2-in-1 Laptop Recommendations

[IndigoLake]

Hello all. Uptheclarets is an essential resource for anything and everything. So I thought I may as well get some recommendations for my next laptop purchase! I work from home and because (like many people) I make my living on my laptop, I'd like to buy a good one for a change. In the past I've gone for budget options such as Acer and while I've had few problems, I'd like a better all-round machine.

I'm toying with the idea of buying a 2-in-1 laptop (those that can become tablets and have touch screens) and wondering if anyone else has one. I'm open to different brands and have also looked at Apple products but having never had an Apple product, I'm unsure of whether it's better value for money. Like I said, I'd like the laptop to be a good all-rounder. I don't really need it for anything too heavy such as gaming. I'd prefer something that isn't too bulky as I occasionally need it with me on my travels.

Thanks in advance

[Funkydrummer]

Lenovo.

http://www3.lenovo.com/gb/en/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[IndigoLake]

Lenovo.

http://www3.lenovo.com/gb/en/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Wow, those ThinkPad X1 Carbon laptops look pretty cool!

[Right_winger]

Value for money and Apple certainly don't go together.
Iv got a lenovo and they are Ok, get a lot of spec for your money however they are very soft.

The best laptop Iv ever used was an HP Pro. Try having a look at the HP ProOne series. Absolute rock solid and very well spec'd

[IndigoLake]

Value for money and Apple certainly don't go together.
Iv got a lenovo and they are Ok, get a lot of spec for your money however they are very soft.

The best laptop Iv ever used was an HP Pro. Try having a look at the HP ProOne series. Absolute rock solid and very well spec'd

Thanks for the recommendation. With regard to Lenovo, I heard something about them coming pre-loaded with malware. I don't know how true this is, but it was something that made me a little wary. HP seem to have really upped their game of late so I'll check some of those out.

[Right_winger]

I can't say Iv had issues with malware from the Lenovo but they seem to favour MacAfee antivirus ( horrible intrusive system )

Also the Lenovo's seem to come pre loaded with a lot of Chinese software like NitroPro instead of Adobe. Etc

No issues for me as I don't use/rely heavily on my laptop.

The chargers and charger jacks are weak aswell, however you do get a lot of spec for the money.

The HPs are a bit heavy handed with the pricing, however you do get what you pay for. The one i used was a works system which i took worldwide. A touch heavy but never had any issues in over 3 years of heavy use.

[Funkydrummer]

That's news to me - my Lenovo Thinkpad has been fantastic and is as quick today as it was
when I bought it 4 years ago. Absolutely love it and wouldn't buy anything else now.

This link might help you choose the one that suits your use and your budget.

http://www.toptenreviews.com/computers/ ... computers/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[wilks_bfc]

We were provided Surface Pro 4 from work

Windows based
Touchscreen
Detachable keyboard

Had it 12mths, used every day and not found anything wrong with it

[IndigoLake]

We were provided Surface Pro 4 from work

Windows based
Touchscreen
Detachable keyboard

Had it 12mths, used every day and not found anything wrong with it

Thanks for the recommendation. Is the detachable keyboard easy enough to use? (ie doesn't feel too cramped?)

[HelloHiGoodbye]

It's not a two in one but I want to rant anyway - my HP Envy is a sack of ****. As you were.

[IndigoLake]

It's not a two in one but I want to rant anyway - my HP Envy is a sack of ****. As you were.

It doesn't have to be a 2 in 1 I guess. How come you don't like the HP Envy? I've heard some good things about it though I guess there are various models/versions of it.

[1968claret]

I also use an sp4 for work and I am very impressed. Keyboard is fine to use but I find I us it a lot less as tend to use the touch screen and pen for tasks such as scrolling, highlighting, op Ning closing emails etc

[HelloHiGoodbye]

It doesn't have to be a 2 in 1 I guess. How come you don't like the HP Envy? I've heard some good things about it though I guess there are various models/versions of it.

To be fair, I bought it because it was the higher end of my limited budget. It's very light and very thin which was my priority - I carry it around public transport most days. Decent battery life too. It turns itself off fairly regularly though, the bottom panelling has come loose, the hinge is becoming weak and it often throws a strop and refuses to connect to the wifi. Bought it twelve months ago. Make of that what you will.

