2-in-1 Laptops

Choosing 2-in-1 Laptops

The chief appeal of 2-in-1 laptops is combining the portability of a tablet with the processing power of a laptop. These hybrid mobile computers are lightweight devices with touchscreen displays. They're available in different sizes, ranging from mini 10 to 11-inch models to mid-sized 13 to 14-inch units, and desktop-class 15.6-inch devices. While a few run ChromeOS, most of the computers in this category are Windows machines.

Convertible and Detachable Laptops

There are two major types of these hybrid computers: detachable models with removable keyboards, and convertible ones with keyboards that flip 360 degrees. Each form factor has its merits. For example, 2-in-1 detachable laptops offer maximum portability, while a convertible model is the one to pick if you use the keyboard a lot. The rotatable design of a convertible keyboard makes it more flexible and introduces new ways to use your mobile PC, like tent and display modes. A detachable hybrid is the 2-in-1 device to get if you're looking for a tablet PC that's as powerful as a laptop, and you use a keyboard occasionally. Some PC brands favor one hybrid form factor over the other. For example, most Samsung 2-in-1 laptops are detachable hybrids.

Key Features of Hybrid Laptops

The most important hardware specs are screen resolution, processor, memory, graphics, and storage. The minimum screen resolution to select for a 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop is 1366 x 768. For 13-inch and larger models, go for a 1080p or full HD display. Higher resolutions like quad HD and 4K are options for premium lines like the Dell 2-in-1 laptops in the brand's XPS series.

Intel CPUs are the most popular processors used for Windows 2-in-1 models. Budget models pack Intel Atom, Pentium, and Core i3 chips, paired with 4GB of RAM. More powerful units have Core i5 and i7 CPUs alongside 8GB of RAM or higher. If you're looking for a 2-in-1 gaming laptop, pick a Core i7 model equipped with a dedicated graphics card. Storage options for hybrid computers include flash memory, hard drives, and solid-state drives. SSDs are the fastest, and are available with up to 1TB of storage capacity.

Connectivity Options for 2-in-1 Laptops

These computers usually have multiple ports and wireless options for connecting to other devices and the internet. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are standard connectivity options for 2-in-1 convertible laptops. However, port selection varies, and may include any number of the following: USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and memory card slots. For even faster data transfer speeds, consider Thunderbolt 2-in-1 laptops. The Thunderbolt port uses a USB-C connector and carries more data and power than most computer ports. Through this, you can connect your detachable or convertible PC to two external 4K monitors. It's a common feature of high-end Lenovo 2-in-1 laptops.

Take advantage of the hybrid form factor of 2-in-1 convertible laptops by replacing your PC and tablet with a single device. Find different models from your preferred PC brand in the extensive selection of the best convertible laptops at B&H Photo and Video.