Best convertible laptops and tablets 2016 UK: What's the best convertible laptop tablet? The best hybrid tablet laptops and best 2-in-1 tablets
Best convertible laptops and tablets 2016: What to look for
Much of what you need to look for in a convertible laptop or convertible tablet is the same. Like almost any tech device you'll want to get the best specifications for your money including the processor, memory, storage and screen. Make sure you click through to the in-depth reviews of each device to find out what they offer, including benchmark results.
As alluded to, the design is going to be a big part of your buying decision here and you need to choose a device which fits your needs best. A convertible laptop is likely to be bigger and heavier but is likely to offer longer battery life (there's more space for a bigger battery). Since it is laptop-first, it will also provide a better typing experience and there's normally room for things like more physical ports should connectivity be an issue.
Although a convertible tablet might not have many physical ports (some have full-size USB), they are smaller and lighter than a hybrid laptop making them great for travelling around. As the device is a tablet-first with a keyboard dock/case, using it like a laptop is often fiddly and awkward. Look for one with a clever design and proper keys. A trackpad is also a boon, despite touchscreens, but not all feature one.
Best convertible laptops and tablets 2016
9. Acer Chromebook R11
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 2 March 16
- RRP: £229
The R11 is a decent, if unspectacular device. Having the option to position it in a variety of modes is fun, but the sometimes sluggish performance makes it hard to recommend to anyone who wants to do more than a couple of simultaneous tasks. If your needs are light and you value the flexible hinges though, it’s a nice machine all the same, but we’d still opt to wait for the 4GB alternative.
Read our Acer Chromebook R11 review.
8. Google Pixel C
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 20 January 16
- RRP: £399 inc VAT ($500) for 32GB; £479 inc VAT ($600) for 64GB
As a standalone tablet, the Pixel C is superb. It’s better than the HTC-made Nexus 9 which was great but not exceptional. Which the 'C' most certainly is. Storage is a bit limited, but if you can live with 32GB it’s good value at £399. Paying an extra £119 for the keyboard is something we can’t see many buyers doing. If typing is a priority, you’d be better off spending your £518 on a decent ultraportable laptop as Android Marshmallow – good as it is – isn’t nearly as versatile as Windows. And while the keyboard is well designed, you’ll still prefer a full-size laptop keyboard. If you need to run Windows apps, the consider the Surface 3 which is slightly cheaper - even with the optional keyboard - but remember that there are even cheaper options such as the Asus Transformer T100HA.
Read our Google Pixel C review.
7. Chromebook Pixel (2015)
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 3 August 15
- RRP: £799 inc VAT
As we’ve stated in pretty much every Chromebook review, they’re not for everyone. Being tied to the web, and Google’s version of the web in particular, isn’t going to be ideal for some users. The same goes for those that want to edit video, record music, or play AAA games. Those users would be better served by a decent PC, which you could certainly buy for the same money as the new Pixel. But, and it’s a very big but, if you embrace the ideals of Chromebooks, and have the money to spare, the 2015 Pixel is a truly beguiling device that is a genuine pleasure to use. Do we want one? Unquestionably. Will we be buying one? Hmmmm.
Read our Chromebook Pixel (2015) review.
6. Toshiba Satellite Radius 12 P20W-C-106
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 23 December 15
- RRP: £999 inc VAT
Bagging a 4K UHD display may seem impressive but here is wasted on a little ultrabook. A small battery plus high-res touchscreen equals foreshortened runtime. The Radius is quick but annoying on too many levels. For a better overall experience, try the ZenBook UX303UA which is £100 cheaper.
5. Microsoft Surface 3
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 12 May 15
- RRP: £419 inc VAT (64GB Wi-Fi)
Objectively, the Surface 3 is the best compromise between a laptop and tablet. It's a highly portable gadget which can run full Windows programs and it costs less than the Surface Pro 3. It's not exactly cheap by the time you've added the keyboard and stylus, though. It's also only good for lightweight duties - it's less powerful than laptops costing the same - and some people will find the screen is too small for 'proper' productivity. It's a better work tool than an iPad and Bluetooth keyboard, it has to be said, and if you only need to use office apps and a web browser, it could be exactly what you're after. Most people are better off spending more on the Surface Pro 3 or, if you don't need a touchscreen, a Core M laptop such as the Asus UX305F.
Read our Microsoft Surface 3 review.
4. Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 13 January 16
- RRP: £309.99 inc VAT
Whether the Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA is a good buy or not depends entirely on your priorities. If you want to open up loads of browser windows and have plenty of apps open at once, this isn’t for you. The Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA only really runs well with an app or two running, and no data-intensive background processes going on. In laptop terms it’s a whelp. However, good stamina, a smart design and good, non-cramped keyboard make it a great low-cost choice if you want something to do some writing/emailing/browsing while you’re away from home.
3. Microsoft Surface Book
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 16 February 16
- RRP: From £1,299 inc VAT
It's expensive but the Surface Book is an amazing piece of technology combining excellent (and unique) design, top-notch build quality and high-end specifications. Battery life is amazing and there's a lot you can do with the Surface Book model with the Nvidia GPU. The big question is can you afford one?
Read our Microsoft Surface Book review.
2. Lenovo Yoga 900
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 26 February 16
- RRP: From £1199 inc VAT (model reviewed £1499)
The Lenovo Yoga 900 is a laptop that really asks you to believe in its design style. After all, it doesn’t come cheap and for the price you can get a laptop with much more power if you’re not out for something immensely portable. That’s where this laptop excels: portability. As well as being slim, light and all-round lovely, the smart hinge lets it sit where most other laptops just can’t. The battery should last through a full day’s work as well. The trackpad can feel fiddly and the display isn’t perfect, but if you’re feeling flush this is one of the top ultraportables around.
Read our Lenovo Yoga 900 review.
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 4
- Rating:
- Reviewed on: 14 December 15
- RRP: From £749 inc VAT (model tested £1079)
There is a great deal to like and rave about the Surface Pro 4. The design is thinner and lighter for starters. The screen is awesome, there's plenty of power available, the new Surface Pen is better and the Type Cover is a vast improvement on the last one. However, the design is inherently awkward at times, it's more expensive that a lot of laptops and the Type Cover, which you'll pretty much need, isn't included lowering the value.
