Just like virtually everything else in the world, laptops are changing, or at least some of them are. You still have your classic clamshell form factors with hinges that can rotate 90 degrees or maybe even a little more. But now there are also those laptops that can fold back an entire 360 degrees or have their screens detached entirely from their keyboards. These are known as 2-in-1 laptops, the best of which can be found here on this page.
They’re bound to be subject to further modifications in the future. For one, many will soon undoubtedly wield smaller and more conservative microprocessors, like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, yet our 2-in-1 laptops frankly aren’t very diverse for the time being. Outside of a handful of anomalies, most of the best 2-in-1 laptops don’t yet have support for LTE networking, let alone 5G connectivity. But, despite not having enough to choose from, there are some pretty nifty hybrid notebooks out there.
Most of the best 2-in-1 laptops are convertible, meaning they rotate on a hinge and you’ll accidentally touch the keyboard a lot when they’re in tablet mode. A slim few are detachable, like the Surface Book 2, whose high-resolution PixelSense display is held up by sheer magnetic force. The lot of these choices are compatible with styluses as well, though they’re often sold separately. As such, we’ve been sure to mention the pros and cons of each device as follows.
The Samsung Notebook 9 Pro can go head-to-head with the 15-inch MacBook Pro, and for a substantially lower cost. Though it’s limited to only one configuration, albeit across two different sizes, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro is as powerful as it is pragmatic. Defined in part by its inclusion of the S-Pen, this heavy-hitting hybrid is every bit as capable as Microsoft’s Surface Book and without the need to recharge its stylus.
Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 9 Pro
- This product is only available in the US as of this writing. UK and AU readers: check out a fine alternative in the Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch).
Google’s new Pixelbook does something that we couldn’t have seen coming. It takes the Chromebook platform and shoots it straight into the stratosphere, competing with premium products from Apple and Microsoft. It’s able to accomplish this herculean task by beefing up the internals and, more importantly, by including full Android app support. This means that this device tears down the barriers that would prevent macOS or Windows users from jumping on the Chromebook bandwagon. It might cost a lot more than other Chromebooks on the market, but the Pixelbook is truly the future of the platform.
Read the full review: Google Pixelbook
We get it, the Pixelbook is enticing, but it’s also out of your price range. In that case, the Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is a choice alternative. Having introduced a touchscreen and convertible design to Google’s cloud-based Chrome OS, the Asus Chromebook Flip is made better by its compatibility with Android apps. That’s right, just like the Pixelbook, you can use the Asus Chromebook Flip for Google Play apps, albeit after installing an out-of-the-box update.
Read the full review: Asus Chromebook Flip
Though many heads will be turned to the 15-inch model this time around, as Microsoft recently debuted a large-sized laptop for the first time ever, the 13.5-inch rendition of the Surface Book 2 deserves your attention nonetheless. To start, it comes with a 7th- or 8th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, respectively, depending on your needs. But, per usual with the Surface devices, the draw isn’t what it can do on the inside, but rather, how it can transform on the outside. Not only can its screen be detached from its keyboard, but it’ll last longer too.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13-inch)
Gamers ought to look elsewhere, but for everyone else, the Lenovo Yoga 920 is a passable alternative to the ludicrously expensive Surface Book 2. For those who value, well... value over a screen that can be detached completely from its keyboard, the Lenovo Yoga 920 has a lot of good to offer. The design, for instance, is less pronounced and has the subtlety of a more traditional Ultrabook. Meanwhile, it’s thin and powerful all the same.
Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 920
To be fair, we loved the 13-inch Surface Book already, so when we first caught word that a 15-inch Surface Book 2 was in the works, our expectations were amplified. In the end, Microsoft’s second 2-in-1 laptop isn’t perfect, but it is an impressive feat held back by a handful of (frankly necessary) concessions. For starters, this machine features cutting-edge 8th-generation Intel processors and Nvidia 10-series graphics for gamers and creative types alike. Pair that with its nifty convertibility, and we have ourselves a winner.
Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch)
A handsome 2-in-1 with a strikingly thin frame, the HP Spectre x360 now brandishes the might of Intel’s 8th-generation Kaby Lake Refresh architecture. So, despite its slim chassis and weighing only 2.78 pounds (1.26kg), this version of the Hewlett-Packard flagship is ready not only to stream 4K video, but to run your favorite games at 720p using integrated graphics tech. Otherwise, if you’re a creative type, it comes with the HP Pen, unlike some stylus-less hybrids.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360
While other laptop makers are adding discrete graphics and increasing their screen sizes, Samsung has decided it’s best to lay low with the Samsung Notebook 7 Spin this year. It works, but seemingly unintentionally so. Because it scraps the Nvidia chip, the 13-inch Samsung Notebook 7 Spin can be used for up to 7 hours at a time without charge. It also has a better keyboard than you would expect, although we are disappointed in the lack of a bundled stylus.
Read the full review: Samsung Notebook 7 Spin
- This product is only available in the US and UK as of this writing. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Asus ZenBook Flip UX360.
If the 13-inch Lenovo Yoga 720 is a caterpillar, the 15-inch model is a majestic butterfly, freshly hatched from its snug cocoon. Outfitted with the choice between only the best HQ series Core i5 and i7 processors, this 2-in-1 is competitive spec-wise with the 15-inch MacBook Pro while remaining but a fraction of the cost of Apple’s flagship machine. What’s more, it even has the ports you know and love in addition to the still-blossoming USB Type-C interface.
Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga 720 (15-inch)
More than just a basic hardware refresh, the HP Spectre x360 is as easy on the eyes as it is to use. Because the keyboard feels natural to the touch, there’s no debate as to whether this 2-in-1 is better as a laptop or as a tablet; it comes equally recommended as both. If it made a peep, what with its silent fans and subdued chiclet keys, the HP Spectre x360 15 may even garner a few jealous stares.
Read the full review: HP Spectre x360 15
- This product is only available in the US and UK as of this time. Australian readers: check out a fine alternative in the Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch).
Gabe Carey has also contributed to this article
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