2-in-1 laptop reviews

What is a 2-in-1 laptop and how does it work?

This device combines the perks of a laptop and a tablet. These include the low profile of a tablet, the power and ergonomics of a laptop, a touch screen, and a built-in keyboard.

What types of 2-in-1 laptops are there?

There are two main types of 2-in-1 laptops on the market: those with 360-degree rotating hinges, and those with chiclet keyboards.

The former is more suitable for people who most often use them as a standard laptop. These models can be used in various ways since the keyboard also doubles as standing support. The latter is more tailored for mobility and use as a tablet since the keyboard also acts as a carrying case.

Either way, our tests show that both types are great for productivity. Defining which is better depends on the buyers opinion.

Characteristics of a 360-degree hinge:

• Design: The screen can be folded into a flat tablet.
• Features: More advanced features are offered. These models generally integrate more powerful processors and have more RAM in comparison to other 2-in-1 laptops.
• Dimensions: These are generally larger and heavier.
• Connections: They offer more USB and HDMI ports, as well as expansion slots.

Characteristics of a chiclet [removable] keyboard:

• Design: The keyboard can be completely separated and double as a carrying case.
• Features: Performance tends to be inferior, limited by the need for the components to fit within the screen.
• Dimensions: Smaller dimensions offer functionality similar to that of tablets, meaning that they are lighter.
• Connections: Since they have limited available space, some only feature one USB port and a video connection.

Advantages and Disadvantages of 2-in-1 Laptops

In our product tests, these hybrid computers offered the functionality, capacity, and performance of a regular laptop as well as the comfort and versatility of a touch-screen tablet. Their extremely light weight also means you can take them with you virtually anywhere.

On the downside, the test demonstrates that these laptops tend to offer little storage space since they often integrate SSDs. You should also be careful with models featuring hinges because excessive use will eventually damage your laptop.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Shopping Criteria for 2-in-1 Laptops

As you know, there are various key aspects to take into consideration when the time comes to buy a 2-in-1 laptop. We want to make this selection process as easy as possible for you, which is why weve detailed some criteria to note. If you use them as a guide, youll be satisfied with your purchase and get the best possible value for money.

• Personal use
• Screen
• Random-access memory [RAM]
• Microprocessor
• Storage capacity
• Connectivity
• Autonomy

Personal Use

Naturally, the first question you should ask yourself is how you plan to use your laptop. This is very important because you wont need the same model for home use as you would for taking with you on trips. In the same vein, opting for a more or less powerful device depends on the tasks you will need it to perform.

A low-end model will be more than enough if you simply want to browse the Internet, watch videos, and check your email or social media. However, if youre going to use it for more demanding tasks, its crucial that you opt for a 2-in-1 laptop with better features. In that regard, consider choosing one with more powerful processors and RAM.

Screen

The most important aspect regarding the screen is its size. These devices generally feature screens measuring around 14 inches. Regardless of this, an 11-inch model will be plenty to watch videos and work with Microsoft Office. You might opt for the 11-inch screen for its portability, but we dont advise going for anything smaller.

The resolution is another key criterion that fundamentally influences the quality of the image youll be able to enjoy. Currently, the options available are HD [high-definition], Full HD, and 4K. While it is true that there is still relatively little content available in 4K, this standard will most likely take over in the coming years.

RAM

Random-access memory [RAM] is what computers use as their working memory. This is why this component is so vital for the performance of your laptop computer. The RAM stores all the information treated by the processor and all the data managed by the different programs running on your computer.

This is one of the components where more is better. Most low-end 2-in-1 laptops offer 2GB of RAM, although we encourage you to choose a model with at least 4GB if your budget allows it. Additionally, check which type of RAM it integrates.

Microprocessor

The processors of 2-in-1 laptops are much more powerful in comparison to those of standard tablets. Low-end processors are generally the dual-core Intel Atom or Celeron, while high-end processors use more powerful Intel Core i3, Core i5, or even Core i7.

Therefore, models like the Lenovo Yoga 730, 910, and 920 include the Core i7 processor, which offers great features. Keep in mind that manufacturers often propose different configuration options on their models. This is the case for the Microsoft Surface Pro, which can be found with Intel Core i3, Core i5, or Core i7 processors.

Storage Capacity

As we mentioned earlier, these devices typically dont offer large storage drives or hard disks. This limitation is a consequence of the need to reduce their weight and to design very thin 2-in-1 laptops. However, most models integrate SSDs, allowing the operating system to start much faster.

Many of these laptops generally have 128GB or 256GB storage drives. In high-end models, you can find configurations with higher capacities that can reach 512GB or even 1TB. If you need to work around this issue, you can use portable external hard drives to store your heaviest multimedia files.

Connectivity

Our world is becoming increasingly connected, which means that the connectivity options available on your computer are another aspect to think about. In that sense, some laptops have certain limitations regarding the number of offered USB ports. Ideally, there would be at least three of these ports, although the reality is that many 2-in-1 laptops only have two.

You also want to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. An HDMI input will also be useful if you want to play high-definition video and connect your laptop to a Smart TV or projector. Unfortunately, this is not a very common feature for 2-in-1 laptops. Finally, having a microSD card reader might come in handy.

Autonomy

One great aspect of these laptops is that their batteries often last longer than most traditional computers. In that regard, you can purchase devices with autonomies of up to ten hours. This greater autonomy is made possible by the use of low-power processors. Some models also have fast-charging systems, which are particularly useful when youre on the go.

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FAQs

Is it worth buying a 2-in-1 laptop?

In our opinion, this is naturally an interesting option to consider because of the various benefits weve mentioned so far. Getting one of these devices will also save you money since youre effectively buying two devices for the price of one. In fact, our test confirmed that this is probably the main reason why its popularity keeps growing alongside the number of units sold.

For whom are 2-in-1 laptops designed?

According to our test, these compact computers are particularly useful for people who travel a lot and are best for those who often work on laptops. In that regard, traditional computers arent very comfortable to use. It is in these situations that the ability to turn your laptop into a tablet is very helpful.