Having a laptop is almost mandatory nowadays. They have become our work tool par excellence, accompanying us on our trips to the office. And they are even essential when studying, since everything is already done using office tools. And there is a type of device that is emerging more and more: convertible computers .
Convertible computers are the perfect hybrid between a laptop and a tablet . The main feature that defines them is their touch screen , from which you can get a much higher performance than you imagine. If you were considering buying a tablet, perhaps this alternative seems better to you… Because they are much more powerful devices!
Features you should analyze before buying
The mere fact that these types of computers have a touch screen makes them totally different devices from the rest. However, you should know that when choosing one you will have to take into account more or less the same as with the rest of the computers. The first thing you should consider is what use you are going to make of it.
For example, if you need it to study or work and almost always for office tasks , you will not need too high specifications. However, if you want to get more performance out of it and play heavy games with it, or even edit videos, you should prioritize its features. The price will depend a lot on this, and that is why it is important that you take it into account from the first moment. Don’t worry, we have recommendations for all uses!
Below, we list everything you should consider before embarking on the adventure of buying a convertible :
- The screen is one of the key parts of any laptop, especially in this case. Not only do you have to see the size , which varies between 11 and 16 inches, but also the resolution . The size will depend above all on what you want to transport it, since the smaller it is, the more comfortable it is in that sense. The resolution should always be HD at least, although you will find even Full HD or 4K.
- The processor is in charge of making everything work, the nerve center of the computer. If you are only going to perform office tasks, an Intel Core i3 or equivalent will suffice. However, if you are going to demand something more from it, it is better that you opt for an i5 or even an i7.
- RAM memory is closely linked to the processor, since the fluidity of the device also depends on it. For simple tasks, a 4 GB RAM will suffice. But for heavier tasks, it is better to go up to 8 GB or even 16 GB.
- Internal storage should never go below 128GB, unless you decide you don’t need that much. Remember that not only files take up space, but also the applications you download. And even the operating system itself!
- Regarding graphics cards , you should know that these devices are not focused on tasks that require a large graphics card. Hence, you are going to see that they can get lazy in this aspect.
- Regarding connectivity , it is interesting that it has more than one USB port. You will not find many with HDMI ports, but it is always a positive point. Of course: it must always have bluetooth , so you can connect it to other devices.
- The keyboard is an aspect that is not usually considered, but that can be vital. Do you need it to be backlit , or to include a numeric keypad? These are questions that you should ask yourself, since it is something that varies depending on the model.
- Autonomy is vital at all times. At a minimum, it should be able to give you 6 hours of intensive use. You will find some convertible computers capable of giving you up to 18 hours, but their price is usually much higher.
- As an extra note, you should know that there are certain convertible computers that support the use of the touch pen . In case you are interested in highlighting notes or drawing, this is something you should consider!
- Finally, it is important that you take into account the price and that you set a limit. In this way, you will always know in which range to move. Powerful convertible computers are never affordable, but you may not need as many features and you’ll be fine with something simpler.
Convertible computers: all their advantages and disadvantages
If you still have some doubts about whether convertible computers can be a good option, we have some arguments in their favor that will make you think twice. The first thing you should know is that they are very versatile devices. They not only work as computers but, as we have pointed out, also as tablets . This means that you can make the most of all its possibilities. Especially if you can also implement a pencil.
But it is true that they usually have certain shortcomings . By prioritizing being light and comfortable to transport, many of them can lose power. In this sense, it is important that you decide exactly what you prioritize in a computer. Do you want to be able to play the heaviest video games, or is the use you are going to make not focused in this regard?
In exchange for sometimes losing some power , you will gain a computer with which you can travel anywhere and in the most comfortable way. The mere fact that they are a hybrid between a tablet and a computer already shows us how light they tend to be.
Without a doubt, convertible computers are the best option for those who put versatility and low weight before any other aspect. If that is your case, continue reading! Because we have prepared a selection of some of the best convertibles you will find.
Convertible computers at a good price
After having analyzed what parameters we should take into account when purchasing a computer of this type, we are going to see some models! We are going to start with the most affordable ones, in order to offer options for all budgets . Remember to analyze your needs well and not spend more than necessary, because it is not necessary to have a very powerful computer for office tasks.
HP Chromebook X360: the simplest
We start with the most affordable model, this 14-inch HP Chromebook . Instead of having Windows as the operating system, it has Google’s own system: Chrome OS . It is something that you should assess at all times before launching the purchase, since it has its advantages and disadvantages.
Although its specifications, as we will see later, are not the most powerful, it is a great device precisely because of Chrome OS. Because you will have access to the Google app store , and that will increase its versatility exponentially. If you only want it to navigate and perform simple tasks, it is the best!
This is mainly due to the fact that its autonomy amounts to 18 hours. You will spend days without needing to load your computer at any time, and that is a point that you should consider.
As for the processor and other technical requirements, we are dealing with a fairly simple Celeron N4020 . In addition, it incorporates a 4 GB RAM and a storage capacity of only 64 GB. Of course: you can use it with a pencil , thus improving the user experience. The price is usually around 350 euros, although it depends a lot on whether or not you find it on sale.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3: affordable convertible computers
Lenovo is a brand that will appear repeatedly in our buying guide, because it almost seems that it has specialized in convertibles. Some of the most powerful and striking on the market are from this firm. This IdeaPad Flex 3 is one of the most affordable you can find.
It has a screen of 11.6 inches and HD resolution. Inside it hides an Intel Celeron N4020 processor, which is just the same as the previous computer had. The difference is, yes, that it has 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. And it even has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 graphics card.
