoft Surface Book 2: £1,221

Microsoft Surface Book 2: £1,221
The Surface Book 2 is a slightly different option to the ZBook Studio X360 G5 in terms of its convertibility. The screen actually pops off and can be used as an independent tablet – or it can be reattached in reverse so you can use the laptop for viewing content in ‘tent’ mode. Like the HP, it can be specified with various options but, like the MacBook Pro, starts with more mainstream options. 

MacBook Pro: From £1,249

MacBook Pro: From £1,249
The world’s most iconic laptop, the MacBook Pro goes from strength-to-strength and its premium, powerful versions are a match for most high-performers. However, those premium models can get expensive and, unless you’re really tied to using a Mac, there are plenty of Windows options out there worth considering. 

Dell Precision 3530: From £1055.74

Dell Precision 3530: From £1055.74
The Precision is probably the closest competitor to the HP with stacks of processor choices and Nvidia Quadro graphics, but it’s uglier and heavier. The Xeon option also isn’t as powerful. However, Dell does discount its Precision laptops quite often, so you may be able to get a good deal.

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The Verdict
9

out of 10

HP ZBook Studio x360

One of the very best workstation laptops out there, the ZBook powers through any task with aplomb – but it’s questionable whether you really need it to be convertible. The range of options is bewildering, but to handle most creative tasks, we recommend going for at least a Core i7 model.

Dan is the Editor of T3.com and covers the latest in computing, home entertainment and mobile tech. He's also the former Deputy Editor of TechRadar and former Editor of Lifehacker UK. Dan has written for numerous computing and lifestyle magazines and has also written a book, too. You'll see him pop up in numerous places, having been quoted in or on The Sun, BBC World Service, BBC News Online, ITN News, BBC Radio 5Live, BBC Radio 4 and Sky News Radio.