5 Best 2-in-1 Laptops For People On The Move – 2021

TOP PICK
Newest HP Spectre x360-13t Quad Core(8th Gen Intel i7-8550U, 16GB DDR4, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, IPS micro-edge Touchscreen Corning Gorilla, Windows 10 Ink)Bang&Olufsen 13.3" 2-in-1 Convertible - Dark Ash
Dell Inspiron 13 7000 Series 13.3-Inch Convertible 2 in 1 Touchscreen Laptop (i7348-4286SLV)
ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 14” Thin and Light 2-in-1 Laptop, 14” HD Touchscreen, Intel Quad-Core Pentium N5000 Processor, 4GB DDR4, 128GB eMMC Storage, Windows 10, TP401MA-AB21T
Microsoft Surface Pro FJR-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 Pro, Intel Core M, 12.3" LCD Screen, Storage: 128 GB, RAM: 4 GB) Black
HP Envy 2019 x360 2-in-1 15.6" FHD Touchscreen Laptop Computer, 8th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-8250U, 16GB RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit KB, Windows 10, Silver w/ HESVAP Accessories
BLW's Score
92
90
88
85
82
MSRP
Price not available
$799.00
$399.00
$699.00
Price not available
Processor
Intel Core i7-8550U 1.8 GHz
Intel Core i5-5200U 2.2 GHz
Intel Celeron N5000
Intel Core M 2.4 GHz
Intel Core i5-8250U
RAM
16GB DDR4
8GB DDR3L
4GB DDR4
4GB DDR3L
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
512GB SSD
500GB HDD
128GB eMMC
128GB SSD
256GB SSD
Display
13.3" FHD (1920×1080)
13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080)
14" HD (1366 x 768)
12.3” PixelSense (2736 x 1824)
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
Intel HD Graphics 5500
Intel UHD Graphics 605
Intel Iris Graphics 550
Intel UHD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Windows 8.1
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10
Weight
2 pounds
3.66 pounds
3.3 pounds
1.69 pounds
4.5 pounds
TOP PICK
Newest HP Spectre x360-13t Quad Core(8th Gen Intel i7-8550U, 16GB DDR4, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, IPS micro-edge Touchscreen Corning Gorilla, Windows 10 Ink)Bang&Olufsen 13.3" 2-in-1 Convertible - Dark Ash
BLW's Score
92
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-8550U 1.8 GHz
RAM
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
512GB SSD
Display
13.3" FHD (1920×1080)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Weight
2 pounds
Dell Inspiron 13 7000 Series 13.3-Inch Convertible 2 in 1 Touchscreen Laptop (i7348-4286SLV)
BLW's Score
90
MSRP
$799.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i5-5200U 2.2 GHz
RAM
8GB DDR3L
Hard Disk
500GB HDD
Display
13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 5500
OS
Windows 8.1
Weight
3.66 pounds
ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 14” Thin and Light 2-in-1 Laptop, 14” HD Touchscreen, Intel Quad-Core Pentium N5000 Processor, 4GB DDR4, 128GB eMMC Storage, Windows 10, TP401MA-AB21T
BLW's Score
88
MSRP
$399.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Celeron N5000
RAM
4GB DDR4
Hard Disk
128GB eMMC
Display
14" HD (1366 x 768)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 605
OS
Windows 10
Weight
3.3 pounds
Microsoft Surface Pro FJR-00001 Laptop (Windows 10 Pro, Intel Core M, 12.3" LCD Screen, Storage: 128 GB, RAM: 4 GB) Black
BLW's Score
85
MSRP
$699.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core M 2.4 GHz
RAM
4GB DDR3L
Hard Disk
128GB SSD
Display
12.3” PixelSense (2736 x 1824)
Graphics
Intel Iris Graphics 550
OS
Windows 10
Weight
1.69 pounds
HP Envy 2019 x360 2-in-1 15.6" FHD Touchscreen Laptop Computer, 8th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-8250U, 16GB RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit KB, Windows 10, Silver w/ HESVAP Accessories
Model
BLW's Score
82
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i5-8250U
RAM
16GB DDR4
Hard Disk
256GB SSD
Display
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Weight
4.5 pounds

There’s a reason why 2-in-1 laptops have been growing in popularity in recent years.

