Hybrid laptop 2022: The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2023

The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2023

For many laptop shoppers, portability is king, and there’s nothing more portable than a tablet. With touch screens and support for a pen or stylus, the most popular laptops today often do double duty as tablets. There are two ways to achieve this: Convertible 2-in-1 designs that rotate between notebook and slate modes with 360-degree hinges, or detachable models that let you remove the keyboard entirely to become a standalone tablet. You have a keyboard and touchpad when you need it, or go all touch screen when that’s more convenient.

These aren’t beefed up Android tablets—you’re still buying a PC with a full operating system, whether that’s ChromeOS or Windows. In the future, macOS could be a player, but thus far Apple has pointed folks who need a touch screen and tablet/laptop convertibility toward its iOS-equipped iPad and iPad Pro lines, paired with an optional keyboard.

We’ve outlined below our top picks among the 2-in-1 laptops that we’ve tested. Read on for our lab-tested favorites, followed by the basics you should know when buying a 2-in-1 laptop. Also note: At the very end of this article is a detailed spec breakout of our top models.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Lenovo Yoga 7i 14 Gen 7 (2022)

Best Overall Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

Lenovo’s 14-inch Yoga 7i Gen 7 is the most polished in a long line of successful 2-in-1 laptops, with a stellar design and superb battery life.

PROS

Superb, sturdy design with elegant features
Bright, colorful 2.2K touch screen
Comfortable keyboard and touchpad
Robust port selection
Solid performance and battery life

CONS

Integrated graphics limit gaming and media creation potential
Active pen is supported but not included

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$1,449. 00	$1,449.00	See It (Opens in a new window)
Lenovo	$854.99	$854.99	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Lenovo Yoga 7i 14 Gen 7 (2022) Review

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14-Inch (2022)

Best Budget Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The panel and battery could use some tweaks, but Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5i 14-inch is a solid-value budget convertible laptop with a nice keyboard and decent performance for the money.

PROS

Sturdy as a tablet or laptop
Includes both HDMI and USB-C ports
Responsive, bright touch screen
Decent performance for the price

CONS

Display’s color coverage is lacking
Battery life is shorter than average
Active pen not included
Proprietary power port instead of USB-C charging

Sold By	List Price	Price
Lenovo	$589. 99	$589.99	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14-Inch (2022) Review

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Best Detachable 2-in-1 Windows Tablet

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 8 doesn’t revolutionize the iconic 2-in-1, but it delivers the most noteworthy update in years, with a larger display, an attractive chassis redesign, and improved performance.

PROS

Modern design with thin bezels and larger (13-inch) display
Superior 1080p webcam
Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support
Well-implemented kickstand
User-accessible SSD
Perky performance in tested Core i7 configuration

CONS

Higher starting price diminishes entry-level appeal
Accessories and configuration upgrades are pricey
Keyboard base still sold separately
USB-C ports only

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$819. 99	$819.99	See It (Opens in a new window)
Microsoft Store	$899.99	$899.99	See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Buy	$1,099.99	$799.99	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Review

HP Spectre x360 13.5 (2022)

Best OLED Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The Spectre x360, now in a slightly tweaked screen size, isn’t cheap, but HP’s flagship convertible laptop is a brilliantly engineered, light, long-lived showpiece.

PROS

Gorgeous 3:2 aspect ratio OLED touch screen
Elegantly sleek, sturdy design
Great performance and battery life

CONS

No HDMI port (but mini dock included)
No internal pen storage or LTE mobile broadband
Keyboard layout a little disappointing

Sold By	List Price	Price
HP	$1,249. 99	$999.99	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our HP Spectre x360 13.5 (2022) Review

Acer Chromebook Spin 714

Best Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook

4.5 Outstanding

Bottom Line:

With a new display and a garaged stylus, Acer’s latest Chromebook Spin remains our absolute top Chromebook pick—despite losing the microSD slot and still being a little hefty.

