#5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a 2-in-1 Computer

Are these laptop/tablet hybrids the perfect combination for your needs, or just an unfortunate compromise?

They twist. They turn. They detach. If you’ve been shopping for a laptop lately, you’ve probably seen some 2-in-1 computers in the store. You might say they’re a natural outgrowth of Windows 8 and its emphasis on touch, since they are a laptop and tablet rolled into one device.

But is a 2-in-1 the right choice for you? Here are some questions to ask yourself before buying.

1. What do you sacrifice versus a dedicated laptop?

The ergonomics on some smaller models are not ideal. The keyboards can be small and cramped. The machine may be so light that it lifts off the table when you tap the touch screen. Some touchpads found on two don’t have the side and top swiping enhancements you find on other laptops. When we asked some readers to give them a try, a few complained that the screen lost its connection to the keyboard too easily.

When it comes to performance, the best are as good as any laptop. Most use Intel Core processors. Battery life on the 2-in-1s we recommend ranges from 8 to 12.75 hours. They’re quite lightweight and portable, but the displays can be small. The lightest we tested was Lenovo’s Miix 2 10. a 10-inch model that weighs 2.3 pounds.