The advantages of a laptop over the traditional tower computer are both numerous and significant and have convinced a good deal of the modern world to make the switch. From advanced programmers to grade school students, the laptop computer has become the go-to for anyone needing to type.
Tablets can be found in any number of practical areas and are the interface of choice between many professions and the machines they use to work. Military, police, construction, event planners, restaurants, UAV users and more all turn to the tablet to provide an intuitive interface and a dedicated user experience.
Some people might find it either too expensive or too confusing to have both machines, but both they and you are in luck. There’s a device that answers all of these concerns together. Meet the hybrid laptop, engineered to answer the needs of both pieces of hardware at once.
Computers can be one of the most challenging fields for the consumer, especially if you are only now switching to a hybrid. We’ve narrowed the field to the five best budget hybrids to help you get started.
Our Best Product Reviews and Comparisons
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
| EDITOR’S CHOICE | 1. LENOVO FLEXUSB-C portQuick chargeStylus includedIncluded antivirus protection | CHECK PRICE |
| RUNNER UP | 2. ASUS Q304UA10-hour battery lifeLatest connectivity features, including Bluetooth 4.0 and USB-CMassive storage with 1TB hard driveBoots in seconds | CHECK PRICE |
| 3. DELL I5378-3031GRY-PUS INSPIRON1TB storageWide-angle cameraHighly adjustableAutomatically detects viewing modePowerful Intel audio and video engine included | CHECK PRICE | |
| 4. SAMSUNG CHROMEBOOK PROCompact and lightAmazon tech support includedSpill resistantStylus portHigh background app functionality | CHECK PRICE | |
| 5. MICROSOFT SURFACE GOSlender and lightRapid chargingLong battery lifeSecurity features installedOptimized for all MS Office programs | CHECK PRICE |
1.Lenovo Flex
Product Highlights
This convertible boasts an impressive recharge time and a next-generation USB-C port.
Features
- 14” screen
- Fingerprint scanner
- Running Win10 OS
What We Like About Lenovo Flex
Lenovo was one of the first brands to include fingerprint scanners and brings that feature and more back in the newest privacy suite.
What We Don’t Like About Lenovo Flex
The RAM does not perform to expectations, especially under high-performance programs.
PROS
- USB-C port
- Quick charge
- Stylus included
- Included antivirus protection
CONS
- Cannot handle heavy processing
- Battery drains quickly
2.ASUS Q304UA
Product Highlights
A compact model with a backlit keyboard for nighttime productivity.
Features
- 13.3” touchscreen
- 6GB RAM
- Intel Core i5
- 1TB HDD
What We Like About ASUS Q304UA
With this laptop, you can use the backlit keyboard to keep working in the dark of a car or bedroom without straining your eyes.
What We Don’t Like About ASUS Q304UA
At only 13 inches, the screen can be rather cramped if you wanted to game or watch a movie.
PROS
- 10-hour battery life
- Latest connectivity features, including Bluetooth 4.0 and USB-C
- Massive storage with 1TB hard drive
- Boots in seconds
CONS
- Ancillary feature failure reported
- Small screen
3.Dell i5378-3031GRY-PUS Inspiron
Product Highlights
Dell’s entry to the hybrid field emphasizes versatility and customization, with most components freely exchanged and automated viewing mode detection.
Features
- 2.4 GHz processor
- Intel Core i3
- 1TB HD at 5400 rpm
- 4GB DDR, upgradeable to 16GB
What We Like About Dell i5378-3031GRY-PUS Inspiron
This hybrid will be welcome for those that like to tinker with their laptops – hard drive, RAM, and CPU can all be customized to the buyer’s liking.
What We Don’t Like About Dell i5378-3031GRY-PUS Inspiron
Several users report this model to lag or freeze more than the competition.
PROS
- 1TB storage
- Wide-angle camera
- Highly adjustable
- Automatically detects viewing mode
- Powerful Intel audio and video engine included
CONS
- Poor performance
- Basic components only, in anticipation of user upgrades
4.Samsung Chromebook Pro
Product Highlights
This convertible is ready for daily life with spill resistance, note-taking stylus, and microSD card reader.
Features
- Google Chromebook OS
- 12.3” screen
- Intel Core M3 processor
- 9h battery life
What We Like About Samsung Chromebook Pro
Get ready for everyone’s nightmare scenario of spilling your drink on the keyboard – this model has a 60cc spill resistance.
What We Don’t Like About Samsung Chromebook Pro
As a Chromebook, this laptop is of limited usefulness to those without a Google account.
PROS
- Compact and light
- Amazon tech support included
- Spill resistant
- Stylus port
- High background app functionality
CONS
- Google account required
- Limited function without internet connection
5.Microsoft Surface Go
Product Highlights
Since its inception, the Surface series has caused a stir in the world of convertible laptops for leading the way in full functionality as both tablets and computers.
Features
- 1.15lbs, the lightest Surface on record
- 9h battery life
- 10” screen
- 128GB SSD
What We Like About Microsoft Surface Go
As with all models in the Surface series, this one emphasizes being a lightweight item that has all the computing power of a full desktop and is compatible with the full line of Surface accessories.
What We Don’t Like About Microsoft Surface Go
Surface Go, like its predecessors, does not include the Surface accessory pack needed to convert to a laptop computer.
PROS
- Slender and light
- Rapid charging
- Long battery life
- Security features installed
- Optimized for all MS Office programs
CONS
- Accessories sold separately
- Needs kickstand for laptop mode
Final Verdict
These devices can offer you the best of both worlds, making sure you can have tablet and computer in a single, low-priced package. Pick one that will be up to the workload you have planned and get ready for a new level of convenience.
A note of caution is in order, though – many of these devices sacrifice being the best possible version of either laptop or tablet in order to be both. Consider carefully if both functions are needed before committing to a hybrid.
In a similar vein, using a hybrid will expose your device to the wear and tear of both laptops and tablets, including dings and dents in transit and food or other debris in the keyboard. Take extra caution to make sure your device stays clean and clear of sharp corners or your lunch order. Either one can foul up both keyboard and hinges, leaving you with neither tablet or laptop.