PROS

Roomy 14-inch, 16:10 display
Durable all-metal chassis
1080p webcam with physical cover
Garaged pen included

CONS

Latest model drops the microSD card reader
Still a bit heavy

Read Our Acer Chromebook Spin 714 Review

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook

Best Detachable 2-in-1 Chromebook

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

Cool with Chrome OS in tablet form? A 13. 3-inch OLED touch screen makes Lenovo’s second, bigger version of its Chromebook Duet a surprisingly nice 2-in-1 detachable for the money.

PROS

Superb OLED display in an under-$500 detachable
High-quality front and rear cameras
Comes with keyboard cover and kickstand

CONS

Ho-hum compute performance
No audio jack, or 4G or 5G LTE option
Stylus supported, but costs extra

Sold By	List Price	Price
Lenovo	$384.99	$384.99	See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Buy	$499.00	$379.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook Review

Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook

Best Convertible 2-in-1 Chromebook for Enterprises

4. 0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

It’s priced above consumer Chromebooks, but the Lenovo C13 Yoga is every inch a ThinkPad and a terrific 2-in-1 for businesses choosing Google Workspace.

PROS

Attractive, solid design
Perky AMD Ryzen 5 processor paired with ample RAM and storage
Four USB ports, an HDMI port, and a microSD card slot
Above-average screen and keyboard
Onboard stylus

CONS

Somewhat expensive
Subpar sound
Pen lags behind rapid movements
Poorly equipped base model

Sold By	List Price	Price
Lenovo	$382.85	$382.85	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook Review

Dell Latitude 7320 2-in-1

Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Enterprise Fleet Deployments

4. 0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The Dell Latitude 7320 2-in-1 is uncomfortably pricey, but this 13.3-inch convertible remains an appealing choice for both corporate travelers and the IT departments who serve them.

PROS

Sturdy, attractive chassis
Comfortable keyboard
Improved proximity sensor
Optional full HD camera
Optional LTE, and eSIM capable

CONS

High list price
Confusing configuration options
No 4K screen option
Dim display

Sold By	List Price	Price
Dell Technologies	$1,669.00	$1,669.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Dell Latitude 7320 2-in-1 Review

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 (2021)

Best Business Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop With Stylus

4. 0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6’s spacious 16:10 screen, predictably solid inputs, and all-around excellence make it our top premium business convertible.

PROS

Strong aluminum chassis
Top-notch input devices
Bright 16:10 screen
Pen comes standard, and slots into chassis
Impressive audio output

CONS

Battery life isn’t class-leading
Not available in classic ThinkPad black
No SmartCard reader

Sold By	List Price	Price
Lenovo	$1,259.00	$1,259.00	See It (Opens in a new window)
Amazon	$1,999.99	$1,899.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 (2021) Review

Panasonic Toughbook 33 (2021)

Best Ruggedized Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop

4. 0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

In or out of its keyboard dock, Panasonic’s 2021 refresh of its Toughbook 33 tablet is built to take all the hardships a first responder or field worker can dish out.

PROS

Shrugs off abuse that would shatter ordinary 2-in-1s
Plenty of ports
Super-bright touch screen for outdoor visibility
First-class webcam

CONS

Expensive and heavy
Lackluster battery life with standard cells in test unit
Optional long-life cells add bulk
Tiny touchpad, designed for gloved use, can balk at bare fingers

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$1,241.75	$1,169.99	See It (Opens in a new window)
B&H Photo Video	$3,439.50	$3,439.50	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Panasonic Toughbook 33 (2021) Review

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Creative Pros

4. 0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

Packed with innovative features, Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Studio presages a new breed of laptop for creative pros who are pen-input devotees. One big quibble: Performance isn’t nearly class-leading.