The versatility found in these laptop styles just can’t be replicated with traditional models.

Whether it’s a detachable keyboard, a responsive touchscreen display or otherwise, these units pack some serious punch and give users plenty of options to boot.

5 Best 2-in-1 Laptops For 2021

1. HP Spectre X360

HP Spectre x360-13t Review

The 15-inch HP Spectre x360 is a blend of elegance and performance.

It’s a 2 in 1 laptop with an efficient processor and a big battery. Furthermore, it boasts of a cutting-edge technology that allows you to work and enjoy games with ease.

Although the laptop has a full-sized keyboard with a numeric pad, it only weighs 4.5 pounds and comes with USB-A and USB-C ports to accommodate your charging needs. Here’s a detailed review of the Spectre x360.

Featured Specs

Here are some of the Spectre x360 specifications.

Display Size

The x360 boasts of a 4K display, with a 3840 x 2160-pixel screen that gives you bright and crisp images. The 2 in 1 laptop produces 119% of the sRGB spectrum with the average being 114%. Also, it’s bright and emits 340 nits of light. With the Spectre, you won’t have to worry about blocky fonts or jagged lines.


The vibrant and vivid colors resemble a professional photo or a 4K movie that has the same resolution. Although the display of the x360 doesn’t match that of the MacBook Pro, it has its accuracy, brightness, and gamut.


Battery Capacity

The Spectre has a huge 84-watt battery capacity. While this is not one of the biggest capacity in the market, it’s 10% bigger than what average hybrid laptops have. The battery can last for up to six hours when browsing.


However, you’ll have four hours when doing power-intensive tasks.   The not so impressive battery life is blamed on the 4K display that quickly drains the battery. You will love the performance, but remember to carry your charger.


RAM

You’ll love the 16GB RAM that the Spectre comes with. The RAM is enough when you need to multitask.


Processor

Expect unmatched performance with the Spectre X360 as it’s configured with a Kaby Lake G Series Intel Core i7-8550U processor. The quad-core processor gives you 30% performance boost, unlike its previous version.  When combined with 16GB DDR4 RAM, you now have a device that can copy data, stream music, and browse several chrome tabs easily.


Storage

The elite laptop boasts of 512GB M.2 NVMe PCle SSD, a fairly impressive storage capacity if you need extra storage space for your files.


GPU

System’s GPU got an upgrade to GeForce MX 150- with 2GB of video memory from its previous GeForce 940 MX. The RX Vega GPU allows you to play most games that are in the 1080p with high settings.


Weight

The X360 weighs 4.7 pounds. However, it feels heavy and can be tiresome to carry around. The best part is that you can convert it into a tablet thanks to the 360 degree hinge.


Operating System

HP’s x360 runs on Windows 10 Pro 64. The Pro version offers privacy tools like BitLocker, Domain Join, Direct Access, Remote desktop, and Assigned Access 8.1.


Also, you get to enjoy seamless connectivity as this version of windows allows you to join a business store and Azure active directory.


Input And Output

The 2021 Spectre version has similar ports to the 2017 version; the difference is in how they are arranged. The audio port is close to the USB, HDMI, and to the front edge.  You’ll find a fingerprint reader between the volume rocker and the ventilation grilles.  Also, the x360 comes with a USB Type-A port.


X360 also comes with a broad Chiclet keyboard to allow the new NumPads without interfering with the standard QWERTY keys. You’ll find the NumPads on this hybrid laptop comfortable. The only downside is that you have no brightness levels to choose from when you switch to the white keyboard light.

Benefits

The x360 has a day-long battery life, beautiful speakers, and a stunning display to meet your viewing needs.

It also comes with a stylus, something that’s not included in most convertible laptops.

Drawbacks

You won’t like the annoying keyboard layout and the weak hinges may be compromise the durability of this device.

Extra Features

HP has added a microSD card reader and USB 3.1 Type-C ports that support Thunderbolt 3 on both sides.

