Spectre x360 compatibility with HP active pen

[Jcoates81]

I think this has been asked over and over but cannot find the answer I need. I bought this computer for my wife thinking that she would be able to use a pen with it.

I looked at the HP website to find out which pen was compatible, here:

https://support.hp.com/gb-en/document/c05166879

It tells me that the active pen is compatible with models spectre x360 41xx - I thought "thats mine" and ordered the active pen from the HP UK website, this pen here at this link:

http://store.hp.com/UKStore/Merch/Product.aspx?id=1FH00AA&opt=&sel=ACC

I have received the pen and guess what? It doesn't work. Do I need a driver or a software update?

On a different note, I am not sure that they have sent me the correct pen (see photo). If you refer back to the link above, the pen they sent me looks like the active stylus that isn't compatible. 

 The pen they sent me that actually looks like the incompatible active stylus.

I hope that someone can help.

[DavidSMP]

Hi @Jcoates81,

Good Day. A warm welcome to the HP community. I reviewed the case regarding assistance an active stylus that is not working with your computer. I will be delighted to assist you here.

Superb description and terrific observations made before posting. Kudos to you for that. 🙂

For better clarity and to assist you correctly, I would require more information regarding this:

• Did you try to contact HP tech support to troubleshoot the stylus?
• IS the touchscreen of the notebook working correctly?
• Please let me know the complete model# or product# of the notebook as the last 2 numbers (2a may be incorrect. It could be ea)

For now, we need to isolate the issue further.

According to the link sent by you, the stylus is compatible with the notebook.

However, we need to troubleshoot to check if it works correctly.

• Please follow all the relevant steps from this link: http://hp.care/2yvFxZB to try and resolve stylus-related issues. It gives you information on how to use it, troubleshoot with FAQs.
• Also try to update the bios and the touchscreen firmware from this link: http://hp.care/2syreDe  and follow the on-screen instructions to do it.
• This might just do the trick for you.

If the problem continues, contact HP phone support to get it replaced. (Make sure that you receive a compatible one)

HP Technical Support can be reached by clicking on the following link: http://hp.care/2r9wSvP

• Once the support page opens please select the country in which you're located. Next, enter your HP model number on the right.
• Next, choose the 'Contact Support' tab at the top and scroll down to the bottom of the 'HP Support- Contact' page to fill out the form provided with your contact information.
• Once completed click the 'Show Options' icon on the bottom right.
• Lastly, scroll down to the bottom of the page and select 'Get phone number.' A case number and phone number will now populate for you.

They will be happy to assist you immediately.

If the unit is under warranty, the manufacturer’s warranty should take care of it for you.

You could check this link: http://hp.care/2hUGDLa to order passive third-party stylus if you need to.

Please perform all these steps patiently as it is critical to resolving the issue. The trick is to remain patient, Going by your technical expertise and competence I am sure you will be able to perform these steps without breaking a sweat. 🙂

Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes.

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help.

If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care now and have a splendid week ahead. 🙂

[Jcoates81]

Thanks for your advice.

Sadly it appears that the pen is not compatible according to the technical support phone line. I am going to try one more firmware update and if that doesn't work I am getting a refund.

So now I am left with a computer that does not perform one of the main task I hoped it would, using an active pen.

Please please please can someone help me by recommending an active pen that is compatible with this model of spectre x360 (available in the UK). I have heard that the dell active stylus is compatible.

BW,

James

[DavidSMP]

Hi @Jcoates81,

I reviewed the post. You've displayed commendable technical competence and immense patience to try and resolve the issue. Kudos to you for that. 🙂 I did include a link that has been accepted as a solution and authored by an Expert on HP forums. Link: http://hp.care/2uet6CS This gives information about a third party passive pen.

I would suggest that you take the computer to a local store and consult a technician in real time who will be able to check if there are any third party styluses or pens that work with this model as it is not listed in the compatibility list. I was away for a long weekend (Saturday and Sunday are not my weekends as I work on those days) and could not reply to your post immediately.

Now trust me I have done all I can to assist you here by keeping your best interest in mind and providing you the correct information without beating around the bush. If you think my information helped then to simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care and have a blessed year ahead. Stay healthy and smile big. 🙂

Cheers!

[Jcoates81]

A passive stylus is not an acceptable answer. This is a computer that costs over 1000 pounds and advertises itself as being compatible with an active pen.

What I am yet to understand is if the screen lacks the digitizer required for use of an active pen OR is HP just don't sell a compatible active pen. At least can you answer this for me?

[DavidSMP]

Hi @Jcoates81,

I read the case. Thanks for the reply. HP does not have any active styluses tested with this computer. It does not mean that there may not be third party active styluses that will not work with this printer. It is just that HP does not have this computer listed in the list of compatible computers. You need to check locally with a third party technician and you may find an active stylus that could be compatible with the computer. HP does not sell those.

You could also check online at Amazon or eBay for active styluses once it is confirmed by a local technician (like Best Buy or Staples or any other technician) that a third party active stylus works with this computer.

Let me know how it goes and you have a great day!

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care and have a blessed week ahead. 🙂

[Jcoates81]

So does this computer have a digitizer in the screen!?

[DavidSMP]

Hi @Jcoates81,

I read the post. thanks for the response. Every touchscreen has a digitizer for it to work as a touchscreen and that includes this computer provided this computer is a touchscreen and responds to touch using fingers.

So if the computer has a touchscreen, and responds to touches using bare fingers, then please contact a local technician to physically test the computer with a third party active stylus and check if it works. It may or may not be compatible with active styluses and it needs to be physically checked by a local technician.

Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes. To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care and have a blessed week ahead. 🙂

Cheers!

[Jcoates81]

Surely it should be compatible with an active stylus? All of the marketing material released to the sellers says it is compatible with an active stylus.

[DavidSMP]

Hi @Jcoates81,

I read the response. I have explained very clearly what the situation is. The digitizer is nothing but sensors inside the touchscreen to recognize touch responses. So the computer if it is a touchscreen computer has a digitizer. Secondly nowhere did I state that Active styluses are not compatible. If the marketing material states that, then you need to physically confirm that by contacting a local Best Buy store to check that out.

I am keeping your best interest in mind and being honest about it without beating around the bush. This is only to save you some money because if you buy a new third party active stylus and that does not work, you will be more disappointed. It needs to be physically checked with an active stylus before purchasing it. If I had physically been by the computer I would have ascertained that for you.

Hope this answers your question. 

I genuinely hope the issue gets resolved without hassles and the unit works great.

To simply say thanks, please click the "Thumbs Up" button to give me a Kudos to appreciate my efforts to help. If this helps, please mark this as “Accepted Solution” as it will help several others with the same issue to get it resolved without hassles.

Take care now and have a superb week ahead. 🙂