Buying Guide: 10 best 2-in-1 laptops 2016: best hybrid laptops reviewed

Best 2-in-1 laptops

A 2-in-1, or hybrid, notebook is a versatile form factor that can – at a user’s will – serve as either a laptop or tablet. This is usually made possible by a detachable design, letting you remove the screen from the rest of the device. Otherwise, some 2-in-1s take a convertible route in which the notebook’s hinge can be rotated 360 degrees and then clamshelled for a similar effect.

Generally speaking, hybrid laptops are priced in a range between $700 (about £450, AU$800) and $2,000 (around £1,169, AU$2,131). Following in the footsteps of companies like Acer, however, some manufacturers have started building budget hybrids with less competent specs while others, like Dell with its Venue 7000, have found success in enterprise-tailored 2-in-1s.

Now that we’ve reached second year of Windows 10 following the premiere of its major Anniversary Update, 2-in-1s have become as commonplace as traditional laptops. And, although a handful of hybrids, such as Microsoft’s fantastic Surface Pro 4 and the Dell XPS 12, didn’t quite qualify for this list, there are a handful of convertibles worth your consideration found in our best Windows tablets list.

With that in mind, we’ve procured a list of the best hybrid laptops that suit the term by definition.

1. Lenovo Yoga 900

A thoughtfully refined 2-in-1 convertible

CPU: 2.5GHz Intel Core i7-6500U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch QHD+ 3,200 x 1,800 IPS display | Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSD

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Gorgeous display Slim design Shallow keyboard Display drivers issues

Whereas the Lenovo Yoga Pro 3 had a winning design paired with less than stellar performance, the Yoga 900 refuses to compromise. Complete with more powerful Intel Core i processors and a larger battery pack, the Yoga 900 turns out to be Lenovo’s best convertible yet.

Better yet, this 2-in-1 can effortlessly compete with most Ultrabooks on the market and even Microsoft’s acclaimed Surface Book laptop. Even though the extra power only adds to the weight and girth of the Yoga 900, it still manages to pull off a slender physique and flexible frame allowing for easy folding back into tablet mode.

Without taking a huge toll on the price, the Lenovo Yoga 900 is undeniably deserving of the top spot on our list.

2. Microsoft Surface Book

The ultimate Windows 10 hybrid laptop

CPU: Intel Core i5-i7 | Graphics: Intel HD graphics 520 – Nvidia GeForce graphics | RAM: 8GB-16GB | Screen: 13.5-inch, 3,000 x 2,000 PixelSense Display | Storage: 128GB – 256GB PCIe 3.0 SSD

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Futuristic design Seamless tablet separation Battery life falls well below promises Major updates are still in tow

In 2015, Microsoft made some noise in announcing the company’s first laptop, the Surface Book. And while there’s still work to be done, particularly in its ill-advised 3:2 aspect ratio and 13.5-inch screen, the Surface Book is still one of the best in convertible laptops around.

In its tablet, or Clipboard, mode it’s already among the most powerful and thinnest Windows 10 devices on the market. Dock it onto the keyboard base, however, and you’re in for a real treat; that is, assuming you opt for one of the discrete GPU configurations, which add more power to the Surface Book’s lower half.

3. HP Spectre x360

Sublime. Near-perfect

CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5500 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – QHD (2560 x 1440) Radiance LED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 256GB – 512GB SSD

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Superbly thin Vibrant, bright display Excellent performance and battery life Too heavy to use as a tablet Weird, wide trackpad

A vote for the Spectre x360 is a vote for not only one of our most recommended, but one of HP’s most revered, machines. Complete with an excellent 1080p screen, stellar performance, sturdy build quality and not to mention a fabulous battery life, the HP Spectre x360 is among the best hybrids money can buy, especially considering its modest price point.

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

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Smart design and ergonomics Incredibly colorful screen Strange keyboard layout Dismal battery life

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. Despite its questionably rearranged keyboard layout and lackluster battery life, the Toshiba Radius 12 is surprisingly a solid performer even at its native resolution which, by the way, is only bettered by a striking color palette.