The Spectre also has a separate USB Type-A port. Wireless connectivity options in the Spectre include Bluetooth 4.2. And 802.11 ac Wi-Fi.

Buying Advice

Although most laptop brands tend to go lighter and thinner with each generation, HP has gone a bit thicker with the 2018 x360, a gamble that has paid off.  

The only downside is that it can be too heavy for a frequent traveler and the trackpad is small compared to the size of the device.

You can check out the laptop here on Amazon.

You’ll love the updated, sleek design, excellent battery life, optional Kaby Lake G configuration with Radeon GPU, the standard 4K display, and the two thunderbolt three ports.

2. Dell Inspiron 13 7000

Dell Inspiron 13 7000 Review

Dell’s Inspiron 13 7000 is a combination of style and simplicity. Being a convertible laptop, you can flip the lid back 360-degrees and use the laptop in tablet mode.

The Inspiron measures 12.19 x 8.5 x 0.61, making it a thicker option than most 2 in 1 laptops in the market.

Here’s a detailed review on what to expect with the Inspiron.

Featured Specs

The latest Inspiron combines touchscreens, gaming, and travel all in one device. Here are some featured specs.

Display Size

Standing at 13.3 inches, the Inspiron has a 1920 x 1080p display. The full HD display catches your eye upon opening the lid.


You can enjoy a text that is sharp enough without straining the battery.  Also, the taps and swipes on display are surprisingly smooth, and the bezels around the small do not shrink the size of the laptop.


The Dell has strong brightness and emits 287 nits. You’ll love the wide viewing angles and the fact that the IPS panel handles glare well when using the device in direct sunlight.


Battery Capacity

Being lightweight, you’d expect Dell to do better with the battery.  However, this is not the case as it can only last for five hours with continuous web browsing. When subjected to video gaming, the battery only last for three hours.


The runtime is short than what you’d find in the Asus Transformer Pro and the Lenovo Yoga 720.  You’ll need to keep a charger nearby if you need to use the laptop every day.


RAM

You have an option of the 8 or 16GB DDR4, 2400MHz RAM. The 8GB works perfectly for regular tasks like streaming music, checking emails, and browsing the web. A 16GB RAM is an excellent option if your work is power-intensive.


Processor

When it comes to performance, the Inspiron 13 does better than average laptops in the same price range. The 2 in 1 comes with an eighth generation Intel Core i5 processor.  You can stream music videos, watch Netflix, and run up to 10 tabs on Chrome. 


According to Geekbench 4, a platform that measures a laptop’s overall performance, the Inspiron 13 CPU scored an impressive 12.949. The scores exceed those of Asus Transformer Pro’s Intel Core i7 and Lenovo Yoga’s core i5.


Storage

Dell Inspiron 13 has 512GB M.2 SSD storage, which is impressive if you need a machine to check emails, browse, or stream media. However, you’ll get much lower speeds than you would when using PCle based SSDs.


GPU

Dell offers two models of the Inspiron 13 with one based on the powerful Ryzen 7 2700U with Radeon VEGA 10  and the other running on AMD’s Ryzen 5 2500 U with Radeon Vega 8. The integrated Intel HD graphics are perfect for standard gaming.


Weight

The Dell 13 weighs 3.4 pounds, which makes it lightweight to carry around all day.


Operating System

The Inspiron 13 7000 runs on Windows 10 Home and comes with pre-installed software.


The software has third-party bloatware and first-party utilities. Dell update ensures that you’re up to date with software updates while the Dell Power Manager Lite allows you to check the battery’s health.


Input and Output

The light and ultra-slim convertible laptop offer one of the best input and output selection.  An SD card slot and a headphone jack are on the side. For its price, this is more than what its competitors offer. The Inspiron is missing a USB Type-C and a Thunderbolt port.

Benefits

With the Inspiron, you get a budget laptop that has excellent build quality. The outstanding battery life is a major plus if you are a frequent traveler.

Drawbacks

The display is not something to write home about.

Also, the performance is below average for laptops with the same processor and RAM.  You won’t find a USB Type-C Port and the 256 GB SSD model is only light on storage.

Extra Features

It has a single USB 3.0 Type-C Gen 1 port, HDMI, and two standard USB 3.0 Type-A ports on each side.

