Guide to 2-in-1 Laptops: Versatility Meets Performance
What is a 2-in-1 Laptop?
At its core, a 2-in-1 laptop is an innovative device that combines the best features of both a traditional laptop and a tablet. Think of it as a laptop that can transform – the screen can fold back 360 degrees or detach completely, instantly converting your work machine into a touchscreen tablet. This unique design allows you to use a single device in multiple ways, adapting to whatever task you're tackling.
What Can You Do?
These versatile devices open up a world of possibilities:
Type reports and emails using the traditional keyboard
Draw or write directly on the screen with a stylus
Watch movies with the screen in 'tent' mode
Present work by folding into 'stand' mode
Read e-books or browse the web in tablet mode
Benefits for Different Users?
Students:
Take handwritten digital notes in lectures
Read and annotate textbooks in tablet mode
Write essays with a full keyboard
Creative Professionals:
Sketch and draw with precision using a stylus
Edit photos with touch controls
Switch to laptop mode for detailed work
Business Users:
Give interactive presentations
Take notes in meetings
Work on spreadsheets and documents
Sign digital documents naturally
Everyday Users:
Browse the web comfortably from the sofa
Follow cooking recipes in the kitchen
Enjoy entertainment in various positions
Work flexibly from any location
Whether you're a student taking notes in class, an artist creating digital masterpieces, or a professional preparing presentations, a 2-in-1 laptop adapts to your needs. Here are some recommendations based on the best hardware specifications.
1st Place: HP Spectre x360 14-inch 14-eu0078TU, Blue
S$2,749
"The Premium Powerhouse"
Why It's Our Top Pick:
Cutting-edge Intel Core Ultra 7 155H with 16 cores and 22 threads
Stunning 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED display with adaptive 48-120 Hz refresh rate
Industry-leading 32GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz RAM
100% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Quad speakers for superior audio experience
Advanced HP Wide Vision 9MP IR camera
Stylus: Professional-grade HP Rechargeable MPP2.0 Tilt Pen included
The Spectre x360 earns its crown through unmatched specifications and premium features. The combination of the most powerful processor, largest RAM capacity, and superior display technology makes it the ultimate choice for professional creators and power users who demand the best.
Source: HP
2nd Place: Lenovo Yoga 9i (14", Gen 9) 83ACCTO1WWSG1
S$2,066.13
"The Balanced Performer"
Standout Features:
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Processor
2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
16GB LPDDR5X-7467MHz RAM
HDR 500 with 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut
400 nits brightness
75Wh battery capacity
Stylus: Lenovo Slim Pen included
Taking second place, the Yoga 9i offers an impressive balance of performance and value. With its high-refresh-rate OLED display and latest-generation processor, it delivers premium features at a more accessible price point.
Source: Lenovo
3rd Place: ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED UP3404VA-KN058W
S$1,999
"The Value Champion"
Key Advantages:
2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED display with 90Hz refresh rate
Intel Core i7-1360P processor
Generous 1TB NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD
NumberPad functionality
75WHrs battery capacity
Slim 1.59cm profile
Stylus: With built-in stylus support
The Zenbook 14 Flip OLED rounds out our top three with an excellent price-to-performance ratio. It offers many premium features, including a high-resolution OLED display and ample storage, at a more competitive price point.
Source: ASUS
Brand/Model | CPU | RAM | Storage | Screen Resolution | Refresh Rate | Display | Graphics | Price |
HP Spectre x360 14" (2024) | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | 32 GB | 1 TB PCIe Gen4 | 2880x1800 | 48-120 Hz | 14" OLED | Intel® Arc Graphics | $2,749 |
Lenovo Yoga 9i (14", Gen 9) | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | 16 GB | 1 TB PCIe Gen4 | 2880x1800 | 120Hz | 14" OLED | Intel Iris Xe | $2,066 |
ASUS Zenbook 14 Flip OLED | Intel i7-1360P | 16 GB | 1 TB PCIe | 2880 x 1800 | 90Hz | 14" OLED | Intel Iris Xe | $1,999 |
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A13MT | Intel i7-1360P | 16 GB | 1 TB PCIe | 1920x1200 | 120Hz | 13.4" IPS | Intel Iris Xe | $2,522 |
HP Envy x360 14" | AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS | 16 GB | 512 GB PCIe | 1920x1200 | Unknown | 14" IPS | AMD Radeon Graphics | $1,599 |
Honourable Mentions
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo (S$2,522) deserves recognition for its business-focused features, including Windows 11 Pro, a smooth 120Hz FHD+ display, and impressive 1TB NVMe PCIe Gen4 storage. Its lightweight 1.35kg design makes it particularly suitable for mobile professionals who need high performance on the go.
Additionally, the HP Envy x360 14" (S$1,599) is another standout for its balance of affordability and power. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS processor, 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB NVMe PCIe storage, and AMD Radeon Graphics, this 2-in-1 laptop offers excellent performance for students and creatives alike. The 14" WUXGA display ensures sharp visuals, making it ideal for everyday tasks and light creative work.
Conclusion
Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget, but any of these devices will serve as a capable creative tool while offering the versatility that makes 2-in-1 laptops so compelling. Do you agree with our ranking, or do you think we should consider other choices? Let us know in the comments.