Best 2-in-1 laptops
Update: If you thought the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 had a massive screen for a 2-in-1, it appears we're about to see a renaissance of 17-inch notebooks with the introduction of Dell's Inspiron 17 7000. Though if a nigh foot-and-a-half screen is too much to handle, the company is releasing 13- and 15-inch models as well.
A 2-in-1 laptop, or hybrid notebook, is a mobile computer that can serve as both a laptop and a tablet, either in a detachable design that sees the touchscreen doubling as a tablet, or a convertible approach in which the notebook's hinge rotates 360 degrees for a similar effect.
Hybrid laptops are generally priced in a range between $700 (about £450, AU$800) and $2,000 (around £1,169, AU$2,131). However, some manufacturers, like Acer, make budget hybrids, and there are even 2-in-1s designed specifically for the business user, like the Dell Venue 7000 series.
Now that we're approaching the second year of Windows 10, 2-in-1s are becoming increasingly prevalent across the market. Although a handful of hybrids – such as Microsoft's fantastic Surface Pro 4, and even the Dell XPS 12 – didn't quite qualify for this list, that's not to say 2-in-1s excluded from this list aren't worth your consideration.
In fact, you might find your needs are better suited for one of the 6 best Windows tablets. With that, here are the best 2-in-1 laptops that we've reviewed:
1. Lenovo Yoga 900
A thoughtfully refined 2-in-1 convertible
CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch QHD+ 3,200 x 1,800 IPS display | Storage: 256GB SSD
Whereas the Lenovo Yoga Pro 3 had a winning design and underwhelming performance, the Yoga 900 is the full package. By integrating more powerful Intel Core i processors and a larger battery, Lenovo's latest flagship convertible can stand toe-to-toe with most Ultrabooks and even Microsoft's latest Surface Book.
Much of this extra power only contributes to the weight and thickness of the Yoga 900, it still retains a slender physique and flexible frame allowing it to easily fold back into tablet mode.
Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 900
2. Microsoft Surface Book
The ultimate Windows 10 hybrid laptop
CPU: 2.4GHz Intel Core i5-6300U | Graphics: Intel HD graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.5-inch, 3,000 x 2,000 PixelSense Display | Storage: 128GB PCIe3.0 SSD
In 2015, Microsoft made some noise in announcing the company's first laptop, the Surface Book. Although there's still work to be done, namely in its perhaps ill-advised 3:2 aspect ratio and 13.5-inch screen, it's still one of the best in convertible laptop options.
In its tablet, or Clipboard, mode it's among the most powerful and thinnest Windows 10 devices on the market. Dock it into the keyboard base, however, and you're in for a real treat assuming you opt for a discrete GPU configuration.
Read the full review: Surface Book
3. HP Spectre x360
Sublime. Near-perfect
CPU: 2.2GHz Intel Core i5-5200 | Graphics:Intel HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 4GB DDR3 (1600Mhz) | Screen: 13.3-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 FHD Radiance LED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 128GB SSD
A vote for the HP Spectre x360 is a vote for one of our most recommended machines Complete with an excellent 1080p screen, solid performance, good battery life, and sturdy build quality, the Spectre x360 is one of the best hybrids money can buy, especially considering its modest price point of $999 (£800 AU$1,899).
If it weren't for the x360's unwieldy trackpad, this laptop would have easily stood amongst the most highly rated laptops TechRadar has ever reviewed. Despite its flaws, though, the Spectre x360 is still one of the best-looking and powerful devices HP has ever produced and well worth a look over many, many other 2-in-1 laptops. And hey, at least it fared much better than its performance deficient predecessor.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360
4. Toshiba Satellite Radius 12
A stylish 4K convertible Ultrabook
CPU: 2.3GHz Intel Core i7-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12.5-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 TruBrite LED backlit touchscreen | Storage: 256GB SSD
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.
Read the full review: Toshiba Satellite Radius 12
5. HP Pavilion x2
The most affordable Windows 10 convertible
CPU: 1.44GHz Intel Atom x5-Z8300 | Graphics: Intel HD graphics | RAM: 2GB| Screen: 10.1-inch, 1,280 x 800 WXGA WLED IPS touchscreen display | Storage: 32GB eMMC
Getting into the world of Windows 10 convertibles isn't cheap unless we're talking about the Pavilion x2. This 10-inch hybrid comes packing a surprising amount of goods considering its small size. It comes outfitted with an HD screen and more than enough power to get you through a simple day of web browsing and even image editing.
