We still haven’t seen the perfect hybrid machine that’s just as good a tablet as it is a laptop. But, this year we got closer than ever. The Surface series proved the 2-in-1 has legs, giving people a tablet-sized Windows device that transforms into a powerful multitasking system with a keyboard case attached. Microsoft’s success in the space drove Apple and Samsung to push their own tablets in the 2-in-1 direction, and the competition has led to improvements all around.
Sometimes, getting a third-party keyboard might be just as good, and they’re often cheaper than first-party offerings. If you’re looking to save some money, Logitech’s Slim Folio and Zagg’s Flex Universal are cheaper alternatives. And if you don’t need your keyboard to attach to your tablet, Logitech’s K780 Multi-Device wireless keyboard is also a good option.
These machines still have their limits, of course. Since they’re smaller than a proper laptop, they tend to have less-powerful processors. Keyboards also tend to be less sturdy, with condensed layouts and shallower key travel. Plus, they’re almost always tablets first and foremost, leaving you to buy a keyboard case separately. (And those ain’t cheap.) So, you can’t always assume the advertised price is what you’ll actually spend on the 2-in-1 you want.
When you’re shopping for your 2-in-1, there are some basic criteria to keep in mind. First, look at the spec sheet to see how heavy the tablet is (alone, and with the keyboard). Most modern hybrids weigh less than 2 pounds, with the 1.7-pound Surface Pro 7 being one of the heaviest around. The iPad Pro 12.9 and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S7+ are both lighter at 1.41 and 1.26 pounds, respectively. If the overall weight of the tablet and its keyboard comes close to 3 pounds, you’ll be better off just getting an ultraportable laptop.
You’ll also want to opt for an 11-inch or 12-inch screen instead of a smaller 10-inch model. (Unless you’re trying to save some money, in which case our budget pick is a good exception.) The bigger displays will make multitasking easier, plus their companion keyboards will be much better spaced. Also, try to get 6GB of RAM if you can for better performance -- you’ll find this in the base models of the iPad Pro 12.9 and Galaxy Tab S7+, though the Surface Pro 7 starts with just 4GB.
Finally, while some 2-in-1s offer built-in LTE connectivity, not everyone will want to pay the premium for it. An integrated cellular radio makes checking emails or replying to messages on the go far more convenient. But it also often costs more, and that’s not counting what you’ll pay for data. And, as for 5G -- forget about it. There’s no point shelling out any extra money for the next-gen standard this year. Coverage is still spotty and existing nationwide networks use the slower sub-6 technology that’s barely faster than LTE.
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