I'd always go Apple if I had the funds. Sure - expensive and fashionable but they're fairly unbeatable in every department.

[wilks_bfc]

Thanks for the recommendation. Is the detachable keyboard easy enough to use? (ie doesn't feel too cramped?)

I also use an sp4 for work and I am very impressed. Keyboard is fine to use but I find I us it a lot less as tend to use the touch screen and pen for tasks such as scrolling, highlighting, op Ning closing emails etc

Screen is about size of iPad and with wirelesss mouse does the job fine.

There is a touchscreen keyboard built in but I find too slow to use for what I need it for.

As 1968 says there is a stylus pen which you can use to write with and it'll convert to "typed text" - but I find I spend more time correcting words that way

[Heathclaret]

Just bought an IPad Pro small one, with cellular connectivity, it's the dogs danglers. Had a second hand iPad last time, its still going strong. I've given it to our fifteen year old daughter. I've used it for three years and the chap I bought it from had it for three. If you can, get one, they're built to last.

[HelloHiGoodbye]

Just bought an IPad Pro small one, with cellular connectivity, it's the dogs danglers. Had a second hand iPad last time, its still going strong. I've given it to our fifteen year old daughter. I've used it for three years and the chap I bought it from had it for three. If you can, get one, they're built to last.

Yep, I have a four year old iPad and it's still brilliant. I think they're reasonably priced too - especially without data.

[California Colner]

Asus

[Rick_Muller]

As usual with things like this it does depend on budget.

We have sent out plenty of Lenovo X1 carbon laptops to our staff (http://www3.lenovo.com/gb/en/laptops/th ... 14095411:s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), all very happy with them, but make sure you get a good warranty (3 years at least) as we have had a couple of hardware failures (screen issues)

I cant recommend personally as I dont have one, but I did like the look of the top of the range HP Spectre 2 in 1 (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing ... 5-pdt.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) - I think they have some good deals at the moment in the high street and I was considering this one for myself. My other half has a HP pavillion x360 which she is very happy with, and it is a good laptop, it is quick and has an SSD (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing ... 2-pdt.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

Personally, after going through the same decision making process I decided to go for a Surface Pro 4 as it met my personal needs and I haven't regretted it one bit. The model I got was i5 with 128GB disk (https://www.microsoftstore.com/store/ms ... .332859400" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) - I did get a really good deal around Black Friday and only paid about £530 for it with the Pen and a Keyboard cover. At the time I did think I would have liked to be able to afford the Surface Book (https://www.microsoftstore.com/store/ms ... n_01022017" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) instead for the full keyboard, but I really dont miss having a full keyboard.

Hope that helps - just make sure whatever you get get an SSD instead of a mechanical HD (or install your own!) - you wont regret it for the performance boost, and ensure that the screen is at least full HD or better - the Surface has a brilliant screen resolution, but the HP Pavillion x360 is just full HD - which is OK too, but not as clear.

[South West Claret.]

Another iPad recommendation had mine for about 6 months now and I really like it, I went for a second hand one from the apple shop and got about £100 off what is virtually a brand new machine.

I pushed the boat out and went for the top of the range one, and as I say am really pleased with the product.

As an aside I would recommend a mini mac or is it a Mac mini as a desktop choice if anyone is looking for one. Lots of power in a little box. Just to say that I don't do games on anything.

[Alanstevensonsgloves]

"I cant recommend personally as I dont have one, but I did like the look of the top of the range HP Spectre 2 in 1 (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... 5-pdt.html) - I think they have some good deals at the moment in the high street and I was considering this one for myself. My other half has a HP pavillion x360 which she is very happy with, and it is a good laptop, it is quick and has an SSD (http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... 2-pdt.html)!

Writing this from my HP Spectre 360 - fantastic 2-in-1 and I love it. I spent about 3 weeks researching 2-in-1s, looking at everything, including keyboard, battery, processor, memory, screen viewing angles, noise..... bought a couple of laptops and sent them back as not happy for various reasons (Asus Transformer T300 - spongy keyboard) and Miix 700 think it was called (crap detachable keyboard). Found this Spectre on ebay, reconditioned from Germany for £450, and got a a UK VAT receipt too! They come in two colours, PC World sells the Black / Gold version, I got the silver one. I have been to a couple of trade shows and people have always commented on its looks. Performance wise it is great for my needs (emails / spreadsheets / web... no gaming) ie all general office work. Keyboard is great, very solid and backlit. Screen is fantastic and a good size too.

