FIVE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN BUYING A 2-IN-1

01 DOES IT USE INTEGRATED GRAPHICS?

One of the first things to look for in any computer is whether or not it uses processor-integrated graphics (as opposed to a discrete graphics card, like the HP ZBook X2’s Nvidia Quadro GPU.) The former is typically less powerful and puts more strain on the processor, but the latter will negatively impact battery life. If you need powerful graphics, a discrete GPU is the way to go.

02 HOW DOES THE MACHINE CHARGE?

There are few things more frustrating than needing to charge your laptop but also needing that port for something else. The HP Spectre x360 and Dell XPS 13 are powered via a USB- C port, which bars use of that port while the device is charging. The ZBook X2 has a dedicated power port.

03 HOW MUCH STORAGE IS THERE?

Modern 2-in-1s almost unilaterally use M. 2 solid state drives, which boast extremely fast read and write times. Drive capacities will typically range from 128GB up to 2TB – when deciding on the model you want, consider the type of files you use and the space you’ll need.

04 WHAT RESOLUTION IS THE SCREEN?

If you need to work on 4K video footage on your laptop, you’re going to want a 2-in-1 equipped with a 4K display. It’s worth bearing in mind that some laptops and tablets use esoteric resolutions that may require some tweaking.

05 HOW LONG IS THE BATTERY LIFE?

This varies quite a lot between machines. If you have a small commute and keep your laptop plugged in when you’re in the office, a shorter battery life might not be a big issue. Pay attention to the spec to see what the minimum battery life is, as this will give you an idea of what to expect with typical use.