PROS

Unique pull-forward touch screen
Excellent keyboard
Groundbreaking haptic touchpad
Robust digital stylus support, including magnetic holder
120Hz screen refresh rate
Long battery life

CONS

Disappointing performance, even with upgraded Core i7 and RTX 3050 Ti
Only two USB ports
Pricey

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$2,699.99	$2,379.49	See It (Opens in a new window)
Microsoft Store	$1,599.99	$1,599.99	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio Review

Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (15-Inch)

Best Convertible 2-in-1 Laptop for Samsung Galaxy Phone Users

4. 0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

With a Super AMOLED touch screen, a 360-degree hinge, an 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, and unique software features, the Galaxy Book Pro 360 is the sleekest 15-inch 2-in-1 convertible notebook out there.

PROS

Remarkably thin and light
Vivid Super AMOLED screen
Dedicated number pad
Distinctive Mystic Navy color option
Unique software privacy and security features

CONS

No 4K screen option
Uncomfortable keyboard

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$1,477.96	$1,398.99	See It (Opens in a new window)
Samsung	$1199.99	From $649.99 With Eligible Trade-In	See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Buy	$1,499.99	$999. 99	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Samsung Galaxy Book Pro 360 (15-Inch) Review

Buying Guide: The Best 2-in-1 Laptops for 2023

For our purposes, we break down 2-in-1 devices into two kinds: the convertible laptop (a one-piece machine) and the detachable tablet (which splits in two).

The convertible laptop can transform from laptop to tablet and back again, with most systems featuring a hinge design that allows for rotating the keyboard portion through 360 degrees, out of the way back behind the screen. This type of 2-in-1 is the best choice if you’re planning on using the keyboard a lot, as you’re guaranteed to always have it with you. (Typing the Great American Novel or even an ordinary business report on the hard, flat surface of a virtual onscreen keyboard is an experience you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.)

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Because of the motion that a convertible laptop’s hinge enables, you are often able to use these systems in a variety of modes. If you want to be able to share the display with everyone in a meeting, you can place the keyboard portion face down on the desk (called «stand» or «display» mode) and have the screen showing up front, kiosk-style. Or, you can prop it up on its leading edges (in so-called «tent» or «A-frame» mode), which takes up less space than the other modes. For flexibility, it’s difficult to beat this kind of 2-in-1.

In a convertible machine, the battery and motherboard are usually located in the base (as in a traditional laptop), so it’s balanced for use on a lap or a tabletop. The stable bottom lid of the clamshell is also a better typing platform than the sometimes-flimsy panel of a detachable keyboard case. There’s also more room for batteries in a laptop form factor (the bottom half never goes away), which results in improved battery life.

How to Buy a 2-in-1 Laptop

Downsides to this style of machine include a little extra weight from those batteries, as well as some extra thickness, as the hinge mechanisms are a little more complex than a laptop’s. Also, because the lower half is permanently attached, a convertible means that you’re always carrying the extra weight and bulk of the keyboard wherever you go.

Picking the Best Detachable Laptop: Two Devices in One

A detachable-tablet 2-in-1 is essentially a slate with a keyboard case or a keyboard dock. The dock option is a bit more stable than the keyboard case, but the general idea is the same: You can remove the keyboard portion of the tablet and leave it behind when you desire maximum portability. Microsoft’s various Surface detachables (the Surface Book, Pro, and Go families) are the vanguard models of this kind.

Windows 10- and 11-based slate tablets (and their detachable counterparts) tend to weigh less than 2 pounds on their own, and adding the keyboard case or dock can double the system’s total weight. A tablet with a well-designed keyboard dock attached is functionally indistinguishable from a clamshell laptop, and some detachable docks contain extra battery cells that can greatly extend the amount of time you’re able to work off-plug. Simpler keyboard cases usually lack niceties such as extra battery cells or USB ports, and most will be noticeably physically flexible. But if a keyboard is just an occasional need for you, chances are you won’t mind that much.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

The benefit of the keyboard case is that it is thinner and lighter overall than the usual lower half of a laptop or convertible. Detachable-hybrid tablets, however, tend to be top-heavy, because all of the system’s components and batteries, and hence their weight, are necessarily localized in the screen. You’ll want to examine your usage patterns to determine whether holding the PC in your hands and interacting with the touch screen is really right for you.

