We\u2019re still waiting for the perfect hybrid PC that can work as well as a tablet as it does as a laptop. As we enter 2024, it seems like many companies have also given up on that ideal \u2014 but Microsoft, Apple and Samsung still have some options to consider. And we\u2019re still seeing OS tweaks to make iOS and Android more usable for larger displays. If you\u2019re on the hunt for your next computer and are dead-set on it being a 2-in-1, we\u2019ve collected our current top picks here plus all of the things you should know before making a purchase.<\/p>\n
Factors to consider before buying a 2-in-1 laptop<\/h2>\n
When you\u2019re shopping for a 2-in-1, there are some basic criteria to keep in mind. First, look at the spec sheet to see how heavy the tablet is (alone, and with the keyboard). Most modern hybrids weigh less than 2 pounds. If the overall weight of the tablet and its keyboard come close to 3 pounds, you may be better off getting an ultraportable laptop<\/a>.<\/p>\n Also, while some 2-in-1s offer built-in LTE or 5G connectivity, not everyone will want to pay the premium for it. An integrated cellular radio makes checking emails or replying to messages on the go far more convenient. But it also often costs more, and that\u2019s not counting what you\u2019ll pay for data. And, as for 5G \u2014 you can hold off on it unless you live within range of a mmWave beacon. Coverage is still spotty and existing nationwide networks use the slower sub-6 technology that\u2019s barely faster than LTE. For now, tethering a PC to your phone is still the best way to get online.<\/p>\n These machines still have their limits, of course. Since they\u2019re smaller than proper laptops, they tend to have less-powerful processors. Keyboards are often less sturdy, with condensed layouts and shallower travel. Plus, they\u2019re almost always tablets first, leaving you to buy a keyboard case separately. (And those ain\u2019t cheap!) So, you can\u2019t always assume the advertised price is what you\u2019ll actually spend on the 2-in-1 you want.<\/p>\n See Also:<\/strong><\/p>\n Sometimes, getting a third-party keyboard might be just as good, and they\u2019re often cheaper than first-party offerings. If you\u2019re looking to save some money, Logitech\u2019s Slim Folio<\/a> is an affordable option, and if you don\u2019t need your keyboard to attach to your tablet, Logitech\u2019s K780 Multi-Device wireless keyboard<\/a> is also a good pick.<\/p>\n While we\u2019ve typically made sure to include a budget 2-in-1 in previous years, this time there isn\u2019t a great choice. We would usually pick a Surface Go, but the latest model is still too expensive. Other alternatives, like cheaper Android tablets, are underpowered and don\u2019t offer a great multitasking interface. If you want something around $500 that\u2019s thin, lightweight and long-lasting, you\u2019re better off this year looking at a conventional laptop (like those on our best budget PCs list<\/a>).<\/p>\n Photo by Devindra Hardawar \/ Engadget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Display:<\/strong> 14-inch OLED touchscreen | CPU:<\/strong> Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | Weight:<\/strong> 3.19 pounds | RAM:<\/strong> Up to 32GB | Storage:<\/strong> Up to 2TB<\/p>\n Read our full <\/strong>HP Spectre x360 14 review<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n HP\u2019s new Spectre x360 14<\/a> is our new top pick if you want a laptop that can occasionally turn into a tablet. It\u2019s a beautiful notebook that can rotate its screen into a variety of orientations: a tent mode for propping it up in bed or on a table and a tablet mode with the keyboard tucked away neatly behind the lid. While it wouldn\u2019t completely replace something like an iPad<\/a>, the x360\u2019s rotating hinge makes it more versatile than a conventional notebook. It\u2019s perfect for diving into a lengthy article or PDF or using the bundled stylus to jot down some notes. The Spectre x360 14 is also a solid laptop in its own right, with an excellent keyboard, an extra-large touchpad and some of the best PC industrial design on the market.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/p>\n