Looking for the perfect 2-in-1 laptop? Convertible laptops are awesome: imagine having the convenience of a tablet combined with the power and versatility of a laptop! That’s exactly what you get when you buy a 2-in-1 laptop. These devices have come a long way since they were released, improving in their build quality and the seamless transitions between functions. But is there anything to be weary of when buying a 2-in-1?
For anyone who’s seriously considering buying a 2-in-1 laptop and are wanting to get the best deal, keep on reading! In this article we have compiled a list of common mistakes people make when they buy a 2-in-1 laptop and how you can avoid them to ensure you’re getting a high-quality device.
What is a 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop?
A convertible laptop (also known as a 2-in-1 laptop) essentially has all of the features of a laptop combined with that of a tablet, too. This way you get all the functionality of a laptop, with the convenience of a touch screen, too! On top of that, they can rotate to lay flat like a tablet.
Types of 2-in-1 Laptops
Considering that these laptops have been around for a considerable number of years now, many manufacturers have their own take on a 2-in-1 device, hence there are different types of 2-in-1 laptops to choose from, like:
- Convertible Laptops – these rotate with a hinge but remain attached to the keyboard
- Detachable Laptops – which detach at the keyboard to be used solely as a tablet
- Hybrid Laptops – which are a mixture of both convertible and detachable laptops
Common mistakes to avoid When buying 2-in-1 laptops
Purchasing a laptop is a significant investment, one that requires much thought and consideration. Think about it: You want whatever laptop you buy to last you for a while, manage the tasks you need it to do, and offer versatility if you ever need to use it for something else. The same goes for 2-in-1 laptops. Here are some mistakes people make when they buy a convertible laptop:
1. Overlooking build quality and durability
When buying a 2-in-1 laptop, portability is key, but so is durability. These devices are designed to switch between different modes, for instance, laptop, tablet, and tent mode. So, you’ll want something that can handle these transformations without wearing out quickly.
With that in mind, make sure to choose a laptop made with strong, durable materials like aluminium or carbon alloy. Also, check that the hinges are metal to ensure they’ll hold up over time. It might be helpful to ask if the laptop has a warranty that covers the hinges falling, too.
2. Falling for the biggest storage option
While it might seem smart to go for a laptop with the largest storage capacity, consider the type of storage, too. Many newer 2-in-1 laptops use SSDs, which are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives. Even if an SSD has less storage than an HDD, the performance boost is worth it. A 256GB or 512GB SSD is typically enough for most users and will keep your laptop running smoothly.
3. Focusing on just one feature
It’s tempting to focus on one key feature, like a powerful processor or a dedicated graphics card, especially if you’re buying a 2-in-1 laptop for specific tasks like content creation.
However, this approach can lead to disappointment if other aspects of the laptop don’t meet your needs. Aim for a balanced device that offers good performance across the board, including a sleek display, decent battery life, and enough RAM to handle your workload.
4. Not paying attention to the warranty and return policy
It’s easy to get caught up in the specs and forget about the warranty and return policy, but they’re just as important. A solid warranty should cover accidental damage or theft and offer extended tech support.
As for the return policy, know what you’re getting into and check the requirements for returns, how refunds work, and the timeframes involved. This will give you peace of mind, especially when buying from an online store or unfamiliar retailer.
5. Ignoring connectivity and compatibility
When you’re choosing a 2-in-1 laptop, think about how you’ll use it on the go and what devices you’ll need to connect. It’s easy to forget about ports until it’s too late, so double-check that the laptop has everything you need, like USB ports, HDMI output, Thunderbolt, and a microSD slot. These connections are crucial if you plan on using external monitors, printers, or other peripherals.
6. Slim isn’t always the right choice
There seems to be a trend among tech developers at the moment to see who can produce the slimmest laptop or device. While having a slimmer 2-in-1 laptop might be convenient, to achieve these results, manufacturers often have to compromise on other features like performance or battery capacity. Be sure to check that the 2-in-1 laptop you’re looking at maintains its performance standards and has reasonable battery life while still being relatively Slim.
Final Thoughts
When you’re buying a new laptop, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying something new. Because of this, it’s just as easy to make a mistake that you’ll regret later. Consider the mistakes others have made and avoid them to ensure that you find the best 2-in-1 laptop for your needs