Detaching the tablet and leaving the heft of the keyboard behind is optimal when, say, you’re actively presenting a slideshow on a big screen and using the tablet to draw notes on the slides in real time. Reattaching the keyboard takes mere seconds, so you will be able to easily (and comfortably) change the slideshow’s content during your lunch hour if you need to change your talk’s focus for your afternoon session.

Tech Specs: What to Look for in a 2-in-1 Laptop

The rest of the specs (screen size, storage space, the processor used, and so on) for convertibles and detachable hybrids generally follow the same lines as more standard laptops and Windows 10 tablets, which means you’ll have to pay more if you want additional speed, fancier features, or a thinner, flashier design.

For example, a system with a fanless Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processor is likely to have excellent battery life and a very thin body. These chips are generally what you will find in detachables. That said, you should expect that these systems will be somewhat less powerful than comparably sized laptops or convertible 2-in-1s, as these low-power mobile processors are designed for cool, quiet operation (which you’ll want for a system you’re using on your lap or holding in your hand) more so than for blazing speed.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

In contrast, a non-detachable 2-in-1 system is more likely to use a more powerful Intel Core i5 or Core i7 with a cooling fan and perhaps even a discrete graphics processor. It will likely be a thicker device, but you’ll have more power to do more-demanding media-creation work or heavy multitasking in the field. As with anything else when computer shopping, it’s all a game of trade-offs and compromises, and we’re here to help you decide which one is for you.

So, Which 2-in-1 Laptop Should I Buy?

Below are the top convertibles and detachable hybrids we’ve tested in recent months. We refresh the list often to include the newest products, so check back frequently. Don’t need the unique transformational capabilities you get from a 2-in-1? Check out our reviews of the best overall laptops, the top business notebooks, and our favorite ultraportables.

The Best Windows Tablets for 2023

A tablet that’s as powerful as a conventional laptop but still slim and light enough to hold and tap with one hand was once the exclusive province of Hollywood’s imagination. But thanks to manufacturers’ ability to fit more powerful hardware into ever slimmer and lighter devices, it’s now possible to hold in your hand a Windows-based tablet that can do almost everything your laptop does—and, in most cases, is even more portable. Think of it as an Apple iPad combined with the power and flexibility of the Windows 11 operating system.

Just as with any system, however, a Windows tablet requires you to make choices. How big and powerful do you want (or need) it to be? What sort of features are you looking for? And do you care about using it on the road, or will you only need it while you’re near a Wi-Fi connection? We’ll help you answer all these questions and more, and tell you which of the Windows tablets on the market are our favorites.

The Best Windows Tablet Deals This Week*

Microsoft Surface Go 3 Pentium 64GB + Microsoft 365 Family
(Opens in a new window)
— $489.98

(List Price $499.98)
Microsoft Surface Go 3 Intel i3 128GB + Microsoft 365 Family
(Opens in a new window)
— $719.98

(List Price $729.98)
Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Intel i7 256GB SSD 13″ Tablet
(Opens in a new window)
— $1,269.99

(List Price $1,599. 99)
Asus ROG Flow Z13 Intel i7 RTX 3050 Tablet With Cover
(Opens in a new window)
— $1,299.99

(List Price $1,799.99)
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 13″ Intel i5 2-in-1 Laptop
(Opens in a new window)
— $1,099.99

*Deals are selected by our commerce team

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Best Windows Tablet for Most Users

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

PROS

Modern design with thin bezels and larger (13-inch) display
Superior 1080p webcam
Two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support
Well-implemented kickstand
User-accessible SSD
Perky performance in tested Core i7 configuration

CONS

Higher starting price diminishes entry-level appeal
Accessories and configuration upgrades are pricey
Keyboard base still sold separately
USB-C ports only

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$819. 99	$819.99	See It (Opens in a new window)
Microsoft Store	$899.99	$899.99	See It (Opens in a new window)
Best Buy	$1,099.99	$799.99	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Review

Asus Vivobook 13 Slate OLED T3300

Best Budget Windows Tablet

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

A beautiful OLED screen pushes Asus’ Vivobook 13 Slate past Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 as the low-cost Windows tablet of choice, but its Pentium Silver CPU leaves it eating many Chromebooks’ dust.

