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.