Buying Advice

If you’re looking for a laptop that is affordable and provides gaming capabilities, the Inspiron 15 7000 is an excellent choice.

Students looking for a detachable laptop will find the updated design and features impressive.  

You can check out the laptop here on Amazon.

3. Asus TP401MA-YSO2 Vivo Book

ASUS TP401MA-YS02 Review

The Asus VivoBook Flip scores points with its silent operation and high-contrast IPS touchscreen. 

At 14 inches, the slim convertible device has a bright touchscreen and is powered by a quad-core processor.

Here’s a look at why the Asus convertible is one of the best budget 2 in 1 laptops.

Featured Specs

It’s easy to mistake the VivoBook for an ordinary laptop.

However, the detachable laptop has an array of amazing features at an affordable price.

Display and Resolution

Expect a superior viewing experience with the display bezel, which is the first thing you’ll notice about the VivoBook.  The NanoEdge display boasts of a 1920 x 1080 resolution with a full view.  You’ll notice that the features and colors remain distinct in spite of the sharpness.


The glossy display is perfect for various uses like watching movies or doing class assignments.


Battery Life

For the battery capacity, you can spend at least 5 hours on the device.  While this may appear like a short time, the smart SuperBattery technology protects your battery and extends its life for up to three times.


RAM and Storage

With a powerful processor coupled with a 4GB RAM, the VivoBook gets you exceptional performance.  Combined with 128GB SSD of storage space, you get a device that works for well for various roles with different demands.  It’s ideal as a professional work tool or as a classroom device for assignments.


Processor

A powerful Intel Celeron N5000 lies at the heart of the 2 in 1 laptop. Featuring two cores of up to 2.6 GHz, this gets you a fast enough device for your regular tasks.


GPU

The VivoBook has Intel HD Graphics 605 integrated GPU.  You can expect enough power for standard gaming titles. Unfortunately, it won’t run demanding 3D games


Weight

Measuring 12.0 x 8.9 x 0.6 inches, the VivoBook is slim in appearance and weighs 3.3 pounds. Although you’re likely to notice that it’s in your bag, you won’t feel the weight as you carry it around.


Operating System

The Asus VivoBook runs on Windows 10 that works well for an app-oriented system that is cloud-based and secure.  The best part is that you can switch to Windows 10 Pro.


Input and Output Options

The Asus 2 in 1 convertible laptop comes with a chiclet keyboard, that doesn’t have a backlight. You get a decent keyboard that works well for regular typing.  The touchscreen has ten touch points that respond to inputs quickly when using your fingers or the Asus Pen.

Benefits

The VivoBook is reasonably priced and come loaded with ultrabook specs. You’ll find the VGA and HDMI ports convenient. 

The ten point touch screen gives you a solid screen with quick boot up from caching drive.

Drawbacks

The downside of owning a VivoBook is that you’ll have to survive with two USB 2.0 ports.

Also, the keyboard may feel crumped and the low-resolution display is not impressive for 4K lovers.

Extra Features

In regards to connectivity, expect a USB 2.0 port, a USB 3.1 port, and a USB Type-C connector.  You’ll also have a card reader and an HDMI port. All these ports make the transfer of multimedia files fast.

Buying Advice

With a display that has 178 degrees of viewing angle, plenty of storage, and ability to multitask and enjoy your entertainment with ease, the VivoBook proves to be one of the best budget 2-in-1 laptops in the market. 

You’ll find its build quality and solid selection of ports a plus.

You can check out the laptop here on Amazon.

4. Microsoft Surface Pro

Microsoft Surface Pro

Nothing speaks versatility and lightweight than the Microsoft Surface Pro.  

Five generations later, the surface pro remains one of the best mobility 2 in 1 laptop. 

Let’s find out if the Surface Pro still maintains Microsoft’s first place or if the 2 in 1s have caught up with the latest Surface Pro’s specifications.

Featured Specs

The Surface Pro is a compelling option even with the pricing premium.  Some of the featured specs include:

Display and Resolution

Packed with a stunning 12.3-inch screen, the Surface Pro comes with a 2736 x 1834 pixel resolution. With a pixel density of 267 PPI, you can view high-resolution images and enjoy the smooth text.