PROS

Gorgeous OLED display
Comes with keyboard cover, pen, and kickstand
Capable cameras

CONS

Poky performance
On the heavy side

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$743. 13	$743.13	See It (Opens in a new window)
Asus	$599.00	$599.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Asus Vivobook 13 Slate OLED T3300 Review

Microsoft Surface Go 3

Best Compact Windows Tablet

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

Microsoft’s Surface Go 3 is the best budget Windows 2-in-1 tablet, but its performance and value are a bit below expectations for a third-generation product that competes against Chromebooks and the Apple iPad.

PROS

Low starting price
Lightweight
Sunny display with vivid colors
Windows Hello webcam with 1080p video support
Integrated kickstand
SD card reader for easy storage expansion
Long battery life

CONS

Keyboard cover not included
Only one USB-C port
Optional extras pump up price quickly
Disappointing computing performance, even with Core i3 upgrade

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$629. 99	$629.99	See It (Opens in a new window)
Microsoft Store	$399.99	$399.99	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Microsoft Surface Go 3 Review

Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme Tablet

Best Rugged Windows Tablet Overall

4.5 Outstanding

Bottom Line:

Dell’s Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme Tablet lives up to its name by laughing at drops, splashes, and temperatures that would blow the average slate to smithereens. It’s ideal for first responders and factory floors.

PROS

Supremely sturdy construction.
Extra-bright display.
Comfortable keyboard cover.
Hot-swappable, long-life batteries.

CONS

Expensive and heavy.
No HDMI or Thunderbolt 3 port.
Glove-compatible touch screen and touchpad require extra pressure compared to civilian systems.

Sold By	List Price	Price
Dell	$2,712.85	$1,929.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Dell Latitude 7220 Rugged Extreme Tablet Review

Getac F110 (2022)

Best Rugged Windows Tablet for First Responders

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

With an Intel Core i7 CPU to give it some punch, and a case that can take real abuse, Getac’s F110 rugged tablet steps in for first responders, roaming service workers, factory employees, and anyone else whose job needs the extra PC protection.

PROS

Fully rugged, with IP66 rating
Optional keyboard is as rugged as the tablet
Bright touch screen that’s usable with gloves

CONS

Expensive
Heavy

Sold By	List Price	Price
GETAC	$2,579. 00	$2,579.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Getac F110 (2022) Review

Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable

Best Windows Tablet for Business Travelers

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

Lenovo’s ThinkPad X12 Detachable is an obvious choice for corporate jet-setters who need a Windows tablet with a detachable keyboard, plenty of security and manageability features, and traditional black styling.

PROS

Sturdy construction
Optional Intel vPro
Integrated kickstand
Keyboard cover is reasonably comfortable for typing
Good value
Impressive computing performance

CONS

No 4K display option
Short standard one-year warranty

Sold By	List Price	Price
Lenovo	$1,008. 00	$1,008.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Lenovo ThinkPad X12 Detachable Review

Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable

Best Windows Tablet for Enterprise Deployments

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable is a well-designed Windows tablet that comes with a keyboard cover and stylus, along with plenty of security and manageability options.

PROS

Included keyboard cover with built-in stylus holder
Integrated kickstand
Roomy 13-inch display
Decent audio volume
Intel Core i7 processor with vPro support
Three-year standard warranty

CONS

No 4K display option
Merely average computing performance
Expensive as configured

Sold By	List Price	Price
Dell Technologies	$1,559. 00	$1,559.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Dell Latitude 7320 Detachable Review

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3)

Best Windows Tablet for Long Battery Life

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

Offering Intel- and Arm-based versions of the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 widens both your options and caveats. The Arm-based SQ3 model delivers 5G support and a long-lasting battery at the expense of the overall Windows experience.

