Collection: 2-in-1 Laptop

Which 2-in-1 laptop do you actually need?

Most PC builders approach a 2-in-1 laptop the way they'd approach a desktop, hunting for the biggest spec sheet, but the useful differences here are thermal headroom, panel quality and how the chassis is built. Entry-level convertibles usually run a low-power Intel Core Ultra U-series, AMD Ryzen or Snapdragon X chip with 8 to 16GB of soldered LPDDR5X, a 256 to 512GB SSD and a 60Hz IPS panel around 300 nits. They handle browsing, study, Office and video calls fine. The catch is a thin heatsink and a single small fan (sometimes none), so sustained loads drag clocks down fast.

The sweet spot is 16GB minimum, ideally 32GB, a 1TB drive, a 16:10 panel at 400 nits or more and an active stylus with proper palm rejection. This is where you see better hinges, aluminium or magnesium chassis and a larger battery, usually 60Wh or above. Chips here have higher sustained power limits, so a 28W part holds performance rather than boosting for ten seconds and then throttling. OLED panels also start showing up, with near-infinite contrast and very fast pixel response, though they trade away some brightness at full-screen white and can cause flicker at low brightness for sensitive eyes.

Enthusiast tiers add Thunderbolt 4 or USB4, 32 to 64GB of memory, bigger vapour chambers, 120Hz VRR OLED panels and sometimes a low-power discrete GPU. Diminishing returns hit hard past 32GB of RAM and past 1TB of storage for most people, because a thin 2-in-1 can't cool a big GPU or a 45W chip without noise and heat in your lap. If you need serious GPU grunt, a 2-in-1 is the wrong tool. Pair a lighter convertible with a desktop from our Computers range instead.

Upgrading and technical nuances

The biggest trap is assuming a laptop upgrades like a desktop. Most current 2-in-1s use soldered LPDDR5X, which gives higher bandwidth at lower power than socketed SO-DIMMs but can't be upgraded later. Whatever memory you buy on day one is what you keep. Likewise, Desktop Memory modules are full-size DIMMs and won't fit in a convertible, so don't mix up the two categories.

Storage is usually the one upgradable component, typically a single M.2 2230 or 2242 slot rather than the common 2280 length. Check the slot size before buying a drive from our Solid State Drives (SSD) range. Many people instead add a fast external NVMe enclosure for bulk storage and keep the internal drive for the OS and apps.

On the chip side, Intel Core Ultra mobile parts and AMD Ryzen AI chips bring NPUs for local AI features, while Snapdragon X machines lean on efficiency and long battery life. Snapdragon systems run Windows on Arm, which handles most mainstream apps through emulation, but some older drivers, niche engineering software and anti-cheat games can be problematic. If you rely on specialist software, check compatibility first.

For benchmark series to look at, the Lenovo Yoga and ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 lines are the build-quality benchmark for business buyers, HP Spectre x360 and Envy x360 cover premium and mid-range, ASUS Zenbook Flip suits OLED lovers, and Dell XPS and Inspiron 2-in-1 models fill the middle. If you want a detachable tablet-first design, Microsoft Surface Pro is the reference, though the keyboard is often sold separately and that changes the real cost.

Stylus support matters too. Microsoft Pen Protocol, Wacom AES and USI are not interchangeable, so a pen you already own may not work. Check the exact pen supported, and whether one is in the box.

Practical things to check before buying

Start with charging. Most 2-in-1s charge over USB-C Power Delivery, and a cheap 20W phone brick will not keep a 28W or 45W machine topped up under load. Use the supplied charger, or a quality PD charger and a properly rated cable from Cables & Connectors. Cheap cables can limit wattage or data speed with no obvious warning.

Check ports. A convertible with only two USB-C ports forces you into dongles if you also want HDMI, USB-A and an SD reader. If you plan to dock it at a desk, look for Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 so one cable can drive a Monitor at 4K plus peripherals and charging. Confirm the port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and the PD wattage you need.

Look at hinge and weight. A 360-degree hinge makes the keyboard face outwards in tablet mode, and anything over about 1.5kg feels clumsy as a tablet. Detachables are lighter in hand but sit awkwardly on a lap. Check the screen's reflectivity as well, since glossy touch panels with strong glare can be miserable in bright rooms.

Thermals are the quiet differentiator. Look for reviews that test sustained performance over 15 to 20 minutes, not just short benchmark bursts. Also check Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 matters only if your router matches, so a TP-Link router from our Networking range is worth pairing if you're upgrading your home setup.

Finally, check repairability. Glued batteries and soldered everything affect long-term ownership, so a model with a screw-down battery and standard SSD slot is easier to keep running for years.

Brands and local warranty

Reputable names in this category include Lenovo, HP, Dell, ASUS, Acer, Microsoft, Samsung and MSI. All have solid track records, though support quality varies by region and product tier. Business lines such as ThinkPad and Dell Latitude typically offer faster on-site or depot service options than consumer ranges.

Genuine Australian warranty matters because laptops are sealed, tightly integrated devices. Under Australian Consumer Law, you have guarantees around acceptable quality and fitness for purpose, and a local retailer and manufacturer presence means you deal with a local entity instead of shipping a device overseas. Grey imports often carry no local support, may ship with the wrong keyboard layout or power adapter, and can leave you stuck with a failing hinge or dead battery. Keep your invoice and register the product if the brand requires it.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM do I need in a 2-in-1 laptop?

16GB is the practical minimum today, especially since the memory is almost always soldered and cannot be upgraded later. Go to 32GB if you run heavy multitasking, creative apps, virtual machines or plan to keep the machine for many years.

Is a 2-in-1 laptop good for gaming?

It can handle esports titles and lighter games, particularly on newer integrated graphics. For demanding modern titles, thin chassis limit sustained power. A dedicated desktop with a Graphics Card will deliver far better performance per dollar.

OLED or IPS for a convertible?

OLED offers deeper blacks, excellent colour and very fast response, which suits media and creative work. IPS typically gets brighter across full-screen content, has no burn-in worry and costs less. For mixed office use in a bright room, a good IPS is often the safer pick.

Can I upgrade the SSD later?

Often yes, but check the slot length and whether it is M.2 2230, 2242 or 2280. Some models use a screw-on bracket or thermal pad that needs reusing. Confirm the specifics before buying a drive.

Do I need a Thunderbolt port?

Not essential, but useful if you plan to use a dock, external GPU enclosure, fast external storage or a high-resolution monitor. For basic use, a standard USB-C port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort output covers most needs.