FINDING THE DEVICE THAT FITS JUST RIGHT
Holiday deals, clear-outs mean it’s the right time to upgrade your laptop, tablet
Good news for those putting off the inevitable computer upgrade: There’s never been a better time to buy one.
Choosing the right device to match your needs and budget can be an overwhelming task, so the following is a look at some recommended laptops, tablets and laptop-tablet hybrids.
Laptops:
For those who prefer a classic clamshell laptop design with a large screen, full-sized keyboard and multiple ports, look no further. If budget is limited, consider the blue HP Stream ($299), a 13.3-inch laptop powered by an Intel Celeron N3050 (1.6GHz) processor, two gigabytes of system memory (RAM) and 32-gigabytes of SSD flash memory — which is more durable, lighter and better on battery life than a hard drive. This Windows10 PC also houses two USB 3.0 ports, a memory card reader and DTS Sound+ with dual speakers.
Thin is in with the ASUS Zenbook UX305 ($899), a slender 13.3-inch computer that’s only 0.5-inches thick and weighs just 2.6 pounds. Under the hood is an Intel Core M-5Y10 processor. This laptop also benefits from eight gigabytes of system memory and 256 gigabytes of SSD storage. A Best Buy exclusive, this ships with Windows 8.1 but can be upgraded to Windows 10 for free.
2-in-1s:
As the name suggests, 2-in-1s are both a laptop and tablet in one device. These versatile PCs include a keyboard and trackpad for when you need to get work done, but they also let you use your fingertip to tap, swipe and flick on a multi-touch display.
The Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Series 2-in-1 ($829.99) features a large 15.6inch LED-backlit screen on a hinge, so it can be flipped back 360-degrees to put it in tablet mode. Not only is the keyboard now tucked underneath and out of the way, but it’s disabled so you can’t accidentally press keys. One of the two USB 3.0 ports has a PowerShare feature, which lets you use the 2-in-1’s battery to charge other devices, such as your smartphone.
Give the best of both worlds with the ASUS Transformer Book T100 ($299.99). This 10.1-inch computer has a QWERTY keyboard and trackpad for typing up an essay or sales report, but when it’s time to kick back and relax on the couch, simply detach the touchscreen and use it with your fingertips. Together, this screen and keyboard weighs just 1.2 pounds. Battery life tops 11 hours between charges.
Tablets:
Smaller, lighter and thinner, a touchscreen tablet offers better battery life than a laptop.
From $439, Apple’s iPad Mini 4 has a stunning 7.9-inch Retina display, a powerful A8 chip for fast performance, dual cameras, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor for convenient authorization and the new iOS 9 operating system supports multitasking for iPad (be it split-screen or picture-in-picture). A cellular option takes a SIM card for Internet access without a Wi-Fi hotspot.
If the popular Android platform is more your thing, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S2 (from $499.99 for eight-inch version) is the tech giant’s flagship tablet. With its ultra-realistic screen, blazing octo-core processor and ample storage options, the Galaxy Tab S2 might just be your go-to companion for work and play. Also sold as a 9.7-inch model (from $599.99), the Galaxy Tab S2 is available with 4G/ LTE connectivity.
For those who demand desk-top-like performance, a full Windows experience and PC-like ports such as USB and micro-SD, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 (from $1,179) is garnering quite a buzz among mobile professionals. It’s a powerful, 12.3-inch Windows 10 Pro tablet that supports multiple magnetic covers with an integrated keyboard and trackpad.