Also, you get an excellent screen for video. The only downside is that the aspect ratio means you’ll have black bars on the screen.


The reason Microsoft has stuck to the 3:2 aspect ratio is because it’s beneficial when you need to use productivity apps and browse the web. 


Although its screen is reflective, you’ll notice the bold and bright colors even in direct sunlight.


Battery Life

You’ll notice a massive improvement in the Surface Pro’s battery life.  Unlike the previous version that lasted for 7 hours, the Surface Pro can last for up to 13 hours. You can carry your device without worrying about a charger.


RAM

Surface Pro has an option of 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB RAM. The 4GB works well for daily tasks like browsing the web and checking emails.  With the 16GB RAM, you get excellent performance and a fast machine.


Processor

You have an option of a budget Surface Pro that comes with an Intel Core m3 CPU. For a few thousand dollars, you get an Intel Core i7-7660 U CPU. 


It’s one of the top-rated ultraportables that gets traditional work done without a hint of slowdown. Surprisingly, the Surface Pro scored 10% higher than the HP Spectre X360, which also has a Core i7 CPU.


Storage

The surface Pro has 512 GB SSD, which gives you exceptional performance. With a transfer rate of 339 MBPs, the new SSD provides unmatched speed compared to other Surface laptops in the market. 


GPU

If you’re a gaming enthusiast, you’ll love the Intel Iris plus Graphics 640 that comes with the Surface Pro. Even with a high resolution and settings, you get to play any modern game without any interference.


Weight

The Surface Pro as a tablet weighs around 1.7 pounds, which is heavy for a typical tablet. With the keyboard, the total weight comes to 2.4 pounds. It’s worth noting that the i5 model is lighter than the previous generation, something attributed to the fanless design.


Operating System

Since the Surface Pro runs on Windows 10 Pro, you can enjoy different Windows applications. Also, you get to enjoy photo editing apps, keep multiple browser tabs open, and work on Evernote.  The version of Windows also provides you with BitLocker drive encryption and remote desktop access.


Input and Output Information

The Surface Pro changes into a full laptop with its sleek keyboard that provides the right amount of depth with each key press. The touchpads are responsive and smooth. However, keyboards are sold separately.


Also, the pen that has over 4, 000 levels of pressure sensitivity is not included in the box like previous versions.


Microsoft is not keen to adopt the ubiquitous USB-C connection, and the Surface Pro is not any different. 

Benefits

The improved battery life is ideal for business travelers who do not have access to power outlets.

You’ll love the microSD slot that allows storage expansion and the new keyboard makes typing a fun experience.

Drawbacks

Unfortunately, the Surface Pro is too expensive for the top-spec models.

It also has limited ports and this makes work difficult if you need to plug in several devices on the go.

Extra Features

You’ll find one USB-A 3.0 connection that comes with a Display port. Also, a microSD card reader located under the kickstand connect the port that provides power to the device.

Buying Advice

The Microsoft Surface Pro is one of the best mobility hybrid laptops. 

Featuring advanced features, excellent storage and processor capabilities, and incredible graphics, you’re guaranteed value for money.

You can check out the laptop here on Amazon.

5. HP Envy x360

HP Elite X2

The HP Elite X2 is a must-have business 2 in 1 laptop that comes with an active stylus, a keyboard dock, and an LTE modem.

Slim convertible designs are a favorite and HP has incorporated this into their X2. Here’s a look at some of the specs to expect in the Elite X2.

Featured Specs

The Elite X2 offers a wide selection of features that play a role in its performance. Here’s what you can expect in this business-oriented tablet.

Display and Resolution

With the Elite x2 has a touch display has the same diagonal width as its surface. You get 12.3 inches with the G2 model. Also, the resolution boasts of 2736 x 1824 pixels from the G1s full HD resolution. 


The 165 degrees tilt comes with a rear kickstand which allows you to view the tablet in different angles. The Corning Gorilla glass protects the screen from external influences.


