This story was written in collaboration with Forbes Finds. Forbes Finds covers products and experiences we think you’ll love. Featured products are independently selected and linked to for your convenience. If you buy something using a link on this page, Forbes may receive a small share of that sale.
When shopping for a 2-in-1 laptop—which combines the features and convenience of a tablet—it’s always a smart idea to know what you need most from your new computer. Are you into gaming and crave the sharpest screen quality and high-resolution graphics? Do you travel a lot, or have a lot of meetings around town? In that case, a compact and lightweight design could take the pain out of lugging a bulky computer around all day.
Or maybe you’re an email addict, or perhaps you’re working on that next bestselling novel. If that’s the case, you’ll want to browse models that offer a larger screen and comfortable keyboard. What’s great about the 2-in-1 laptops reviewed here is that you don’t have to make many sacrifices with them.
They’re capable of hard work thanks to their stout internal hardware, but the laptop/tablet versatility means they can turn into movie screens, or a blank slate for you and your stylus.
Here are the best 2-in-1 laptops of 2019.
Microsoft Surface Book 2
The best things in life aren’t free and, in the world of 2-in-1 laptops, that certainly holds true with the Microsoft Surface Book 2. The price is high at (about $2,000), but the quality of this machine is impeccable. If you’re going to be using this computer for hours each day, the crystal-clear, 15-inch 3240 x 2160 screen and user-friendly keyboard will become your new best friends. An Intel Core i7-8650U processor provides more than enough power for anything work-related, or moments when you want to unwind with a movie or graphics-intensive game. The battery life is also impressive.
HP Spectre 360
The HP Spectre 360 is another excellent choice, particularly if you want a screen that won’t strain your eyes. The 13.3-inch 4K screen and Intel UHD Graphics 620 create sharp and well-lit images for any task. Meanwhile, an Intel Core i7 processor is the power behind this computer’s elegant design. Gorilla glass protection keeps the screen safe, and a stylus provides an extra degree of flexibility for work or pleasure. The Bang & Olufsen speakers and “Dark Ash” exterior finishes are also nice touches. With 14 hours of battery life, this machine won’t let you down when you’re away from an outlet for any stretch of time. At about $1,400, this HP is a solid value.
Lenovo Yoga C930
The Lenovo Yoga C930 is another great computer that’s practical and has lots of clever features. These include items like built-in stylus slot, rotating Dolby Atmos soundbar, and a cover for the webcam. The Yoga is also lightweight (about 3 pounds), and the 13.9-inch touch screen is available in 1080p or crystal-clear 4K. It also has 12-hour battery life and 512 GB of SSD storage are perfect for the professional user.
Samsung Notebook 9 Pro
Unlike some rival machines, the Samsung Notebook 9 Pro starts things off with a nice bonus—you get a S-Pen stylus included for no extra cost. Okay, that’s a minor detail, but in the bigger picture it goes to show that a smartly engineered 2-in-1 laptop doesn’t need to be loaded with expensive add-ons to get the job done. An Intel Quad-Core i7 CPU, 16 GB RAM and more than 12 hours of battery life help underline the power and potential of this savvy Samsung 2-in-1 laptop.
Google Pixelbook
For anyone who loves Chrome OS and is devoted to Gmail and all other Google-related functions, the Pixelbook could be your dream machine. At around $1,000, the Pixelbook is notably less expensive than other computers listed here. But for a 2-in-1 Chromebook, it’s pretty pricey. You get a lot for your money, however, and that includes a vivid 12.3-inch touchscreen, powerful Intel Core i5 CPU, 8 to 16 GB RAM, and Intel HD Graphics 615 GPU. It also happens to be gorgeous to look at and weighs only 2.4 pounds. If you’re considering a Chromebook and want the best, this is the one to choose.
HP Elitebook x360 1040 G5
The name sounds like a complicated tax form, but the HP Elitebook x360 1040 G5 is a superb choice, especially for the on-the-go businessperson. The battery life on this laptop is superb, the aluminum case makes a great first impression, and at only 3 pounds, you can tote it around all day in comfort. When its time to get to work, or kick back with some gaming, the 14-inch touch screen (available in 1080p or 4K), Intel Core i7 processor, and 16 GB RAM are there to provide seamless functionality. And, priced right around $1,300, this HP 2-in-1 laptop is a good value.
