5 reasons why your next laptop should be a 2-in-1

2-in-1 Windows-powered PCs are great tools that pack more than a single trick hidden inside the chassis. As well as being able to use them as a normal notebook, it's possible to alter a 2-in-1 so that it becomes a tablet without having to purchase a dedicated device. Here are a few reasons why you should buy one.

Single device

The biggest gain from purchasing a 2-in-1 is the fact that you're investing in a single product that can do multiple things. Take the Microsoft Surface, for example. Not only is it possible to use these tablets without a keyboard and mouse, but throw in said peripherals, and you've now got a capable laptop.

This cuts down on the number of devices you are effectively required to purchase. Instead of picking up both a laptop and tablet, which combined is likely to set you back $1,000, simply go for a 2-in-1 and cut both cost and hassle using more than one Windows device.

Money, money, money

Lenovo Yoga

As touched on in our above point, there are quite the savings to be made with a 2-in-1. Instead of purchasing two devices, you're only picking up one, and while they can sometimes be slightly more expensive than a standalone laptop, you'll be paying out less than if you were to purchase more than one PC.

Flexible stunts

2-in-1 devices, particularly those with advanced hinges, are able to be altered into different configurations. Lenovo's Yoga series may appear to be normal laptops on the surface but flip the screen around a full 360 degrees, and you now have a tablet, without having to detach anything.

You can also use the 360 hinge as a stand, putting the Yoga laptops into a "tent" configuration. This is handy for watching movies on a plane or in the kitchen, for example, when the keyboard isn't needed.

This is particularly useful when on the move as there's less to pack and potentially misplace.

The difference between a 2-in-1 and convertible

Feel the experience

Since 2-in-1 laptops are pretty much guaranteed to come packing a touch-friendly display, it'll be possible to take advantage of input similar to that of a smartphone and tablet. Usually, one would have to fork out a slight premium for the luxury on normal laptops. This also opens up other avenues for pen support and more.

Only the best

Surface Pro 4

Since we're talking about Windows 10-powered laptops here, this also means you'll be enjoying a Windows-based tablet experience. The Surface is a fine example of just how well Windows works in tablet form, allowing owners to install software packages not available through the store and fully customize their tablet as they would a normal desktop or laptop PC.

There are also a number of solid devices to choose from. Be sure to check our best 2-in-1 guide for our top picks to get you started.

Best 2-in-1 laptops

What say you?

We'd like to know your favorite things about owning a 2-in-1 over a traditional notebook so be sure to sound off in the comments!

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.