Hybrid laptop tablets are hot right now.
There are a number of solid competitors in the hybrid market. These devices all offer full Windows functionality. They aim to please users looking for a computer that’s durable, easy to transport, and combines strong business and entertainment tools in one compact, affordable package.
Here are five good hybrid laptop tablets to consider that are innovative in design:
Lenovo: Top Hybrid Laptop Tablets
Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga
The Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga combines power, heft, size, and creative engineering at a reasonable price. It’s Bergen IT’s top pick in the hybrid laptop tablet category.
Price: The Yoga starts at $1049.
Pro & Con: Get our full review now.
Microsoft: Hybrid Laptop/Tablet Pioneer
Microsoft Surface Pro 2
Microsoft actually was the first to introduce hybrid laptop tablets with the Microsoft Surface Pro.
The latest model, the Microsoft Surface Pro 2, offers reliable performance.
Price: The Surface Pro 2 starts at $899.99. But the keyboard is considered an option. So adding the click-on Touch Cover 2 keyboard cover will cost you an additional $130.
Pro: Like the original hybrid, the Surface Pro 2 is fast and responsive. The device may seem a little heavy, but it’s possible to lighten the load by ditching the keyboard.
Con: The Touch Cover keyboard covers are not as comfortable to use as the keyboards of competitors.
HP: Pricey, but Cool
HP EliteBook Revolve 810
The HP EliteBook Revolve 810 puts the display on a rotating pedestal at the top of the keyboard. You can spin the display 180 degrees, and fold it down face-up onto the keyboard for tablet mode.
Price: With a starting price of $1,399.99, the Revolve ain’t cheap. This hybrid is intended for serious business users.
Pro: Well-constructed with a solid feel while still not heavy.
Con: The complex hinge for the display may wear out or break before the computer has ceased being useful. High price.
Dell: New Spin for the Hybrid
Dell XPS 12 Ultrabook Touch
Dell has been promoting its XPS 12 Ultrabook Touch. This hybrid laptop tablet’s specifications and pricing are similar to the ThinkPad Yoga. The Ultrabook Touch offers a unique mechanism for spinning the display in its frame so it can close face-up onto the keyboard.
Price: Starting at $1000
Pro: Excellent performance out of the box.
Con: The frame may warp or break with frequent spinning of the display to go back and forth between laptop and tablet modes.
Acer: Unique Design
Acer Aspire R7
Truly unusual, the Acer Aspire R7 opens like a traditional laptop. But its patented Ezel hinge also allows the display to either close, or slide forward over the keyboard to lie face-up for tablet use. An unfortunate consequence of this design is the awkward placement of the track-pad at the top (rather than the bottom) of the keyboard.
Price: With a starting price of $999, it’s worth a look.
Pro: A real head-turner, this hybrid grabs attention with its unique design.
Con: Awkward placement of the track-pad necessitates an external wireless mouse when using the R7 in laptop mode.
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