Do you need a laptop for your work or studies? There are different types of laptops to choose from, such as 2 laptops in 1. But what is a two in one laptop and how does it differ from other models available on market today.
So what is a 2 in 1 laptop?
A 2 in 1 laptop is a laptop that has the capability of functioning as either a tablet or a laptop computer through swappable keyboards and touch screen controls. When the keyboard isn’t attached to the system it functions just like any other tablet device. However, when you attach the keyboard back you can use this device both as a touchscreen tablet pc and as a fully functional windows touchscreen laptop with a physical qwerty keypad.
A 2 in 1 laptop is also called a convertible laptop. These laptops combine the features of a tablet and the features of a laptop. When we open these 2 in 1 laptop, we can find that their screens are touchable and they do not have keyboards. We can use them as tablets if we don’t want a keyboard on them. They come with many exclusive apps which allow us to get files, send emails, edit documents or files, work on excel sheets, etc., anywhere at any time according to our ease.
What are the pros of 2 in 1 laptops?
Flexibility
The main advantage of using this kind of device is its flexibility – you can easily switch from tablet mode to PC mode depending on what you are doing.
It is very easy to park this kind of computer in your bag or purse when you don’t need it, making it a perfect substitute for the traditional tablet.
Touchscreen
Its versatility ensures that it’s not used only at home, but also outside by making use of that touchscreen functionality even while commuting on public transport or on the go. A huge advantage especially for business people or students who can easily switch between work and playing time using their 2-in-1 laptop, without worrying about taking up too much space with carrying different devices.
In this type of device, the keyboard is still detachable, so it can be used as a normal tablet while you’re not sitting in front of your pc or laptop.
Versatility and compact size
2-in-1 laptops have become very popular these days among consumers due to their versatility and compact size. They are highly sought after because they provide a variety of options for media consumption and content creation while maintaining portability and comfort. They come with both a touchscreen display and an attached physical keyboard that converts the device into traditional laptop mode when needed. One such example would be Microsoft’s Surface series, which can be used in a variety of useful configurations such as the integrated kickstand and removable keyboard.
Smaller screens
2 in 1 laptops usually have 12-inch screens although there are bigger versions too. The difference between a two-in-one laptop and a regular laptop is that the two-in-one model has a touchscreen built into an adjustable lid. It’s sort of like a notebook computer with a flip-screen display instead of a removable tablet or monitor.
Detachable keyboards
In general, these computers have touchscreens that become active when the keyboard is detached from them, as well as becoming limited to specific apps inside Windows 8/8.1 environment. In addition, most 2-in-1 laptops have processors and memory similar to those used in smartphones, along with cameras designed for use by skype users rather than photographers.
Portability
These 2 in 1 laptops are made so portable so that we can use them conveniently while traveling. They run all the latest OS so that we can do every official work on them conveniently. Their screens are made up to 12.5 inches and 13.3 inches which allow us to use all apps without any hassle and their long-lasting battery (4-10 hours) lets us work on our files all the time we want.
What are the cons of 2 in 1 laptops?
However, these laptops have also some cons like :
No CD Drives
They don’t have disk drives. So we cannot install windows easily using disks or CDs due to the fact that windows 7/8 doesn’t come with such disks or CDs. We need to download windows from the internet and then install it on our 2 in 1 laptop. They look like tablets but they are not as convenient as tablets since they do not support touch screens and multi-touch.
Expensive to maintain and repair
Beware! Since they are so small and light, these laptops are super vulnerable to damage, which means you’ll have to take good care of them always unless you want your money spent on them to go to waste. You must also keep in mind that if your laptop is physically damaged, repairs can get quite expensive.
Popularity among students
These types of laptops are particularly popular among students who use them for note-taking and studying. The touchscreen display allows for easy annotation of text-based materials that can be saved to OneNote or Excel, while the portability and lightweight body make it ideal to carry around. That being said, there are a few downsides to this new technology. Since most 2 in 1 laptop have a smaller form factor than traditional laptops, they come with fewer ports which can cause some inconvenience when connecting additional peripherals. In addition, many complain that the built-in trackpad is unreliable under heavy usage or does not provide enough tactile feedback when clicking.
