HP Pavilion x360 15 (15.6-inch, 2021)

Surprisingly perky performance for a Core i3 ; Pen included ; Backlit keyboard

Dim display ; Wi-Fi 5, not 6 ; No biometrics or webcam shutter

It's a far cry from HP's premium Spectre line, but the Pavilion x360 15 delivers the big-screen basics as a capable convertible.

Strong speakers; Above-average battery life; Attractive outer shell ; Dull display; Slow hard drive; Ugly racing stripes; Touchpad sticks ; The HP Pavilion x360 has above-average battery life, but it's held back by a dull display, a flawed touchpad and...

Dull display; Slow hard drive; Ugly racing stripes; Touchpad sticks ; The HP Pavilion x360 has above-average battery life, but it's held back by a dull display, a flawed touchpad and a slow hard drive.

The HP Pavilion x360 has above-average battery life, but it's held back by a dull display, a flawed touchpad and a slow hard drive.

Fine upgradeability;MicroSD card slot;Appetizing price tag;Can be configured with capable hardware;No PWM (Innolux CMN1512);Extremely comfortable input devices;Stylus inside the box

No Thunderbolt;Questionable build quality;Covers only 55% of sRGB (Innolux CMN1512)

The question this year is should you buy a laptop for the sake of having a laptop, or you should make more conscious decisions. The chances are, since you are this far into the review, that you want to make a thoughtful purchase choice. And...