When you're ready kick back with some streaming media, you can pop off the 10-inch works as a great little tablet. And if you're looking for something with a bit more screen real estate there's the 12-inch HP Pavilion x2.
Read the full review: HP Pavilion x2
6. Dell Inspiron 13 7000
An attractive, versatile package
CPU: 2.1GHz Intel Core i7-5500 | Graphics: Intel Core i3-5010U processor | RAM: 4GB DDR3L (1,600MHz) | Screen: 13.3-inch HD (1366 x 768) Truelife LED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 500GB HDD
Though there's nothing remarkably distinct about the Dell Inspiron 13 7000, it's a sturdy device that packs 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 your colleagues.
If you're a student or a hardy at-home worker cranking out last-minute assignments in the wee hours of the night, you'll be delighted to hear that the Inspiron 13 7000's keyboard, at least according to Dell, is waterproof. We wouldn't advise, say, resting your steaming hot cup of joe on its alphanumerics, but of course it's a welcome feature.
Read the full review: Dell Inspiron 13 7000
7. HP Elite x2 1012 G1
Impressive usability
CPU: 1.1GHz Intel Core m5-6Y54 (dual-core, 4MB cache, up to 2.7GHz with Turbo Boost) | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 8GB LPDDR3-1866 SDRAM | Screen: 12-inch, 1,920 x 1,280 FHD UWVA eDP ultra-slim LED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 256GB M.2 SATA TLC SSD
If you're looking for something more resistant than a Surface Pro but with minimal added weight, the HP Elite x2 1012 G1 is a top contender. Featuring a backlit keyboard, Wacom "Active" pen support, and Thunderbolt 3, the HP Elite x2 1012 G1 is as versatile as it is alluring.
And that goes without mentioning the 12 point stress test the tablet underwent through production. Yes, HP claims that its Elite x2 1012 G1 can endure drops, bumps and temperature shifts that would leave other tablets on the market dead in the streets. $1,349 might seem pricey for a device with only a 1080p display, but the HP Elite x2 1012 G1 is better in action than in description.
Read the full review: HP Elite x2 1012 G1
8. Lenovo Yoga 900S
The lightest 2-in-1 laptop
CPU: 1.1GHz Intel Core m5-6Y54 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 12.5-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 FHD IPS, multi-touch | Storage: 128GB PCIe SSD
The Lenovo Yoga 900S feels like a direct response to Apple's 12-inch MacBook. The 12.5-inch display, the USB-C port and even the Intel Core-M chip on the inside reeks of the controversial, yet incredibly lightweight MacBook. It's a response, however, that brings with it a few notable advantages over Cupertino's solution.
For one, you get access to full-size USB 3.0 ports in addition to the Type-C interface. The highest end version ships with a m7 processor and 1440p display and it costs less than MacBook's comparatively specced $1,749 model. Unfortunately, you'll also have to deal with a smaller trackpad and a similarly inadequate keyboard, but the Yoga 900S is a great value otherwise.
Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 900S
9. HP Spectre x360 15
This 15-inch hybrid is more portable than you think
CPU: 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-6200U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD, IPS touchscreen | Storage: 256GB Flash SSD
The Spectre x360 15 is an excellent 2-in-1 laptop that stands out with its thin, all-metal body. It features an excellent 15-inch IPS touch panel and it only gets better if you add on the affordable 4K screen.
What's more, the battery life on the x360 15 is surprisingly unhindered by the high resolution display. Those unimpressed by lengthy battery lives and more focused on sleek, ambidextrous designs, however, should scroll down to what's next on our list.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 15
10. Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi
Asus' thin and gorgeous 2-in-1 laptop
CPU: 1.2GHz Intel Core M 5Y71 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5300 | RAM: 4GB | Screen: 12.5-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 capacitive multi-touch IPS display | Storage: 128GB SSD
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 among one of the thinnest in its class and taking the screen off the keyboard base turns 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, getting you through all your daily tasks. Sadly, 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.
Read the full review: Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi
Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article
- Now, how about that Surface Pro 4?
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