You choose leather as a premium option for your car. But a laptop?

HP people are hoping that you will buy a leather convertible convertible Windows PC.

The exterior and exterior keyboard of the new Specter Folio that HP unveiled Monday at a press conference in Manhattan is made of 100% full-grain leather tanned with chrome, the same material used in some expensive automobiles.

The Specter Folio starts at $ 1,299.99 and comes in two colors, "Cognac Brown" and "Burgundy Burgundy". It is presented at least in part by people who appreciate not only the leather seats of their car but also the expensive leather handbags.

I can attest to its beautiful appearance and pleasant touch, as well as the fine and light design of the machine. He weighs about 3 ¼ pounds. And yes, it even feels a bit like a new car.

Is leather the big differentiator?

Leather, of course, is HP's attempt to differentiate itself from its competitors.

"Aluminum is a material that I think occupies a prominent place in the personal computer industry," says Stacy Wolff, Global Head of Personal Systems Design at HP. "But it also means that we have reached the status quo; almost everyone makes aluminum. "

Alex Cho, President of Personal Systems at HP, added that HP is monitoring the devices that users are wearing. "People are looking for devices that reflect that and give them a style."

HP did not completely abandon aluminum. In fact, under the leather, is an aluminum frame. In describing the design challenges that led to Specter Folio, Wolff talks aboutcraftAccording to the company, the interior design of the computer was designed more than five years ago and developed over different prototypes in the last two years.HP chose 0.7 millimeter as thickness ideal for folding and binding leather with electronic components.

Long battery life, to use as a laptop or tablet

Beyond the design, HP operates other features, including the statement that the battery life will last up to 18 hours: more than 70% of the bottom of the battery computer is actually a battery, says HP.

In addition, as a convertible computer, you can use Specter Folio as a standard notebook or fold it to be flat in tablet mode, as with other 2 in 1. But HP adds another position that you Drag the screen to you and press it like a tent, which you can do if you're watching a movie or watching PowerPoint slides. The keyboard is away in this position.

Spectrum Folio also comes with a "tilting" digital pen that you can use to draw or write on the screen – and a loop to store it. The pen has 4096 levels of sensitivity.

Everything is fine, but I still think that leather design is what is likely to attract most potential buyers.

Stephen Baker, vice president and analyst of NPD for industry, says that the form factor of convertible computers among consumers has slowed down a lot, although the segment of high-end products "is doing well," comparatively.

"At the price of $ 1,000 and more," he says, "you have to stand out and get people to want to buy things, and it can not do that except specifications, food and speeds . "

In terms of specifications, the machines can be configured with an Intel Core i5 or i7 8th generation processor. The entry level of Specter Folio includes 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage. But you can upgrade (for much more money, although the amount is not yet clear) to 16 GB of memory and 2 TB of storage.

You can also get the computer with a 13.3-inch Full HD touch screen or, as of the year, a 4K screen. It is equipped with built-in Bang & Olufsen speakers. (My publisher was not exactly a fan of B & O speakers from other HP notebooks.)

HP has eliminated the fan inside, which promises a cool and quiet computer at the same time.

The machines will also be available with optional gigabit LTE cellular service, via packages with AT & T, T-Mobile or Sprint, but not with Verizon Wireless. As a lure, Sprint removes unlimited data charges for six months.

The computer comes with 3 USB-C ports (Thunderbolt supported on at least two of them) and has a standard headphone jack.

Of course, I keep coming back to the long-term durability of leather and how it resists normal wear and tear over time. HP insists that the computer will withstand stains. According to the company, you can use a standard leather cleaner – without worrying about chemicals that penetrate inside – but recommend using a soft, damp cloth.

You have leather car seats and a leather handbag. Let us know if you are also ready for a leather computer.

Email: [email protected]; Follow USA TODAY, personal technical columnist @edbaig on Twitter

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