What is a 2-in-1 laptop? What is a 2-in-1 PC?
We answer the question: what is a 2 in 1 laptop? And help you decide whether or not it's worth your hard-earned cash
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
What is a 2-in-1 laptop? What is a 2-in-1 PC? How do they differ? Are they worth your hard-earned cash? All these questions, and possibly more, will be answered in the following guide.
READ NOW: Best cheap laptop deals for January 2023 & Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ January deal
What is a 2-in-1 laptop?
A 2-in-1 laptop aka a convertible laptop, is one that can switch between the form factors of a laptop and a tablet. The most common method by which this is accomplished is a hinge that allows the keyboard to bend around backwards so it meets the reverse of the laptop lid. Examples include the Samsung Galaxy Book3 360, the HP Spectre x360 14, and the ASUS ROG Flow X16. These are sometimes called 2-in-1 attached laptops, for reasons which will become apparent. Of the two main types these are the ones that are closest to regular laptops in size, appearance, and functionality.
This is because the other type of 2-in-1 laptop is those with a detachable keyboard, like the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 or the ASUS ROG Flow Z13. These are also sometimes known as hybrid laptops. These tend to look and act a bit more like conventional tablets.
As you’d expect, 2-in-1 laptops are also touchscreen laptops.
2-in-1 laptop vs 2-in-1 PC
A 2-in-1 PC is an umbrella term that includes 2-in-1 laptops, but also incorporates other devices which are less typically laptop-like. In practice, most 2-in-1 PCs these days are also 2-in-1 laptops, but you may find the odd quirky device which has different features / a differing form-factor.
Is a 2-in-1 laptop worth buying?
A 2-in-1 laptop is usually only worth buying if you’re going to use the features of both form-factors, as they are almost always more expensive than a straight tablet or laptop.
If you’re basically only going to use it in laptop mode without taking advantage of the touchscreen, then you’d be better buying a conventional clamshell laptop for less money (or for the same money but with more powerful core specs). Often convertible laptops can also make sacrifices in terms of power to enable them to be thin and portable enough to be used as a 2-in-1 device.
Similarly, if you’re only really interested in using the tablet features, you could save even more money by just buying a straight tablet.
Besides this though: 2-in-1 laptops can offer great flexibility, and save you money overall compared to buying a separate laptop and tablet.
What is a 2-in-1 laptop? Final Word
We hope that this has answered the question what is a 2-in-1 laptop? for you, and your mind is now at peace. Do also have a look at our various other tablet and laptop pages whilst you’re here.
