Most of the ultraportable laptops available nowadays are 2-in-1s, or convertibles, which mean they include a rotating/detachable touchscreen and can be used as regular notebooks, as tablets, or something in between. Basically, 2-in-1 laptops are simply laptops that can be transformed into a tablet (and vice versa) regardless of its transformation methods (flipping or pivoting/swiveling the screen or detaching the keyboard). Nowadays 2-in-1s have become as commonplace as traditional laptops. And, there are a handful of them worth your consideration. Just check our 2-in-1 Laptops review and find out!
1# Lenovo Yoga 900
Overview:Whereas the Lenovo Yoga Pro 3 had a winning design paired with less than stellar performance, the Yoga 900 refuses to compromise. Complete with more powerful Intel Core i processors and a larger battery pack, the Yoga 900 turns out to be Lenovo’s best convertible yet.
ProsConsHigher-than-1080p-resolution displayScreen colors aren’t as bright as that of rivalsInnovative multimode hinge.Connecting to an external display requires a separate USB-C adapterFunction key row.Shallow keyboard
SpecificationsBrandLenovoModelYoga 900ProcessorIntel Core i7-6500URAM8GB RAMStorage256GB SSDScreen Size13.3-InchPrice$1,179.00
2# Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga
Overview:If you want a 2-in-1 that is sleek, slim and professional, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is for you. Its understated black design with red accents calls attention to the job being done rather than the machine doing the work. Inside is an island-style keyboard, a trackpad and nub, a fingerprint reader, and a 1920 x 1080 touch-screen display surrounded by a thick, black bezel. A card reader is located on the back of the device, but it’s difficult to access when the X1 is in laptop mode, so you’ll want to close the laptop or switch to tent or tablet mode before using the card reader. The computer features a carbon-fiber lid and a body made from magnesium, and it feels very solid despite how light it is.
ProsConsLight, durable and flexible designBottom runs warmBuilt-in stylus.Below-average SSD speed on Core i5 modelLong battery life.No USB-C or Ethernet ports.
SpecificationsBrandLenevoModelThinkPad X1 YogaProcessorIntel Core i5-6200URAM8GB RAMStorage256GB SSDScreen Size14-InchPrice$1,293.30
3# Microsoft Surface Book
Overview:Microsoft Surface series with its ultra-slim design and ultra-low-voltage x86-architecture CPU is often considered a laptop series that revolutionizes the design and power of laplet. Microsoft Surface Book is the enhanced version of Microsoft Surface by introducing more powerful engine and better display. With the Surface pen that is now included in the package instead of being sold separately, taking note and reading e-books will be an easy and convenient task. Being a versatile 2 in 1 laptop, Microsoft Surface Book will suffice the computing needs of students, artists, designers, and office workers.
ProsConsFuturistic designNo ports on tablet body.Unrivaled displayDoes not lie flat when closed.Seamless tablet separationMajor updates are still in tow
SpecificationsBrandMicrosoftModelSurface BookProcessorIntel Core i5RAM8 GB RAMStorage128 GBScreen Size13.5-inchPrice$1,331.00
4# HP Spectre x360 13t
Overview:A vote for the Spectre x360 13t is a vote for not only one of our most recommended, but one of HP’s most revered, machines. Complete with an excellent 1080p screen, stellar performance, sturdy build quality and not to mention a fabulous battery life, the HP Spectre x360 is among the best hybrids money can buy, especially considering its modest price point.
ProsConsBeautiful copper designBottom can get hotStrong performanceKeyboard feels a bit flatSuperbly thinToo heavy to use as a tablet
SpecificationsBrandHPModelSpectre x360 13tProcessorIntel Core i7RAM8GB RAMStorage512GB SSDScreen Size13.3 InchPrice$788.00
5# Toshiba Satellite Radius 12
Overview:As the first 4K-enabled convertible on the market, the Toshiba Radius 12 is a spectacular machine both inside and out. This sharp 2-in-1 laptop was designed to be held as a tablet just as much as it was meant to be used on your lap.Thanks to its lightweight and ergonomically designed chassis, this is one transformable notebook you’ll actually want to hold in your hand. Despite its questionably rearranged keyboard layout and lackluster battery life, the Toshiba Radius 12 is surprisingly a solid performer even at its native resolution which, by the way, is only bettered by a striking color palette.
ProsConsall-aluminum designCramped keyboardvibrant 1080p touch displaySmall keys with short travel.High-quality speakersDismal battery life
SpecificationsBrandToshibaModelSatellite Radius 12ProcessorIntel Core i7RAM8GB MemoryStorage256GB SSDScreen Size12.5 InchPrice$795.00
6# HP Spectre x360 15t
Overview:The Spectre x360 15 is an excellent 2-in-1 laptop that stands out with its thin, all-metal body and heavy contrast display. Featuring an excellent 15-inch IPS touch panel, the x360 15 only gets better with the optional 4K display.What’s more, the x360 15’s battery life is surprisingly unhindered by its high resolution; however that could be a result of the weak backlighting of the display. Those unimpressed by lengthy battery lives and more intrigued by sleek, ambidextrous designs, however, should scroll down to what’s next on our list.