PROS

SQ3 model delivers long battery life and 5G connectivity
Premium metal build
Best-in-class kickstand and keyboard cover design
SQ3 supports advanced camera and voice call features
Superior 1080p webcam
User-accessible SSD

CONS

SQ3 processor brings the usual Arm-based drawbacks: lackluster performance and compatibility
Core feature differences between Intel and SQ3 models can be confusing
No headphone jack
Keyboard cover still sold separately
New colors only available on Intel model

Sold By	List Price	Price
Microsoft Store	$1,299. 99	$1,299.99	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) Review

HP Tablet 11-be0097nr

Best Windows Tablet for Video Conferencing

3.0 Average

Bottom Line:

HP’s 11-inch Windows tablet offers a terrific display and camera, but its performance and relative battery life are letdowns.

PROS

Excellent screen
First-class camera
Runs silently

CONS

Sluggish even for basic tasks
Modest battery life
Just one USB port and no headphone jack
Keyboard and pen are costly extras
So-so speakers

Sold By	List Price	Price
HP	$599.99	$399.99	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our HP Tablet 11-be0097nr Review

Buying Guide: The Best Windows Tablets for 2023

Of course, just like the iPad line, with its range of sizes, computing power, and prices, there’s no single Windows tablet that fits everyone’s needs. As you begin shopping, you’ll note that they fall into a few different categories.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

First are the inexpensive models with 10-inch screens, designed to let you browse the Web and enjoy streaming a movie from Netflix or Amazon Prime. Because these budget-friendly devices usually rely on low-power processors and minimal storage, you’re better off getting one as a second or third device to serve alongside your laptop or smartphone. In other words, these aren’t the full-powered Windows devices that you could rely on to replace a conventional laptop PC.

Then there are larger 12-inch and 13-inch models designed to work in tandem with an included or optional stylus and docking keyboard. These give you a better way to take notes in class or type up an email or a term paper, and generally provide a well-rounded Windows experience. The best example of these is the iconic Microsoft Surface Pro.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Finally, there are premium and business systems, designed as productivity tools rather than media consumption devices. Dell and Lenovo have dabbled in these, in their Latitude and ThinkPad lines, respectively, and Microsoft’s Surface Pros also qualify in this space.

Windows Tablet Processors: Parsing Low-Power CPUs

With Windows tablets running the gamut from low-power entertainment devices to potent tools for productivity, how do you know which one to buy if you plan to use your device for both types of tasks? As with conventional laptops, a lot comes down to the processor.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Intel’s Celeron and Pentium processors include several chips built for low power usage and passive cooling. These are two necessary attributes for tablets, since they house nearly all of their components behind the screen, which itself generates heat. They don’t require built-in cooling fans, and they offer usable performance that lasts for several hours on a single charge, or even a day or two of light use without visiting a power outlet. Low-power processors like these have limits, though, which make them best suited for inexpensive tablets. They lack the processing oomph you might want for applications like Photoshop, but they are ideal if you want to check Facebook and Twitter, then kick back with some YouTube videos or an episode of a Netflix show.

At the other end of the tablet-CPU spectrum are Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors that are also used to power full-fledged laptops. While these CPUs draw more power and require more cooling hardware, they offer a much higher level of capability, letting you get real work done. Tablets equipped with these processors are priced more like laptops (usually above $1,000), but you get performance to match the increased cost.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

More and more Windows tablets are ditching Intel chips in favor of ARM-based alternatives from companies like Qualcomm and MediaTek. They include the earlier Microsoft Surface Pro X and late-2022 Surface Pro 9 (SQ3), tablets with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. We haven’t seen any recent tablets that use processors from AMD.