I recommend going to a big PC World, having a play around and see what you like (making sure you see a Spectre too). Test the keyboards as you need to ensure they feel correct for you when typing.

Good luck!

EDIT: to add working PC World link: http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/computing ... rcid=11026" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[NRC]

Just bought Mrs NRC the 13" iPad with keyboard, but for all things windows-based given choice I would have the Surface Pro

[IndigoLake]

Thanks very much for the info everybody! I've got a bit of thinking to do then

HP Spectre and Microsoft Surface Book leading the way but also looking at the Macbook Pro. It's amazing how laptops don't actually seem to get any cheaper. They've been around long enough now but I suppose you get what you pay for!

[Alanstevensonsgloves]

Thanks very much for the info everybody! I've got a bit of thinking to do then

HP Spectre and Microsoft Surface Book leading the way but also looking at the Macbook Pro. It's amazing how laptops don't actually seem to get any cheaper. They've been around long enough now but I suppose you get what you pay for!

Also consider if the size of ports is important to you. I dont know about Microsoft and Macbook, but Spectre is full size.

Re price you'll plenty on ebay cheaper than PCWorld

[aggi]

Macbook Pro nowadays only has USB C . Will probably be fine in the future when everything uses that but may be a hassle at the moment.

Personally I'd go surface pro at the moment. In all likelihood it will spend a fair bit of time in a dock with a real keyboard.

[NRC]

if you have macbook pro on your list you really should consider the 13" iPad instead. The fact that you're on here asking for input suggests to me you don't need the functionality of the macbook pro, so if Apple is your choice you'll get everything you need on the big iPad (buy a keyboard) PLUS the massive advantage of all the apps over a laptop and the portability

SO then it becomes 13" iPad vs MS Surface...... and then it's based on how often you use apps and CONSUME content vs use your machine for production. If you consume, go iPad 13" because of the apple store, if it's a balance go with your preference, if it's production go with the Surface

[South West Claret.]

Yes the biggest iPad is impressive.

[thelifeofbrian]

Hello all. Uptheclarets is an essential resource for anything and everything. So I thought I may as well get some recommendations for my next laptop purchase! I work from home and because (like many people) I make my living on my laptop, I'd like to buy a good one for a change. In the past I've gone for budget options such as Acer and while I've had few problems, I'd like a better all-round machine.

I'm toying with the idea of buying a 2-in-1 laptop (those that can become tablets and have touch screens) and wondering if anyone else has one. I'm open to different brands and have also looked at Apple products but having never had an Apple product, I'm unsure of whether it's better value for money. Like I said, I'd like the laptop to be a good all-rounder. I don't really need it for anything too heavy such as gaming. I'd prefer something that isn't too bulky as I occasionally need it with me on my travels.

Thanks in advance

Hybrid Devices are on the increase as people are now moving away from tradition tablets like the Ipad- i have the Spectre x2 from HP- its win a ton of awards- see the attached cnet link for impartial reviews.

https://www.cnet.com/topics/laptops/bes ... d-laptops/

[Foshiznik]

Value for money and Apple certainly don't go together.
Iv got a lenovo and they are Ok, get a lot of spec for your money however they are very soft.

The best laptop Iv ever used was an HP Pro. Try having a look at the HP ProOne series. Absolute rock solid and very well spec'd

My HP Envy 14 ran extremely hot and left paint flaking after a couple of months use. For an i7 laptop, it was awful. I wish i'd stayed with Dell.

[IndigoLake]

I just thought I'd bump this thread back up to thank everyone for the information. I couldn't decide between the various 2-in-1 laptops and having done more research, decided that they probably aren't for me just yet. I've gone with a restored Macbook Air from the Apple store (available at a 15% discount). While the display isn't quite as good as I'd like in a perfect world, the long battery life and light weight are definite advantages in my book. Thanks again