Personal opinion
When I’m traveling I like to take my computer with me so that I can still get work done. In order to make writing articles easier while on a plane or train, I use a 2 in 1 laptop which allows me to fold over its screen and use it as a tablet when necessary. This is great because it only weighs a few KGs and has great battery life.
Nowadays, many companies are involved in making these kinds of laptops, but few of them have real value and are worth money. I think you should also check out some laptops before buying one. They can be found easily in your local Officeworks.
Not every brand shares the same definition of portability when it comes to 2-in-1 PCs. However, what both unites and divides laptop, 2-in-1 and tablet makers is the question of how portable your PC should be and what can or should be sacrificed in exchange for it.
Tablets like the Apple iPad are much lighter than other kinds of portable computers, but they do come with some serious limitations. For example, iPads can only run iOS and iOS apps, don’t have many ports and lack a physical keyboard.
In contrast, Convertible 2-in-1 PCs like the Dell Inspirion 14 2-in-1 run on Windows 10 and boast a laptop-like keyboard that can be folded away when not in use, allowing the device to transform between being a tablet and being a laptop. The form-factor is a little closer to the latter than the former, but that often comes accompanied by gains in performance.
Meanwhile, Detachable 2-in-1 PCs such as the Microsoft Surface try to find a middle ground between tablets and convertibles by using a detachable design where the keyboard can be removed at a moment’s notice. There’s a little more portable than convertibles, but they’re also often a little less powerful.
A 2-in-1 laptop opens up a whole new, different world, and that’s what makes it so enticing as a personal computer. By combining a laptop and tablet into a single device, it provides portability and access to tasks you simply couldn’t perform with a traditional laptop.
Are you considering buying a 2-in-1 laptop? Let’s take a look at their benefits and the multitude of features included in these versatile devices.
What is a 2-in-1 laptop?
A 2-in-1 laptop blends the core functions of a traditional clamshell laptop with a tablet. It also makes for a broad category of devices. There are machines that lean closer toward being tablets with laptop capabilities, and devices with high processing power that can double as a tablet.
However, the device must have several key components to be considered a 2-in-1 laptop.
- Touch screen
- Keyboard
- Complete operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Chrome OS
- More processing power than a standard tablet
Are 2-in-1 laptops worth it?
2-in-1 laptops may be the perfect device for you, depending on your intended use. If you need a portable machine with a touch screen display and convertible features, then you can't go wrong with a 2-in-1 laptop. These hybrid laptops can do just about anything, from office work to media streaming, while providing incredible portability and flexibility.
Furthermore, 2-in-1 laptops can be a worthwhile investment for many remote workers and students who want to use their device for recreation on off-hours. You can use the Windows OS in tablet mode on almost all 2-in-1 models, which makes it a more feature-rich option for those who love the tablet experience but are frustrated by some of a tablet’s more limited features.
However, if you need additional processing power for more intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing, then a 2-in-1 laptop may not be the right choice after all.
2-in-1 laptops vs traditional laptops
2-in-1 laptops excel in terms of portability and flexibility, and they accomplish this through streamlined specs and components. While traditional laptops offer room for more storage, RAM, and other specs for improved power, this leads to bigger dimensions and heavier machines.
There are two different types of 2-in-1 laptops, and they provide features that traditional laptops simply can’t.
Convertible laptop
Convertible laptops are more closely linked to a traditional laptop, because they typically have durable keyboards and higher-tier components. Convertibles also feature a strong hinge that allows you to rotate the keyboard of the device up to 360 degrees, though the keyboard itself remains fixed to the screen.
Detachable 2-in-1 laptop
If you want something more tablet-oriented, then you’ll want to consider a hybrid or detachable 2-in-1 laptop. These devices allow you to completely remove the keyboard from the device. They tend to be lighter weight and more portable than either traditional and convertible options.
Both the convertible 2-in-1 laptop and hybrid 2-in-1 laptop offer something unique from their more traditional clamshell cousin. Also, you can find either option at a variety of prices and intended uses, from a sleek media device up to something more powerful for professional use. The one you choose depends on your individual routine.