Windows Tablet Security and Connectivity

Once you’ve determined which processor will fit your usage pattern, it’s time to move on to the features that make handheld PCs far more flexible than conventional laptops. Sensors previously seen in smartphones bring new ways to interact with your PC, with accelerometers, gyroscopes, and e-compasses providing positional awareness for both automatic screen rotation and new immersive applications.

There’s even a Windows tablet version of FaceID, the feature that lets you unlock your Apple iPhone or iPad Pro simply by looking at it. Called Windows Hello, it’s also available on laptops and desktops, but it’s most useful on tablets that don’t have a keyboard handy to enter a complex, secure password.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

And let’s not forget touch screens. With capacitive screens that track five or 10 fingertips at a time, you can pinch, swipe, and tap your way through any task, even those that would have required a keyboard and mouse only a couple of years ago. Many tablets also come with optional digital pens. Some are housed in «garages,» tiny holes in the tablet itself that secure the stylus and charge its battery. Others must be carried separately or attached via magnets to one of the tablet’s edges.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Then there’s the question of connectivity. With eminently portable designs, it’s only natural that some shoppers will want tablets that feature the same sort of mobile data that they enjoy on their smartphones. A few Windows tablets on the market have 5G and LTE connectivity, and can be added on to your mobile phone plan.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Don’t Overlook the Convertible Hybrid

Finally, what if you simply can’t live without a real keyboard, but don’t want the hassle of carrying a separate one around? Some convertible laptops have keyboards that fold around the back, so you can use them as traditional clamshell laptops, as tablets, or at any position in between. We’ve only included detachable Windows tablets here; to learn more about screen-rotating convertibles, read our roundup of the best 2-in-1 laptops.

The switch from a laptop to a tablet doesn’t come without issues, though. The thin confines of a tablet make worries about heat buildup all the more important—especially when that heat is literally in hand. Touch screens add a new opportunity for frustration when taps and touches won’t register properly, and the opportunities offered by docks and accessories also open up the chance to lose a valuable part of your PC while out and about. (Say what you will about tablets, but you’ll never misplace your keyboard while using a conventional laptop.)

So, Which Windows Tablet Should I Buy?

We’ve waded through the current tablet offerings, and tested and compared dozens of tablet PCs to discover what works and what doesn’t. Below are our top picks for Windows tablets. If you’re not married to Windows, read our report on the best tablets overall, as well as our roundup of the best Android-based models.

Test and review: Huawei MateBook E 2022 OLED is a good but expensive 2-in-1 hybrid laptop It is a 2-in-1 hybrid device that can be turned into a laptop or tablet. The 12.6″ OLED display is running a Tiger Lake processor inside and running Windows 11. We got a configuration with an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB PCIe SSD priced at €1,200. Let’s see how the laptop performs on practice

The new Huawei MateBook E has just been unveiled at the Mobile World Congress 2022 in Barcelona. It is interesting in many aspects. Let’s start with the first 2-in-1 hybrid device from a Chinese manufacturer that previously only produced classic laptops, tablets and smartphones. In addition, this is the first Huawei laptop with an OLED display.

But if you look closely, the laptop has quite a lot in common with previously released MatePad tablets. The case with the display and hardware is reminiscent of previous tablets, and it transforms into a laptop after docking with the docking keyboard that is included in the package. As a result, the tablet can work as a laptop replacement. Of course, all the hardware stuffing is in a case with a display. Depending on the configuration, a Core i3 or i5 processor is installed on Tiger Lake, which is complemented by 8 or 16 GB of RAM and a PCIe SSD with capacities from 128 to 512 GB. In all cases active cooling is used. Of the interfaces, one can note support for the Thunderbolt 4 port, through which the built-in 42 Wh battery is charged, or drives / peripherals are connected. The 12.6″ OLED display has a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels.

The thickness of the tablet is only 7.99 mm, the weight is just over 700 g. Optionally, you can buy a stylus with a magnetic mount. Depending on the configuration, Huawei MateBook E 2022 in Europe will cost €649 or €1.199.