Battery Life

HP estimates that the battery can last for 10 hours, but the manufacturer doesn’t include details on when this is achievable.


However, if you’re using the device to stream music, browse the web, or type, you can expect the battery to last for up to 6 hours. While the battery capacity might not be ideal for business travelers, the device compensates with superior performance.


RAM

The business elite has a maximum of 16GB of RAM, which is excellent for business people handling power-intensive tasks. You can also find the 8GB version which works well for easy tasks.


Processor

The Elite x2 comes with four Kaby Lake options mainly the Core i3 7100U with Intel HD graphics, Core i5-7200 U with Intel HD Graphics, and Core i5-7300 U with Intel HD Graphics 620.


Storage

You can expect 128GB SSDs on the low-end models. Elite models have 256GB SSD.  A fast PCle interface makes the storage device communication easier as the device can read speeds of up to 2200MB/s.


GPU

HP’s Elite x2 has Intel HD graphics 620 which helps with the video output.  The dual channel memory is another distinguishing factor from the G1 version. Although there isn’t much to expect with the graphics, you can still stream high definitions videos.  Also, you can play simple games smoothly on the G2.


Weight

The x2 measures 11.8 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches. With a keyboard, the thickness increases to 0.6, and this adds to the weight, which stands at 2.7 pounds. The weight is slightly more than the Lenovo X1 and the Surface Pro 4.


Operating System

With the Elite x2, you can expect the Windows 10 Pro 64 and Windows 10 home 64. The Pro version comes with extra security and performance features.

Benefits

With the IPS display, added connectivity ports, and a powerful RAM, you’re assured of a laptop that offers excellent performance. It’s also fast and comes equipped with an Active Pen.

Drawbacks

The X2 lacks a stylus storage and the battery life is poor for someone who needs to work on power-intensive tasks.

Extra Features

The Elite X2 comes with a microSD card slot, a USB-C port, and a USB3 Port. With the USB-C port, you have an added advantage as you can use it to connect external storage, as an output to an outer display, or to plug your power cable. 

The micro-SIM card allows you to include a data SIM to the x2.

What’s more, the device comes with an advanced HP keyboard with SCR on select models. You also get a click pad with multi-touch gestures and an HP Active Pen with Application Launch button.

Buying Advice

The Elite x2 is a perfect business device that is both elegant and offers superior performance.

The core i5 works well for daily office work, and the 256GB SSD gets you a fast system.  You’ll love the accessories that include an Active Pen and the Keyboard dock.

A 2 in 1 laptop is a multi-functional and a versatile machine that makes your work easier.

Regular laptops that have a screen on top and a functional keyboard were the best sellers in the market for years.

You can check out the laptop here on Amazon.

However, more consumers and business people now realize the benefits of owning a detachable laptop. 

Here’s a look at what 2 in 1 laptops are and what to look for in such a laptop.

What is a 2 in 1 Or 'Hybrid' Laptop?

What are 2 in 1 laptops

These are laptops that use an innovative, concept that combines regular computing with the power of touch. 

Previously, tablets were popular, and at some point, people thought they would replace laptops.

But, manufacturers have realized that they can create a machine that works both as a tablet and as a laptop.

The 2 in 1 laptops blend performance with style allowing both business people and casual users to enjoy the new generation of computers. 

Types of 2 in 1 Laptops

There are two types of 2 in 1 laptops mainly convertible and detachable laptops.

The two may appear identical, but they are different.

Convertible laptops fold back their keyboards or rotate to a full 360 degrees; this makes them appear like a tablet in size.  With this laptop, you get the right balance between a traditional laptop and a tablet. But, the convertibles have added bulk on the keyboard, and they are heavy.

Detachable laptops are light, small, and operate in a tablet mode.  They do have separate a keyboard, and this makes it easier to complete tasks on the go.

It’s critical to note that both convertibles and detachable laptops work differently.

Detachable laptops allow you to separate the device from its keyboard. You can now use it as an independent device just as you would with a tablet.

Laptops vs Convertables

An S pen or touch allows you to manipulate the device.  These laptops have their core functional hardware behind the screen as opposed to a traditional laptop that has a different hardware architecture.

