We are all used to gadgets in our everyday lives – especially smartphones and laptops. Year after year, these gadgets are becoming flexible to make our usage more convenient. Smartphone companies are working to introduce the world to foldable smartphones. And, it looks like Oppo will be the first company to launch a foldable phone. However, laptops have been offering this flexible form factors for years now. In 2016, Samsung Laptops was the first brand to launch a 2-in-laptop or in other words a hybrid laptop. These laptops can be used as a regular laptop or as tablets. Additionally, along with multi-functionality, these 2-in-1 laptops are versatile and super easy to use.
One of the most obvious reasons to buy a hybrid laptop is that – you get the benefit of a notebook and a tablet. Plus, these laptops come with a touchscreen display, making them the best touchscreen laptops. Moreover, due to their convertible form factor, these devices are usually designed with thin and sleek form factors. But, like all things good, even these 2-in-1 laptops have their disadvantages. Should you buy a 2-in-1 laptop? Take a look at the types of hybrid laptops and their pros & cons.
Types of 2-in-1 Laptops
Detachable Keyboard
In this type of laptops, the keyboard can be detached from the display. With the keyboard detached, you can use the display as a tablet. These laptops offer you more flexibility and are slim & efficient. A laptop with a detachable keyboard means that the display of the laptop is also built with the core hardware. This ensures that you can carry and use the display as a tablet without the keyboard
Non-Detachable Keyboard
These laptops usually come with a hinge that allows the display to be rotated at a 360-degree angle. However, the keyboard in these laptops cannot be removed. These laptops can be used as a tablet by folding the display and making it rest on the keyboard. However, the drawback of doing this is that you get a thick tablet.
Pros & Cons of a 2-in-1 Laptop:
Some of the 2-in-1 laptops are among the top trending laptops in India. Moreover, these laptops are cost-efficient. Instead of buying a laptop and a tablet separately, you can buy one single device. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of these devices:
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers the flexibility of both laptops and tablets | Performance is better on standard notebooks |
| Laptops with detachable keyboards are extremely lightweight | Is not built for high-end gaming |
| Easy to use and carry around | Due to the compact build, screen size is small |
| The display can exclusively be used as a tablet and carried around without the keyboard | Switching operating systems takes time |
| Even non-detachable keyboard laptops are flexible and can be rotated at 360-degree | Are expensive compared to traditional laptops |
| Instead of investing separately in a laptop & tablet, opt for 2-in-1 laptops above 50000 | These laptops are delicate and can be damaged easily |
| Are built with highly efficient graphics | |
| A 2-in-1 laptop can also be used in: Tent Mode: Placed in the form of a tent to give a presentation or watch movies.Stand Mode: The keyboard is folded and placed at the bottom to act as a stand for the display. |
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a 2-in-1 laptop. It all comes down to your usage. If you require heavy usage, then hybrid laptops might not be the best pick for you. On the other hand, if you need a laptop for everyday work, these laptops are the best in the market currently. If you are looking for some of the best hybrid laptops, here is a list of the best devices in the market:
- Lenovo Yoga 920 or Yoga 720
- Dell Inspiron 13 7000
- Microsoft Surface Book 2
- HP Spectre x360
- Asus Zenfone Flip
