150 Technology
These 2-in-1 devices are more than meets the eye, transforming from tablet to notebook and back again. By Nic Healey.
Agents of change: tricksy 2-in-1 devices
Acer Switch Alpha 12 From $1390 acer.com.au
Sporting a brushed-aluminium finish, the Acer Switch Alpha 12 is a remarkably handsome beast with a slim design that makes it easy to take on the road. The device has a supersharp 12-inch display, a rubberised kickstand for stability and an easily detached magnetic keyboard. There are also a few deft touches that set it apart from the rest of the pack, including an ultra-quiet fan-less cooling system and both a full-size USB 3.0 port and “futureproofing” USB Type-C connectivity. It also comes in models with more processing power and larger storage, all the way up to a $2159 price tag.
Microsoft Surface Book From $2299 microsoft.com
The Microsoft Surface Book looks so much like a traditional laptop that at first glance you might not believe it’s a 2 in 1. But one button is all it takes to detach the very high-resolution screen, leaving the keyboard (and about half of the 1.5-kilogram weight) behind. The screen is bright and sharp and there’s the full power of an Intel Core processor inside. Higher-end models even feature a graphics card for some extra sizzle. It’s a great piece of engineering that allows you to make the most of the touch screen and Surface Pen combination.
Asus Transformer Book T100HA $499 asus.com
The ever-growing range of Asus Transformer devices continues to strike that fine balance between functionality, mobility and affordability. Even with the keyboard attached, the T100HA is under one kilogram. It doesn’t have the same flair as the other products on this list but it is well built and has enough battery power for 12 hours of video playback, plus the lowest price tag here. It’s a great option if you’re after a low-cost Windows laptop that can double as a tablet if needed.
Lenovo Yoga Book $799 lenovo.com
Lenovo has cooked up something different with the Yoga Book. This Android OS 2 in 1 features Lenovo’s 360-degree hinge but it’s the Halo Keyboard that truly stands out. It’s a virtual keyboard with haptic feedback. Not typing? One touch converts the panel into a pressure-sensitive zone so you can use the included stylus for drawing and any freehand creativity. Dolby Atmos speakers and 13 hours’ battery life make it good for entertainment, too. You’re not getting the Windows experience but the Yoga Book is versatile and clever.