ASUS NovaGo, HP Envy x2 Always-Connected PCs now available at Microsoft Store

By Dan Thorp-Lancaster
published

Now you can get your hands on an Always-Connected PC from the Microsoft Store.

Amazon kicked off its Always-Connected PC push earlier today, and now the Microsoft Store is following suit. Both Microsoft's online and retail stores are now stocking the ASUS NovaGo and HP Envy x2 (opens in new tab), both of which are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 platform.

The ASUS NovaGo and HP Envy x2 are some of the first Windows 10 on ARM devices to hit the market. Aside from the Snapdragon chip powering each, both devices pack come with 128GB of storage, up to 22 hours of battery life, and with Windows 10 in S mode on board. Where they differ is in screen size and form factor, with the Envy x2 sporting a 12.3-inch FHD display in a package similar to Microsoft's Surface Pro, and the NovaGo coming in with a 13.3-inch FHD panel in a more traditional convertible laptop configuration.

Besides the excellent battery life, the two other main draws for Windows 10 on ARM PCs are a persistent LTE connection and instant-on, which allows you to instantly switch your device out of standby mode – much like your smartphone.

We've already had some time to take the Envy x2 out for a spin and found it to be a pretty good performer, albeit with some compromises. The ASUS NovaGo, on the other hand, is fresh on the market, and we'll be taking a closer look at it in the coming weeks. For now, you can check out our previous hands-on for our initial impressions.

The HP Envy x2 is available for $999 (opens in new tab), though you can drop that price by $99 if you're eligible for a student or military discount. Meanwhile, the ASUS NovaGo is available for $699 (opens in new tab), or $629 with a military or student discount. Both come unlocked, but it's worth noting that Sprint is offering free unlimited data through the end of 2018 for Always-Connected PCs.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster
Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl. 

15 Comments
  • I wish they were available in a 15-inch format...
  • HP Envy x2 : $999 -> $99
    ASUS NovaGo : $699 -> $629
    Isn't there a mistake in the pricing ? If not, if you're a student or in the military, then the HP Envy x2 is a much better bargain.
  • "The HP Envy x2 is available for $999, though you can drop that price by $99" It's $999 and you take off $99 with discount.
  • At the price of a surface pro. I know you went over this but ouch. This is perfect for my wife coming from surface 3 but save for the price.
  • Don't forget, Surface 3 was a 10-inch tablet with keyboard and pen that went for $680. It had half the storage (64GB!), no LTE, and it was before Windows Hello (IR). Don't fret though, I'm sure we'll be seeing more - and smaller and cheaper - ARM devices this year.
  • My bad. Since English isn't my first language, I misunderstood the sentence.
  • I tried buying ASUS NovaGo from the Microsoft store. Got this message.... Something happened on our end. Waiting a bit might help.
  • I really want one... and trying to wait for fall.
  • NovaGo got me at $629. Probably pick one up next week.
  • ACPCs are the brightest spot in MS’ mobile strategy hands down. And love the HP envy in particular. But in keeping with the mobile theme, would love to see a 10.1 inch ARM based ACPC. That way a person could use Office 365 mobile apps for free. Would be an affordable and more tempting intro to the MS ecosystem for some.
  • I am hoping Microsoft also partners with mediatek, this will enable ACPCs to hit even lower price points.
  • I am assuming that in order to get the free data at Sprint through 2018 that you already must be a postpaid customer with a phone plan on your account? Or can you simply sign up for Sprint once you get the "PC" and get free data through the end of the year?
  • I got it by simply signing up. Haven't been a Sprint customer before.
  • Easy to sign up? And truly free unlimited LTE until the end of the year?
  • I went down to Sprint with my NovaGo, yesterday. They weren't very helpful. I'll pipe back in if I get signed up without having another Sprint line.