Convertible machines allow you to work in a two in one format where you have both the screen and keyboard. The only difference that convertible devices have from traditional laptops is the screen which is touch enabled.

Also, the screen flips back and appears like a tablet. What’s more, you can share content with another person when you prop up the device in a tent-mode.

Reasons Why Your Next Laptop Should be a 2 in 1

Increased Versatility

Using a regular laptop means that you can do anything you want. However, when compared with a tablet, you might feel like you’re missing out on something.

You can enjoy the beauty of having a laptop that functions as a tablet. The ability to have a 2 in 1 device allows you to watch movies, browse the internet, and work on your tasks without having a keyboard interfering with what you’re doing.

Saves You Money

Mobility

You no longer have to invest in a laptop and a separate tablet.

A 2 in 1 laptop gives you the ability to enjoy the features of a tablet that also works as a high-performance laptop.

You get to have a big screen where you can watch movies, play games, scroll, and take notes. Investing in a hybrid laptop is a perfect way to save money.

Enjoy Mobility

Although you can’t compare the size and weight of a tablet to a 2 in 1 laptop, the fact is that these laptops are built to be light and convenient to carry around as a casual user or a business traveler. 

Business laptops are created for enhanced performance while 2 in 1 laptops are designed to function as a portable device.

Ability to Enjoy a New Operating System

All 2 in 1 laptops have Chrome or Windows 10 as their operating system.  

The new version of Windows blends touch technology, which means that you can’t fully access the benefits of these operating systems if you do not have a touch computer. 

The new technology allows you to explore a world where you can have fun, take notes, and revolutionize presentations.

Appreciate the Flexible Stunts

You can alter 2 in 1 laptops into various configurations depending on your preferences.

These laptops have advanced hinges that allow you to flip the device to a full 360 degrees without detaching the keyboard.

Moreover, you can set up a tent configuration when you use the hinge as a stand. The feature is important when you don’t need the keyboard like when watching movies or music videos.

Experience the Touch Friendly Display

Windows 10

It’s an undeniable fact that we all love to touch and engage with our devices.

When gaming controllers come in handy, and when typing notes on the phone, there are plenty of touch features that make this possible.

Switching to a laptop that only uses a keyboard can get boring and feel outdated. 2 in 1 laptops allow you to delve into the experience of the touch-friendly display. You can sketch ideas, design logos, and take notes. That guarantees more productivity and increased focus.

The Drawbacks of Buying a 2 in 1 Laptop

Every device has its positive side and its downside. Here are drawbacks to buying 2 in 1 laptops.

Power Consumption

Although you might find a few devices that have powerful specs, nothing beats having a regular PC or a laptop.  You may be lucky to find a device that runs a few games, but you’ll have to incur extra costs. 

If you’re interested in tasks that are power intense, opt for a machine that can handle the work.  Most hybrids are not built to handle some functions like regular laptops.

The Price

Price of Laptops

While the price of convertible laptops is dropping, you’ll notice that most of these hybrid laptops are still expensive compared to regular laptops with similar specs.

The price gap is attributed to the touch display.

However, there’s an increased demand for these devices, and this adds to the total cost. You may need to use a laptop if you’re comfortable handling your daily work on it.

But, if you need to have a device that replaces your tablet and another laptop, a 2 in 1 laptop is an excellent choice.

Switching the Operating System is a Hassle

Although 2 in 1 laptops offer you the best by having two operating systems, changing from one system to the other is difficult and takes time. 

You’ll need to disconnect the separate tablet from the keyboard and reconnect it for the device to reboot. Sometimes the mouse pointer may stop working, and you may need to use the function keys to re-enable the mouse.

Small Keyboards

Hybrid computers are smaller than your traditional laptops, which means a smaller keyboard. Typing on these laptops may feel cramped. Writers and those who type a lot are not advised to use convertibles.

Who Can Benefit the Most From Hybrid Laptops?

Light Weight

You should invest in a 2 in 1 laptop if you’d rather not deal with maintaining or dealing with more than one operating system.  Also, you should buy this laptop if you love the simplicity of having one device.

People who do most of their computer work at home would also benefit from 2 in 1 laptops.

