2 in 1 Computers

2 in 1 PCs are hybrid computers that can be used both as a laptop or as a tablet.

What is a 2 in 1 PC

A 2 in 1 Computer is a tablet-laptop hybrid that can be used as both. 2 in 1s try to combine the portability of a tablet with the functionality of a laptop. The earliest device that can be called a 2 in 1 is the Compaq TC1000 launched in 2002 with Windows XP. Though the modern day boost to 2 in 1s was given by the Microsoft Surface series.

Windows 2 in 1s originated with the launch of the defunct Windows RT platform. Even though the platform failed due to lack of features, 2 in 1s became popular and soon began appearing with the full version of Windows. Windows 8s touch friendly features also played a major role in this.

Compaq TC1000

Now, 2 in 1s running various operating systems can be seen on the market including Android, Chrome OS, iOS, Linux and Windows 10S.

Today, 2 in 1s come with different capabilities in different price brackets. With the introduction of Windows on ARM. 2 in 1s also come with Qualcomm's mobile processors. 2 in 1s with Intel's Atom and Core m series of processors. Pricier 2 in 1s with Intel's Core i processors are also available.

How can 2 in 1s be classified

Besides the OS that they run, 2 in 1s can be classified according to their design

Detatchables

HP ZBook x2

Detachable are 2 in 1s where the keyboard and screen can be separated to form 2 separate units. These devices normally follow a tablet-first approach(Most hardware components are in site the tablet and the keyboard acts only as a cover). devices like this include the Acer Switch 7 Black Edition, Google Pixel C, Apple iPad Pro and Lenovo Miix 630. Of course there are exceptions that follow a laptop-first approach like the Microsoft Surface Book 2.

Convertibles

Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga

Convertibles(Also known as bendables or flippables) are 2 in 1s where the keyboard can be rotated 360° to form a thick tablet. Convertibles mostly follow a laptop-first approach. Examples include the Google Pixelbook, Dell Xps 13 2 in 1and Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga.

error_outline There are also 2 in 1s like the Porsche Design Book One which can bend 360° and detach as well.

Swivel Laptops

HP Elitebook Revolve

Swivel laptops have a laptop-first design with the screen rotating horizontally on an axis on the keyboard and forming a thick tablet. This design was popular before the introduction of convertibles. Examples include the HP Elitebook Revolve and Lenovo ThinkPad X230 3435-22U.

Rotating Screen Laptops

Vaio Z Flip

This setup includes the screen rotating vertically to use a laptop-first design as a thick tablet. This setup didn't quite take off as it made devices thicker. The Vaio Z Flip uses this setup.

2 in 1s have already destroyed the standalone tablet market and are now slowly taking over traditional clamshell laptops. Thus, it can be said without doubt that 2 in 1s are the future of mobile computing.