Huawei sent the Core i5 version to our test lab. Inside the laptop is an Intel Core i5-1130G7 processor with an Intel Iris Xe graphics core, it is complemented by 16 GB of LPDDR4X memory and a 512 GB NVMe SSD. Our configuration will cost €1.200. Let’s see how the laptop will show itself in practice.

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Specifications

The «heart» of our €1.2000 sample is an Intel Core i5-1130G7 processor, and CPUz incorrectly reads it as a Core i5-1185G7E. The processor belongs to the Tiger-Lake UP4 platform and is manufactured by Intel using a 10nm process technology. It offers four cores with eight threads and clock speeds ranging from 1.8 to 4.0 GHz. Intel lists a configurable TDP of 15W, but the processor can handle up to 30W peaks for a short time. However, after a few seconds, the processor in high performance mode began to work with a limit of 12 watts. By default, the balanced mode is active, in which PL1 and PL2 are set to 10 and 30 watts, respectively. Therefore, in practice, the difference between the two regimes is small. We conducted tests in balanced mode, which is set by default.

As for the graphics card, the built-in iGPU of the Tiger Lake processor is used. In the case of our Intel Core i5-1130G7, Intel Iris Xe is used with 80 EU execution units and a frequency of up to 1.1 GHz. Unfortunately, our utilities considered incorrect information here as well. The GPU gets the memory directly from the RAM. Huawei opted for a fast LPDDR4X at 3.733 MHz, which in our case had a capacity of 16 GB. The SSD offers a capacity of 512 GB and is connected via PCI Express. Regularly, the drive is divided into two sections, about 410 GB are available.

The display has a diagonal of 12.6″, a native resolution of 2.560 x 1.600 pixels. For the first time on such a device, Huawei has installed an OLED display with high contrast and very narrow bezels of less than 6 mm on each side. The refresh rate is typical 60 Hz, the brightness is claimed to be 400 cd / m², but at its peak it can reach 600 cd / m². The display surface is touch-sensitive, and you can use the optional stylus.0005

Huawei MateBook E 2022
Display

Processor:	Intel Core i5-1130G7
Processor — number of cores:	4
Processor — clock speed:	1.8 GHz
Processor — Turbo frequency:	4.0 GHz
Processor — process technology	10 nm
Processor — cache	8MB
RAM	16GB — LPDDR4X-3733
Video card	Intel Iris Xe
Video card — video memory	Video memory is removed from the operational
HDD/SSD	1x 512 GB NVMe
Accumulator — capacity	SSD: 3.221.9 / 2.440.9 MB/s

Display technology:	OLED
Display — Diagonal:	12. 6″
Display resolution:	2.560 x 1.600
Display — glossy panel:	No
Display — LED:	Yes
Display — touch panel:	Yes
Display — G-Sync	No
Display — Refresh rate	60 Hz
Input devices

Keyboard — key size:	16 x 16 mm
Keyboard — distance between keys:	2 mm
Keyboard — number of keys:	80
Keyboard — numeric keypad:	No
Touch pad — size:	115 x 67 mm
Touchpad — Multitouch:	Yes
Track stick:	No
Interfaces

HDMI:	—
DisplayPort	—
USB 2. 0:	—
USB 3.2 Gen1:	—
USB 3.2 Gen2:	1
USB Type C:	1
Thunderbolt 4:	1
Audio:	1x 3.5 mm connector
Body

Battery:	42 Wh
Material:	Aluminum
Dimensions:	286.5 x 184.7 x 7.99 mm
Weight	709 g / 1.15 kg
Price and warranty

Price:	1.199 euro
Warranty:	24 months

<>Test & Review: Huawei MateBook E 2022 OLED is a Good But Expensive 2-in-1 Hybrid Laptop
Case, Keyboard and Touchpad

Dell Thin & Light Laptops | Gaming laptops Dell (DELL)

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