As with the HP computer, this one also has Chrome OS as its operating system, with all the advantages that this entails. You will not have connectivity problems, since it has USB ports and even a micro SD card reader. The price is around 315 euros, depending on the offer you can find.
A very cheap Lenovo Yoga
We continue with the Lenovo, but already giving way to convertible computers with Windows . They are an excellent option when you are used to this operating system, or even when you are looking for something more from the device. It has 14 inches HD , more than enough to be able to clearly see all the notifications.
It has an Intel Core i3 as a processor, as well as 4 GB of RAM. You will not need more internal storage, since with the 128 GB SSD that it offers you will have enough. As for the version of Windows that comes with it, we’re talking about Windows Home 10. If you want the latest, you’ll need to upgrade .
As for the weight , it is around a kilo and a half. The autonomy it offers is quite high, easily exceeding 6 hours. Similarly, connectivity will not be a problem because it even includes an HDMI port so you can connect it to your TV. The price is somewhat higher, and is around 450 euros.
BMAX Y13: a great 2 in 1
Although you probably haven’t heard of the Bmax brand, it’s about time! Because you are going to see how the convertible computers of this firm can offer a good price and an interesting quality at the same time. It has a 13.3-inch screen with Full HD resolution, the first we see with these specifications.
As key points of this computer, it should be noted that it weighs only 1.25 kg . In addition, the body is extremely thin, reaching only 15 mm. Thanks to this, you can carry it comfortably in any type of backpack without being inconvenient.
As for the processor , it has a Celeron N with a speed of 2.6 GHz. The RAM memory amounts to 8 GB, while the storage capacity does the same up to 256 GB. Autonomy will not be a problem, since it supports more than 7 hours without the need for a charge. Almost a working day! And the price is always below 500 euros, hovering around 475 euros.
The highest range: invest in quality!
For those who are somewhat more demanding or are going to perform other types of tasks, these models are much more recommended. Of course: the price also increases considerably. So it is an investment that you should consider slowly.
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
We continue with Lenovo , although in this case we already make the leap to the highest range. This IdeaPad Flex 5 is suitable even for the most demanding. First of all, it has an incredible 14-inch FullHD screen . But, in addition, to that we must add an AMD Radeon graphics card, something that none of the previous convertible computers had.
The benefits at the interior level are also very striking, since it has an AMD Ryzen 5-5500U processor. To this we must also add an incredible 8 GB RAM and almost infinite internal storage, with its 512 GB SSD.
It comes with Windows 10 in S mode already installed, so you won’t have any problems in this regard. Also, you should know that it is compatible with touch pen . In this way you can draw, take notes or underline more comfortably. As for the price, it is around 700 euros, although it depends on whether you find any other offer.
14-inch LG Gram with i7
We turn to one of the best convertible computers that you will be able to find on the market: LG Gram 14T90P. First of all, you should know that it offers a 14-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 px. In addition, it has Corning Gorilla Glass protection so that shocks are no longer a problem.
The chassis is made of magnesium and nanocarbon, which achieves two things: a spectacular design and an incredibly low weight. Because here where you see it, it weighs only 1.2 kg. And do not think that this implies that its benefits are inferior, because far from it!
It has a powerful eleventh generation Intel Core i7 processor , which is accompanied by a 16 GB RAM memory. As if that were not enough, the internal storage it offers is 512 GB SSD. And it even includes an Irix Xe graphics card to work with 4K content. The autonomy it offers exceeds 16 hours, much more than those usually offered by these devices.
Of course, the price is higher: it costs 1,800 euros, although you can find it for up to 1,500 euros if there are sales.
Lenovo X13 Yoga Gen 1: very top convertible computers
The Lenovo Yoga are the quintessential convertible computers. This X13 Yoga Gen 1 has a 14-inch screen with FHD resolution with which you can carry out all kinds of work with ease. And you can even see multimedia content with the best quality.
The processor that it keeps in its slim body is a tenth generation Intel Core i5. As for RAM, we are facing 8 GG. The internal storage remains at 256 GB SSD, a very interesting figure.
Its strong point is that you can use it with a pencil, thus gaining in versatility and usability. In addition, it is very light , so you can store it in any backpack and take it with you everywhere. The price rises up to 2,000 euros.
Lenovo Yoga C940: the most top!
If there is a famous computer in the world of convertibles, it is this Lenovo Yoga C940 . This particular model comes in gray, maintaining a very elegant modern and minimalist design. As for the screen, it is 14 inches and offers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It is not only touch, but also supports pencil to work on it.
The processor is one of the most powerful, a tenth generation Intel Core i7 . This works side by side with a 16 GB RAM memory that will allow you to open even the heaviest programs smoothly. If storage memory seems like a problem to you, it will no longer be since you will have 512 GB SSD.
It offers more than 8 hours of autonomy, and weighs about a kilo and a half. It is one of the best convertibles you can find, although its price rises to 2,400 euros.
Which one are we left with?
From Topes de Gama we have wanted to stay, on this occasion, with two of the devices that we have chosen. One of the most affordable, perfect for those looking for something simple, and another of the most powerful.
First of all, of the affordable ones, we would opt for the HP Chromebook . When looking to perform only basic office tasks, or study, the most comfortable thing is to opt for a computer of this type. In addition, it is a device that offers great autonomy and a very high versatility thanks to its operating system.
But if we refer to the most powerful computers, we would stay with the LG Gram . Although its price is high, it is one of the best features it offers. Not only in terms of its processor or RAM, but also because it is so light and has such a high-quality battery.
