Opinion
The Pro X2 tablet from HP is a remarkable device that gets ignored by the tech media, who instead swoon over Microsoft's Surface tablet, oh, and iPads, as well. Because it is ignored, there is little demand, and so I paid as little as $380 reconditioned on eBay -- including backlit keyboard and stylus -- for a device HP sells new for $2,500 and up.
The G2 model (second generation) suffers from two shortcomings: a single USB-C port and a wonkily-designed keyboard.
Just Two USB Ports
One problem is that the X2 G2 has just two USB ports, one USB-A and one USB-C. Well, actually, it has just one, as the USB-C port is used for charging the battery.
(iPad owners are in worse shape, as they have to suffer from just one port that isn't even up to the USB-C standard.)
That the X2 G2 has a USB-A port is more useful than the G3 and newer models, which offer three USB-C ports. Lots of devices still attach with USB-A, and while there are USB-C to USB-A adapters, that's just one more thing to carry along.
The obvious solution is to get an port replicator, which can be had for about $50. It connects to the USB-C port and then provides ports for SD cards, USB-A devices, HDMI, as well as power input. I got one, but found they are bit bulky and so not ideal.
As I thought about it, really, the only external device that I attach a lot is a second monitor. So I searched for a USB-C adaptor that (a) outputs HDMI and (b) inputs power. I was surprised how rare such a beast it. On all of Amazon, I found just one, by JSAUX ($20). See image at the left. It arrived, I tested it, it works. Problem solved.
To overcome the adapter jutting off the side of the tablet, I use a right-angle USB-C connector, as shown below.
Keyboard Hassles
The other shortcoming is the keyboard that HP provides with the X2 series. Now, for a shallow keyboard, it is pretty good. I can type well on it, it has indicator lights for things like Mic Off, and it is backlit.
But HP dedicated four keys to Enterprise Skype functions, displacing very important keys like Ins and PrtSc , which can be accessed only through multi-keystroke alternatives (function+E and function+S). I've tried keyboard remapping to bring back those two, but with no success. As this keyboard connects physically with a proprietary connector to the tablet, I assume the rogue four send unique key codes.
Anyhow, the solution is to rip off HP's keyboard from the tablet, and then use an external keyboard, which communicates by Bluetooth. The drawback is that the keyboard is no longer attached, so it no longer works on my lap. The solution here is to take along both keyboards.
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