The reason for this is that the extra weight of the machine won’t count when on the couch or while working from a desk.

Convertible laptops are ideal for individuals who travel a lot.  You won’t have to deal with two devices in your luggage. Furthermore, there’s added versatility when you need some privacy in crowded areas.

What Should You Look For When Buying a 2 in 1 Laptop?

With 2 in 1 laptops on the rise, it can be daunting to choose from an extensive selection of laptops that are available to purchase.

It’s essential to assess specific factors before settling on any laptops.

Why You Need the Laptop

It’s essential to determine how you intend to use the laptop.  You may need a laptop for your art and design, playing games, or streaming movies. Remember that 2 in 1 laptops vary in regards to performance and sizes.

Some are light and beautiful, while others serve as core business machines. Knowing the why will help you settle on the best 2 in 1 laptop that fits your needs and budget.

The Specs of the Software

Spreadsheet in Laptops

If you need a laptop to browse the web, check emails, or stream videos online, you’ll be fine with a budget 2 in 1 laptop.  

Also, these inexpensive machines can accommodate productivity software like spreadsheets, budgeting software, word processors, and design software.

But, if you need a laptop to run video editing software, you may need to invest in a powerful machine.

3D animation, CAD software, music production software and video editing use computer power to calculate and combine different frames.

The Size of the Laptop

Everyone has their desired size when choosing a laptop. Some prefer to keep their laptops at home for convenience while others would instead carry their laptops to the office or when traveling. 

A big size laptop is an excellent decision if you need a laptop that stays at home. A lightweight laptop works well if you plan to carry it across town on a daily basis.  Find a screen size that fits your lifestyle. 

A 10-inch model works best for an on-the-go person. Also, 2 in 1 laptops come in 13 inches and are ideal for home use.

Don’t Forget the Battery Life

Battery life is not something you have to worry about if you’re only using your laptop near an outlet. But, if you need to use your laptop on the go, you need to have a good battery life on your 2 in 1 laptop. 

A manufacturer’s website may not give you the expected battery life of a laptop. User reviews are helpful if you need to get the exact battery life.

Make the Most Out Of Your Budget

Making the Most out of a 2in1 laptop

The market is flooded with a variety of 2 in 1 laptops.

Understanding what you’re looking in a 2 in 1 laptop will help you settle on a machine that fits your budget.  

These laptops range from $150 to over $2,000.

Some low-cost machines have a low battery life which could affect your productivity. Don’t splurge on a laptop with multiple features that you won’t use. Choose a laptop that has the features you’ll make use of.

Don’t Forget the Specs and the Right Processor

It’s not daunting to find a laptop with the performance you’re looking for as most 2 in 1 laptops have an Intel processor. You can find a laptop with an m7 chip or an Intel Core i7 if you need a powerful processor.

The difference between the m7 and the Core i7 is that the former is slow, but has excellent battery life. Also, it does not need fans for cooling.

Core i5, Core i3, m5, and m3 CPUs are midrange models which provide the right balance between performance and price.  These laptops work well for casual gaming and daily tasks like checking email, browsing the web, or streaming movies online.

Atom CPUs and Intel Celeron are available in budget laptops.

Although there are fewer features on these processors, they work well when you need a device to watch Netflix or reply to emails.

The memory of hybrid laptop ranges from 4GB RAM to 16GB. The extra memory gives you added performance, but you’ll have to pay more for these laptops. A 4GB RAM works well for daily tasks.

Hybrid laptops come with a regular hard disk and solid-state drives.  A hard disk will save you some money, but an SSD gives you unmatched speed.

SSD M2

Determine if You Need any Extra Features

2 in 1 laptops have extra features that may be ideal for graphic designers and those into artwork. A few devices have a stylus that is beneficial for graphic design.

Also, some have a fingerprint sensor for added security.  

Find out if you’ll need these extra features in a hybrid laptop before deciding on one.

About the Author Marcus

Marcus has a graduate degree in computer engineering and has many years of experience in cutting-edge technology research and development in both startups and Fortune 500 corporations. In his free time, he enjoys RTS gaming.

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