Table of Contents
Convertible laptops took convenience to another level. They combined the efficiency and precision of your standard PC with the flexibility and versatility of a tablet. But let’s be honest: convertibles aren’t for everyone. Some might prefer a standard touchscreen laptop. Aren’t they the same thing, though?
Well, not exactly. Let’s take a look at Touchscreen Laptops vs. 2-in-1 Laptops to clear this up.
Review of Touchscreen Laptops
Touchscreen laptops first surfaced in 1983 with the HP-150. At that time, they were a huge leap for the technical world. Since then, touchscreen technology has improved tenfold. These days, the touchscreen laptop is the go-to for convenience and navigation.
Touchscreen laptops incorporate a touchscreen display into your typical laptop frame design. Along with touch compatibility, they also have special features that help you utilise the touchscreen more efficiently. Most touchscreen laptops also have a sleek, simple design, ensuring that they’re light and easy to carry so that they’re suitable for students, teachers, businessmen and creative professionals.
In regards to performance, touchscreen laptops vary like any computer. Different brands and models release PCs with i3 intel processors to i9 processors. The major difference a touchscreen makes is that it allows users to navigate their computer more effectively. Instead of having to use a mouse or trackpad to draw, scroll, zoom in, or sign documents, you can simply use the screen now.
Pros
- Creates a more versatile workflow
- Allows for easy navigation of applications
- Great for educational use
- Provides a greater interactive experience
- Offers you the efficiency of using basic laptop functions
Cons
- Limited to the position of the screen
- Screen glare and fingerprints on the screen
- Touchscreen functionality might consume more battery life
Review of 2-in-1 Laptops
The next step in touchscreen laptops is the 2-in-1 laptop. Aimed at being the bridge between laptops and tablets, 2-in-1 laptops offer users an immersive experience that they can carry with them anywhere they go.
In general, most 2-in-1 laptops are either of one or two designs. Either they have a rotating hinge that allows for the screen to completely rotate 360° creating a tablet-like feel. Or they have a detachable keyboard. Both designs give users the opportunity to utilise the device as a normal tablet and a laptop.
2-in-1 laptops are usually small, petite, and slim to ensure that they’re portable and easy to lug around for people in day-to-day life. While some models sacrifice performance to achieve these lightweight, slim designs, other models have managed to maintain impressive performance levels in addition to having a sleek design. A great example of this is the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 2-in-1 16” laptop. This impressive 2-in-1 laptop has a 13th Gen i7 processor with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Convenient and easy to use
- Portable
- Offers good performance specifications
- Versatile
Cons
- Some brands trade off performance for portability
- Can be more expensive
- Durability is a concern
Key Differences Between Touchscreen Laptops and 2-in-1 Laptops
While Touchscreen Laptops and 2-in-1 Laptops have a similarity in that they’re both touchscreen devices, there are some key differences that set them apart. Consider their form. Touchscreen laptops follow the typical laptop design but just have touchscreen capabilities enabled. 2-in-1 laptops, on the other hand, are designed to switch between the functions of a tablet and a laptop, offering a 360° rotation or detachable keyboard.
In terms of performance, both laptop types offer devices with exceptional performance. However, 2-in-1 laptops may sacrifice performance in favour of a more streamlined, portable device.
In regards to design, 2-in-1 laptops usually have a lightweight, thin design to make them easier to use when in tablet mode. Touchscreen laptops can maintain the standard thickness of a laptop and are usually heavier. Finally, 2-in-1 laptops are usually more expensive than touchscreen laptops because of their versatile design and the engineering required to pull them off.
Who Are Touchscreen Laptops Best For?
For those who enjoy the convenience of an interactive computer, touchscreens are a great option. They’re suitable for designers, educators, and professionals who’d benefit from a more hands-on approach to their tasks. While they still maintain the typical functions of a traditional laptop, they offer users the convenience of navigating apps and programs like drawings or scrolling faster than using a standard mouse or trackpad.
Who Are 2-in-1 Laptops Best For?
2-in-one laptops are best for people who are on the go and need the versatility of a tablet but the efficiency of a laptop. This makes them ideal for professionals who travel frequently or work in the field, needing a lightweight, portable solution that can switch between typing-intensive tasks and touch-based interactions seamlessly.
They’re also an ideal option for students who need something easy to take notes on and carry around. Creative professionals might also benefit from the flexible design. Offering them the perfect digital canvas to work from wherever they are.
Related Posts:
Final Thoughts
Touchscreen laptops and 2-in-1 laptops are all about convenience. But when it comes down to choosing which one is best for you, you need to consider what you’re looking for. Do you need a standard laptop that offers you the ease to navigate through applications with the flick of a finger, or do you need something that takes this kind of convenience to the next level, providing you with a fully integrated tablet function and everything you need in a laptop?
We hope this comparison makes the choice easier for you. For those of you who’ve decided on the touchscreen laptop options, check out limited-time specials on touchscreen laptops here.