ProsConsGood performance from Core i7 processor.Bulky and awkward in Tablet mode.16GB of memory.Shallow keyboard.Generous port selection includes HDMI and USB-C.Weak speakers for their size
SpecificationsBrandHPModelSpectre x360 15tProcessorIntel Core i5RAM8GB RAMStorage256GB SSDScreen Size15.6 InchPrice$1149.99
7# Acer Aspire Switch 11 V
Overview:The original Acer Aspire Switch 11 earned our first Editors’ Choice for midrange detachable-hybrid tablets, thanks to its impressive mix of performance, smart design, and affordability. The Acer Aspire Switch 11 V improves on its predecessor in just about every way. While it’s not anything revolutionary, the Switch 11 V is faster all around, and now features Windows 10. There are still a few gripes with its design and weight, but Acer has sweetened the pot by dropping the price by $50. Because the Switch 11 V builds on an already best-in-class system by making it faster and slightly slimmer than before, it’s our Editors’ Choice for midrange detachable-hybrid tablets.
ProsConsNice price.Stiff, jumpy touchpadAttractive 1080p In-Plane Switching (IPS) display.Reflective screenAll-around speed improvement over its predecessor.Deceptively heavy for its size, especially the plastic dock.
SpecificationsBrandAcerModelAspire Switch 11 VProcessorIntel Core M 5Y10c processorRAM4 GB RAMStorage128 GB SSDScreen Size11.6 InchPrice$439.00
8# Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi
Overview:If you’re looking for a 2-in-1 machine with portability to boot, there aren’t many devices that beat the Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi. This 12.5-inch convertible is one of the thinnest in its class and taking the screen off the keyboard base transforms the T300 Chi into a true Windows tablet. Though the device is powered by a low-wattage processor, it packs enough punch to drive a 4K display, managing to get you through all your daily tasks. Sadly, the Transformer Book T300 Chi’s battery life is a little on the short side and you’ll have to cope without full-size USB and HDMI ports, but otherwise this is an excellent and affordable hybrid.
ProsConsThin and light designColors a touch too saturatedFlexible use casesUnimpressive battery lifeVibrant display made for mediaMicro-sized ports
SpecificationsBrandAsusModelTransformer Book T300 ChiProcessorIntel CoreTM M-5Y10RAM4GB RAMStorage128GB SSDScreen Size12.5-inchPrice$387.70
9# Microsoft Surface Pro 4
Overview:The Microsoft Surface line of tablets has been fairly divisive; for every evangelist there are plenty of skeptics who doubt the device can truly replace a laptop. Microsoft is forging on with the fourth iteration regardless, building the Surface Pro 4 on the strongest points of its predecessors. It’s a significant improvement over the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 in just about every way. And for the same price. Upgrades like a bigger, better display, an improved Type Cover and Surface Pen, and strong battery life in our tests make the Surface Pro 4 our Editors’ Choice for high-end slate tablets.
ProsConsBest Type Cover yet.Below-average battery life.Bright Pixel Sense display.Still only one USB port.Speedy SSD and 6th-gen Intel CPU.Glitchy rear camera
SpecificationsBrandMicrosoftModelSurface Pro 4ProcessorIntel Core i5RAM8 GB RAMStorage256 GB SSDScreen Size12.3 InchPrice$1,098.99
10# Dell Inspiron 13 7000
Overview:Though there’s nothing remarkably distinct about the Dell Inspiron 13 7000, there’s no denying it’s a sturdy device that nigh-perfectly balances the worlds of both performance and style. What’s best about the Inspiron 13 is its ability to camouflage itself as a conventional laptop. Bend that sucker back like you’re about to break the screen right off the hinge, though, and you’ll be greeted by a flexible tablet design accompanied by shrieks of terror from surrounding colleagues. Students and freelancers cranking out last-minute assignments in the wee hours of the night will be delighted to hear that the Inspiron 13 7000’s keyboard, at least according to Dell, is indeed waterproof. We wouldn’t advise, say, resting your steaming hot cup of Joe on its alphanumeric, but of course it’s a welcome feature.
ProsConsAttractive designLackluster battery lifeSturdy constructionThe device is thicker when compared to other hybrid PCs on the market.Speedy, powerful performanceRuns a bit hot
SpecificationsBrandDellModelInspiron 13 7000ProcessorIntel Core i3RAM4 GB RAMStorage500 GB 5400 rpm Hard DriveScreen Size13-InchPrice$478.99
Wrap Up
Drawing the line on 2-in-1 laptops, it’s hard to say some models are better than the others, as they are different and address different needs. At the end of the day though, you know exactly what you want from your next computer and how much you’re planning to spend on it, that’s why the final decision is all yours. If you need more help deciding, if you spot any new product that’s not included in here or if you just have something to ask or add to this list, don’t hesitate to use the comments section below. We’ll reply as soon as possible.
