HP Spectre Folio

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  • 2019

  • Product
    Consumer Electronics

Commissioned By:

HP Inc.

Designed In:

United States of America

The HP Spectre Folio laptop is an ultra-thin notebook that has been wrapped in genuine leather, like a leather-bound paper-based notebook. With the laptop closed, the gentle curve of the leather around the hinge fits comfortably in the hand, like a well-loved paper notebook.


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  • CHALLENGE
  • SOLUTION
  • IMPACT
  • MORE
  • HP’s design team was challenged to re-examine the laptop computer, and to attempt to bring it closer to its roots in the paper notebook form. To do this, they had to identify what makes a well-loved paper notebook; what features make a notebook fit in the hand comfortably, keep a pen with the user at all times, and what sorts of materials evoke the paper notebook, while imparting quality to the computer.

  • The HP Spectre Folio is a new form factor, evoking a luxury experience by using authentic, natural grain leather. When closed, it has a retro quality, like a leather-bound notebook. When open, the leather acts as part of the hinge, like a loop, and adjusts to either type or view positions. The bottom of the screen comes forward and locks in position at the front of the computer, hiding the keyboard for media presentation. With the laptop closed, the gentle curve of the leather around the hinge fits comfortably in the hand, just like a well-loved paper notebook.

  • The HP Spectre Folio uses sustainably-sourced leather in an effort to be environmentally responsible while using a material that contributes to brand reputation and customer loyalty for using a high-quality material for an ultra-thin laptop computer.

  • When open, the leather of HP Spectre Folio acts as part of the hinge. The bottom of the screen attaches to the hinge with magnets, allowing it to detach and move forward to either an easel presentation, attaching to magnets at the front of the palmrest, or to lay flat for tablet use. The stylus for tablet use is stored in a leather pen-loop on the side of the screen. With the laptop closed, the gentle curve of the leather around the hinge fits comfortably in the hand, like a well-loved paper notebook.