The Finest 2-in-1 Laptops: The greatest convertible, hybrid, and flexible computers

Mobile workers who need maximum flexibility will be lured to 2-in-1 devices that can function as laptops or tablets – albeit they will normally cost more than a standard clamshell device. These are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. ‘Laptop first’ 2-in-1s resemble ordinary laptops, with ‘proper’ keyboards, but can detach the screen part to function as an independent tablet (‘detachable’), or swivel or twist the screen to rest flat against the keyboard section, facing outwards (‘convertible’). A convertible form factor variation moves the screen forward to rest flat over the keyboard.

‘Tablet first’ 2-in-1s are, as the name implies, mostly tablets that can function as laptops thanks to an add-on – sometimes flimsy – keyboard, with the tablet held up by a kickstand.

Windows has long dominated the PC operating system market due to its widespread availability on a wide range of OEM (and, more recently, Microsoft) hardware, resulting in a vast array of applications built for the platform. Convertible Windows devices have been available for a long time. However, it’s safe to argue that the current 2-in-1 era began in 2013 with Microsoft’s Surface Pro, which debuted alongside Windows 8 Pro. The Surface line, which was conceived as a showcase for innovative tablet/laptop technology and form factors in order to entice Microsoft’s OEM partners, has subsequently turned into a profitable business for the corporation.

Lenovo Yoga 9i (14-inch)

Convertible 2-in-1 devices that can be used as a laptop or a tablet and can orient the 360-degree-hinged screen at various locations in between can meet a range of needs.

2. Samsung Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360

The 15.6-inch Galaxy Book 2 Pro 360 from Samsung is a tiny and light 360-degree convertible 2-in-1 that costs $950 for a configuration with a 12th-generation Core i7 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. A step up to 16GB and 1TB costs $1,150.

HP Spectre x360 14

OS Windows 11 (Home, Pro) | CPU Intel Core i5-1235U, Core i7-1255U | GPU Intel Iris Xe Graphics | RAM 8GB, 16GB, 32GB | Storage 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | Screen 13.5-inch IPS touch screen, 1920 x 1280 (3:2), 400 nits or 1000 nits with privacy screen • OLED touch screen, 3000 x 2000, 400 nits | Wireless Bluetooth 5.3, Wi 2 speakers, 2 microphones, 3.5mm audio in/out | 66Wh battery | 11.73in x 8.68in x 0.67in (298mm x 220mm x 17mm) | Weight 2.98lbs (1.35kg).

The HP Spectre x360 is a premium 2-in-1 convertible available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes. Pricing for Windows 11 Home, an IPS screen, a 12th-generation Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage starts at $1,000. The luxury aspect is visible in the higher-spec models: $1,630 gets you Windows 11 Pro, an OLED screen, a Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. RAM can be up to 32GB unless an OLED screen is used, in which case the maximum is 16GB.

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Operating system Windows 11 Home (Surface Pro 8), Windows 11 Pro or 10 Pro (Surface Pro 8 for Business| CPU Intel Core i3-1115G4 (SP 8 for Business), Core i5-1135G7, Core i7-1185G7 | GPU Intel UHD Graphics (i3), Intel Iris Xe Graphics (i5, i7) | RAM 8GB, 16GB, 32GB (LPDDR4x) | Storage 128GB, 256GB, 2x USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports, Surface Connect, Surface.

The Surface Pro is a tablet with a detachable keyboard (not included in the base price) that turns it into a type of laptop. Because of the kickstand that keeps the screen section upright, it’s not a laptop you can use comfortably – or at all – on your lap, but it’s light and flexible and an excellent choice if you do a lot of touchscreen and stylus-driven tasks, such as sketching, handwritten note-taking, and annotation, as well as mainstream knowledge work. It’s worth noting that, like the keyboard, the stylus is an optional addition.

5. Microsoft Surface Go 3

Operating system Windows 11 Home (in S Mode), Windows 11 Pro or 10 Pro (Surface Go 3 for Business) | CPU Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y, Core i3-10100Y | GPU Intel UHD Graphics 615 | RAM 4GB, 8GB (LPDDR3) | Storage 64GB (eMMC), 128GB, 256GB (Surface Go 3 for Business with LTE) | Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), optional 4G LTE

It’s a stylish and portable 2-in-1 (if you buy the $130 Surface Go Type Cover keyboard) that’s ideal for everyday productivity chores like online surfing, email, and video chats. The tablet’s starting price is presently $350.