5. HP Pavilion x2

The most affordable Windows 10 convertible

CPU: Intel Atom | Graphics: Intel HD graphics | RAM: 2GB | Screen: 10.1-inch, 1,280 x 800 WXGA WLED IPS touchscreen display | Storage: 32GB – 64GB eMMC

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Long battery life Absurdly affordable 32-bit Windows 10 Limited storage and memory

The Windows 10 convertible landscape isn’t cheap unless we’re talking about the Pavilion x2. This 10-inch hybrid neatly packages 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 some light photo/video editing).

What’s more, when you’re ready kick back with some streaming media, you can pop off the 10-inch hood for an equally impressive standalone tablet experience. If you’re looking for something with a bit more screen real estate, however, there’s always a 12-inch model available as well.

6. Dell Inspiron 13 7000

An attractive, versatile package

CPU: Intel Core i5-i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 4GB-8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch HD (1366 x 768) Truelife LED-backlit – Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) touchscreen | Storage: 500GB – 1TB HDD, 128GB – 256GB SSD

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Attractive design Sturdy construction Lackluster battery life A little hefty

Though there’s nothing remarkably distinct about the Dell Inspiron 13 7000, there’s no denying it’s a sturdy device that nigh-perfectly balances the worlds of 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 surrounding colleagues.

Students and freelancers cranking out last-minute assignments in the wee hours of the night will be delighted to hear that the Inspiron 13 7000’s keyboard, at least according to Dell, is indeed waterproof. We wouldn’t advise, say, resting your steaming hot cup of joe on its alphanumerics, but of course it’s a welcome feature.

7. HP Elite x2 1012 G1

Impressive usability

CPU: Intel Core m3 – m5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 4GB – 8GB | Screen: 12-inch, 1,920 x 1,280 FHD UWVA eDP ultra-slim LED-backlit touchscreen | Storage: 128GB – 512GB SSD

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Responsive trackpad Clear screen So-so hinge Short battery life

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 good looking.

And that goes without mentioning the 12-point stress test the tablet underwent through production. That’s right, 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. Though its cost might seem extravagant for a device with only a 1080p display, but the HP Elite x2 1012 G1 is better seen than heard about.

8. Lenovo Yoga 900S

The lightest 2-in-1 laptop

CPU: Intel Core m5 – m7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 4GB – 8GB | Screen: 12.5-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,080) – QHD (2,560 x 1,440) IPS, multi-touch | Storage: 128GB – 512GB PCIe SSD

Lenovo Yoga 900S

Surprisingly long battery life Gorgeously refined design Shallow keyboard Worse performance on paper

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 an m7 processor and 1440p display and it costs less than MacBook’s comparatively specced built-to-order model. Unfortunately, you’ll also have to deal with a smaller trackpad and a similarly inadequate keyboard, but otherwise the Yoga 900S is an impeccable value.

9. HP Spectre x360 15

This 15-inch hybrid is more portable than you think

CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 520 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 15.6-inch, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) – QHD (3840 x 2160), IPS touchscreen | Storage: 256GB Flash SSD

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Contrast-rich screen Long battery life for its size Poor ergonomics Weak speakers for their size

The Spectre x360 15 is an excellent 2-in-1 laptop that stands out with its thin, all-metal body and heavy contrast display. Featuring an excellent 15-inch IPS touch panel, the x360 15 only gets better with the optional 4K display.

What’s more, the x360 15’s battery life is surprisingly unhindered by its high resolution; however that could be a result of the weak backlighting of the display. Those unimpressed by lengthy battery lives and more intrigued by sleek, ambidextrous designs, however, should scroll down to what’s next on our list.

10. Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi

Asus’ thin and gorgeous 2-in-1 laptop

CPU: Intel Core M | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5300 | RAM: 4GB – 8GB | Screen: 12.5-inch, FHD (1,920 x 1,08) – WQHD (2,560 x 1,440) capacitive multi-touch IPS display | Storage: 128GB – 256GB SSD

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Flexible and versatile Thin and light design Micro-sized ports Unimpressive battery life

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 one of the thinnest in its class and taking the screen off the keyboard base transforms 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, managing to get you through all your daily tasks. Sadly, the Transformer Book T300 Chi’s 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.

Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article

Source: techradar.com

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