Top 5 reasons why you should buy a 2-in-1 laptop
There are a number of reasons to consider a 2-in-1 laptop. Beyond the more obvious reasons of portability and flexibility, they offer superb value and extended battery life. But what else? Keep reading to learn the top 5 reasons why you should buy a 2-in-1 laptop.
1. Portability for work or school
A 2-in-1 laptop is a great choice for students and professionals who don't want to invest in both a laptop and a tablet. For professionals, a convertible laptop may be the right choice, because they balance performance with functionality. But for students, who may favour portability above all else, a detachable 2-in-1 laptop could be the right choice. It all depends on your routine.
As masters of portability, a 2-in-1 laptop rarely weighs more than 4 lbs, making it perfect for running to class or dashing from the office to the boardroom. It saves you from bringing along multiple devices, too, which will make your backpack even lighter.
2. Longer battery life
2-in-1 laptops generally provide superior battery life compared to traditional laptops because they use more efficient, but also less power-intensive, components. This is particularly true with convertible 2-in-1 laptops, which store the battery in the base just like a traditional laptop. However, some detachable laptops come with additional battery cells in their detachable portions, allowing for hours of use in tablet form.
3. More modes for ultimate flexibility
One of the key advantages of 2-in-1 laptops is their remarkable flexibility, which is accomplished through a variety of modes. Beyond the standard laptop and tablet modes, you can use most 2-in-1 laptops in two additional ways: tent and reverse mode. These allow you to adjust the hinge to create an ideal viewing experience for any use.
In tent mode, you can rotate the hinge 360 degrees, which allows you to face the screen upward while bringing the keyboard behind it in a downward position. This is ideal when you want to view media or conduct a presentation, all while using the base and keyboard as a stand for your device. In contrast, reverse mode keeps the laptop standing upwards and allows you to view the screen without the keyboard getting in the way.
4. Excellent value
One of the top reasons to purchase a 2-in-1 laptop is that you get two devices built into one. This means that you don't have to buy or maintain both a traditional laptop along with a tablet. This can help you save both time and money, because you’re not dealing with the hassle of keeping yet another device updated and secure. You'll also only need one charger and one set of accessories, allowing you to cut down on clutter, using just one device for work, school, travel, and leisure.
5. Touch screen for enhanced use
Perhaps the biggest reason to buy a 2-in-1 laptop is the touch screen; a feature that gives these devices their unique character. Do you prefer taking notes by hand? Just flip your laptop into tablet mode and you’re good to go. Or maybe you want to write, draw, and do everything else with a digital pen? When you choose the HP Spectre x360, you’ll receive an HP Tilt Pen with your purchase so you can immediately enjoy the laptop’s “inking mode” in tablet or laptop mode.
You can also use the touch screen like you would with a traditional tablet, which makes a 2-in-1 laptop ideal for commuters. Plus, many of these devices include fingerprint scanners for quick, easy security.
HP 2-in-1 laptops to consider
2-in-1 laptops are a great value buy for anyone who wants to handle all of their work, school, and media viewing needs in a single device. In addition to their excellent battery life, small form factor, and multiple usage modes, these laptops serve as a stellar middle ground between a traditional laptop and a tablet.
HP® has a variety of excellent 2-in-1 laptops on offer. Along with the HP Spectre x360, there are the HP EliteBook x360 and the HP Chromebook x360 available. The HP Elitebook x360 is a high-end option with a powerful Intel® Core™ i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, two specs that rival many traditional laptops. In contrast, the HP Chromebook x360 is a more affordable choice, but it’s just as snappy thanks to the included Chrome OS and streamlined setup.
While all three are fantastic 2-in-1 laptops, there are other options to consider from HP® as well. And once you're convinced that a 2-in-1 laptop is right for your needs, you’ll be ready to enjoy one of the most portable, flexible, and versatile devices on the market.
About the Author: Daniel Horowitz is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Daniel is a New York-based author and has written for publications such as USA Today, Digital Trends, Unwinnable Magazine, and many other media outlets.