2-in-1 Laptops: Should You Buy Them? 

2-in-1 laptops, often referred to as convertibles or hybrid laptops, include two devices in a single hardware. In a nutshell, you can convert your 2-in-1 laptop into a tablet whenever you want.  

And yes, that’s the primary reason to opt for such a machine. However, you’ll have to deal with the downside that comes with it – limited storage that interferes with the overall performance. 

That said, let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of convertible laptops in more detail. But before then, it would help if you know the two primary types of 2-in-1 you’ll often find on display. 

Types of 2-in-1

There are two main types of 2-in-1 laptops – a notebook and a tablet. A notebook features a detachable keyboard, which allows users to detach and convert into a tablet. To remove the keyboard, use the hinge mechanism, which might also come in handy in cases where the keyboard might not be removable. Alternatively, fold the keyboard towards the right so that it’s against the display. 

The shortcoming of this is that you will get a thicker tablet instead of a slimmer one. In contrast, a detachable keyboard will let you operate on the screen itself. However, the flip side is likely to get damaged due to its detachable nature. Also, the hinge mechanism is more likely to fail. 

That aside, a detachable keyboard has to fit the primary hardware into the display section, so that it remains functional upon detaching from the keyboard base. However, such occurrences can cause you more inconveniences, especially when you want to install new elements. 

So, why 2-in-1?

The truth is that you are buying 2-in-1 laptops to trim down costs. And because you don’t want to buy both a tablet and a laptop, you will be saving a few bucks by just purchasing a 2-in-1 laptop.

If the tablet display isn’t your priority, and you think you’ll never need it in the future, then a 2-in-1 laptop isn’t your cup of tea. Instead, look for a standard notebook with powerful features that’s within the budget of a convertible laptop. This is because you’ll nearly spend a premium for the added features and flexibility offered by a convertible compared to a standard machine. 

However, if you feel that you might need a tablet in future, opting for a 2-in-1 is still a good idea. While the pricing might vary from that of a standard laptop, it’s worth the flexibility that comes with it. 

Advantages of a 2-in-1

Having the ability to convert your notebook into a tablet is all you want in a 2-in-1 laptop. Tablet displays offer a lot of advantages for different circumstances, thus convenient. When you want to multitask, tablet displays will often come in handy, as it’s lightweight and easy to work on. This means that you can easily travel with it, and that’s why it would be the best fit for digital nomads. 

Additionally, a convertible laptop will guarantee you all the portability you desire, so you can quickly move around with it. You can detach the keyboard and carry along the tablet portion of the 2-in-1, which can be much easier to operate in public. Also, it can easily fit into a bag, but you might need to take the keyboard section with you should you need to type.  

As for 2-in-1 laptops that don’t have removable keyboards, the 360-degree mechanism can come in handy, so you don’t experience the bulkiness when using it as a tablet. Even though there are tons of standard ultrathin laptops, 2-in-1s are an exception. They are way too better compared to ordinary laptops. 

When it comes to flexibility, a convertible has a lot to offer that just converting into a tablet. Users can leverage the stand mode by folding the keyboard. These convertible options are mostly preferred for presentations or watching a movie. 

And just like a tablet, you can utilize your convertible touchscreen support for the stylus to enhance flexibility when taking notes. You can digitally jot down notes as a student during your lectures. What’s more, 2-in1 provides a smooth typing experience by letting you shift to whichever mode that’s comfortable with you. 

Disadvantages of a 2-in-1

Now that you know the reasons why it might be helpful to benefit from the flexibility of a convertible let’s discuss some of the reasons why you shouldn’t opt for a 2-in-1. Shall we? 

As we mentioned before, if your priority is to get the most out of the performance, then a standard notebook is a good bet. This is because convertibles may not perform up to your standards, as they often depend on integrated graphics. As much as the manufacturers are trying to make them thinner than standard notebooks, they tend to overlook the processors.

That said, you might need a powerful laptop that’s up to your needs if you intend to run more demanding tasks. Also, if you’re a gaming enthusiast who craves for the latest games, you might want to consider a laptop with significant storage for a smooth experience. The cooling solutions that come with such laptops prevent overheating.

Another notable feature to consider in a dedicated gaming laptop is the backlit keyboard, which also requires bigger storage and bulkier bodies to be functional. 

Finally, it’s worth noting that some convertibles, especially the sleek-designed models, boasting high-quality premium levels can be expensive. This is because such specifications are rare to find in standard laptops.  

Conclusion

There are many reasons why you may need a 2-in-1 laptop. However, you’ll have to weigh your decisions based on versatility and performance. 

If flexibility is your primary concern, opting for a 2-in-1 can be a good idea, whereas a standard computer guarantees top-notch performance. Again, 2-in-1s are ideal for specific circumstances such as multitasking, providing you with computing needs at its modest. 

If you intend to run more demanding applications or tasks, then a traditional laptop is a good bet. Such is also ideal for gaming enthusiasts who fancy the latest shooter games. 

It all boils down to your specifications and needs – it’s your prerequisite to choose between convertible and standard laptops. Just make sure that your choice delivers precisely what you’re looking for.