In 2024, 2-in-1 laptops are becoming more popular as they combine the portability of a laptop with the versatility of a tablet. With these devices, you get the best of both worlds—whether you’re typing reports, working on spreadsheets, or browsing the web, a 2-in-1 laptop can handle it all. If you’re in the market for a device that offers flexibility without compromising on performance, this guide will help you find the best 2-in-1 laptops of 2024.
Why Choose a 2-in-1 Laptop?
A 2-in-1 laptop is designed to offer both the functionality of a traditional laptop and the convenience of a tablet. The screen can either fold back completely or detach from the keyboard, giving you multiple usage options. Whether you need to work on a presentation in laptop mode or sketch a design in tablet mode, these laptops make it easy to switch between tasks. The key benefits of 2-in-1 laptops include:
- Portability: Lightweight and easy to carry, 2-in-1 laptops are perfect for users on the go.
- Versatility: With convertible designs, you can switch between typing, touch, and pen input depending on the task.
- Performance: Many 2-in-1 laptops pack powerful hardware, including high-end processors, solid-state drives (SSDs), and excellent display quality, making them suitable for demanding applications.
Key Features to Consider in a 2-in-1 Laptop
When shopping for a 2-in-1 laptop, there are several important features to keep in mind to ensure that you’re getting a versatile, powerful device that meets your needs:
1. Display Quality
- Resolution: A Full HD (1920×1080) resolution is standard and adequate for most users, but if you plan to use your laptop for content creation, opt for higher resolutions like 4K for sharper details and vibrant colors.
- Touchscreen: Since 2-in-1 laptops rely heavily on touchscreen functionality, it’s essential to look for a display that is responsive, smooth, and bright enough for different lighting conditions. Some models offer 10-point touchscreens, allowing for multi-finger gestures.
- Convertible Design: Choose between a 360-degree hinge or a detachable screen, depending on your preference. The hinge model allows the keyboard to fold back, while the detachable design allows you to separate the keyboard completely.
2. Processor and Performance
- Look for laptops with Intel Core i5 or i7 processors for everyday use and multitasking. For demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, consider a laptop with Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 processors.
- A minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended for smooth multitasking, but 16GB or more is better for heavier workloads or content creation.
- For storage, SSD is the way to go as it offers faster data access compared to traditional hard drives. Look for 256GB SSDs as a starting point, with 512GB or more for those who need additional space.
3. Battery Life
- A long-lasting battery is crucial, especially if you plan to use the 2-in-1 laptop for work, study, or travel. Aim for a device with 8-12 hours of battery life for all-day use without needing a charge.
4. Keyboard and Trackpad
- A comfortable, responsive keyboard is important, as you’ll likely be typing for long periods. Look for models with backlit keyboards for easy typing in low light.
- The trackpad should also be large enough and responsive enough to handle gestures and scrolling with ease.
5. Portability
- 2-in-1 laptops tend to be thin and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. Ideally, you’ll want a laptop that weighs under 3.5 pounds and has a thin profile for easy portability.
Best 2-in-1 Laptops of 2024
Here are some of the top 2-in-1 laptops in 2024 that stand out for their performance, versatility, and value:
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
- Display: 13-inch PixelSense Flow (2880×1920), 120Hz
- Processor: Intel Core i5 / i7 (12th Gen) or Microsoft SQ3 ARM chip
- RAM: 8GB / 16GB / 32GB
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
- Weight: 1.94 lbs (tablet only)
- Why It’s Great: The Surface Pro 9 is a highly versatile 2-in-1 laptop with excellent display quality and a premium design. It offers powerful performance with options for both Intel and ARM processors, and its detachable design allows you to use it as a tablet or laptop. The long battery life is another major advantage, making it a perfect choice for professionals on the go.
2. HP Spectre x360 14
- Display: 13.5-inch OLED (3000×2000), 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Processor: Intel Core i5 / i7 (12th Gen)
- RAM: 8GB / 16GB
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Weight: 2.87 lbs
- Why It’s Great: The HP Spectre x360 14 features a stunning OLED display with vivid colors, making it perfect for creative professionals. It has a powerful Intel processor, ample RAM options, and long battery life. The 360-degree hinge allows you to use it in a variety of modes, from laptop to tablet to tent mode for presentations.
3. Lenovo Yoga 9i
- Display: 14-inch 4K UHD (3840×2160), Dolby Vision
- Processor: Intel Core i7 (13th Gen)
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Weight: 3.09 lbs
- Why It’s Great: The Lenovo Yoga 9i is known for its stunning 4K display and rich sound system, making it ideal for watching movies or video editing. It offers great performance with its Intel Core i7 processor and comes with a stylus for note-taking or digital drawing. The 360-degree hinge makes it a flexible device for both work and play.
4. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
- Display: 13.4-inch 4K (3840×2400), InfinityEdge touchscreen
- Processor: Intel Core i5 / i7 (12th Gen)
- RAM: 8GB / 16GB
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Why It’s Great: The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is a premium laptop with a sleek design and powerful specs. It has a stunning 4K touchscreen display, powerful processing options, and a long-lasting battery. The 360-degree hinge allows for multiple modes, and the InfinityEdge screen maximizes screen space for productivity and entertainment.
5. Acer Spin 5
- Display: 13.5-inch 2K (2256×1504) IPS touchscreen
- Processor: Intel Core i5 / i7 (12th Gen)
- RAM: 8GB / 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Why It’s Great: The Acer Spin 5 offers excellent value for money with a responsive touchscreen, a great balance of power, and a comfortable design. Its 2K display offers sharp details, and the laptop can be used in any mode to suit your needs. It’s an excellent choice for both work and casual entertainment.
Final Thoughts
2-in-1 laptops are perfect for users looking for flexibility, portability, and power in a single device. Whether you’re a professional on the go, a student, or a creative looking to draw and edit, there’s a 2-in-1 laptop that fits your needs. From the high-end Microsoft Surface Pro 9 to the budget-friendly Acer Spin 5, the 2-in-1 category offers devices for every use case. When shopping for your next laptop, consider the performance, design, and display quality that will make your work, entertainment, and creativity stand out.