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Traditional Laptops vs Convertible Models: Which is Best for You
Jamie Finch
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December 20, 2023
Computers are becoming increasingly powerful as our technology develops, and new developments lead to new features that enhance your machine’s functionality. As such features are introduced, they bring new ways for you to work and boost your productivity.
Among the most noticeable laptop developments is the introduction of convertible models, also known as 2-in-1 laptops. This article compares convertible laptops with traditional laptops and helps give you an idea of which is best for you.
Traditional laptops vs convertible laptops
A traditional laptop has a keyboard and a screen that folds away. A convertible laptop will look the same as a traditional one in many ways at first glance, except they offer a significant difference.
Convertible laptops differ from traditional laptops in that the screen can bend backwards until it lays flat against the back of your machines. If you tried this with a traditional laptop, the screen would break long before you could fold it flat.
These laptops also use touch screen technology, which works whether you’re in tablet or laptop mode. This ability to transform your machine instantly offers numerous advantages, and we take a closer look at traditional laptops vs convertible laptops to see which is best for you.
Advantages of traditional laptops
Adding new features to a laptop takes up physical space, meaning you may need to make sacrifices in terms of which other components can fit in. As such, traditional laptops generally have more power than convertible models, while they also offer more ports and storage.
Traditional laptops are also likely to run cooler than convertible models, enhancing your machine’s performance. Not only will a traditional laptop likely run cooler than a convertible, but it will also likely run quieter, helping to prevent unwelcome distractions.
None of this means that convertible laptops are underpowered, with most using components powerful enough to run the latest software. For many users, the advantages of the flexibility far outweigh any reservations about performance.
Advantages of convertible models
One of the key advantages of traditional laptops vs convertible laptops is the flexibility they give you. You can change how you use the machine in just a moment, helping to make it ideal for day-to-day work, watching movies, and making presentations. Such flexibility helps you work more closely with others and lets you work in more ways.
Convertible models also tend to be made with remote working in mind, helping to make them lightweight. The touch screen enhances creativity and flexibility, especially when used with a supporting stylus. Such models offer plenty of connectivity options, making them ideal for remote workers.
Another key advantage of convertible laptops for many is that you don’t need to buy tablets if you need them, helping to reduce your investment in technology.
Who should opt for a traditional laptop?
Traditional laptops are usually preferred by people who need power over flexibility. For example, they often have powerful CPUs that help your machine run powerful business software, keeping you productive. Many traditional laptops will also have powerful graphic processing units (GPUs), ideal for playing the latest games.
For example, the HP ProBook 440 G10 14-inch Business Laptop is a traditional laptop that uses an Intel® Core™ i7 1355U (CPU) that will power through most business applications easily. It also uses an Intel Ultra UHD Graphics card that provides clear images, ideal for working or watching movies. This laptop will also play most games, albeit with adjusted graphics settings.
You can also choose between an Intel Core i3 or Intel Core i7 CPU, and 8GB or 16GB RAM. Storage is provided thanks to solid-state drive (SSD) cards, which are considerably faster than hard disk drives (HDD).
The 14-inch full high definition (FHD) display uses anti-glare technology and Eyesafe®-certified displays to help keep your eyes comfortable during long sessions. Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) technology produces deep colours that contribute to excellent picture quality.
This machine’s portability is enhanced by its long battery life, while the HP Fast Charge feature is a godsend to many workers who get caught short. WiFi 6E and other connectivity options help ensure you will always find getting online easy.
The HP ProBook 440 G10 is made from an all-metal chassis that offers strength in addition to smart aesthetics. This machine also has a full-sized keyboard and HP Imagepad with multi-touch gesture support, and quality audio is provided courtesy of dual Bang & Olufsen speakers.
The 720p high definition (HD) camera offers quality images and a convenient camera shutter for privacy and security. This laptop also has a built-in mic and mute button that tells you whether you’re live.
This laptop is also easy to carry, weighing just under 1.4 kg and with petite dimensions. You can also be rest assured that sustainable materials are used where possible, helping you do your part for our environment.
Who should opt for a convertible laptop?
Choosing between traditional laptops vs convertible laptops be tricky, with many models available on the market. Convertible laptops are ideal for people who can benefit from the flexibility they offer over traditional models. For example, such a laptop will be great for people in design fields because the touch screen gives more room for creativity, while converting the machine into a laptop will help make it easier to share designs.
A convertible can also be ideal for students requiring a workstation and a convenient entertainment station. For example, a convertible laptop will help make it easier to find a comfortable position when watching movies.
Among the best options is the HP ENVY x360 (15-fe0020na) Convertible Laptop. This machine is powered by an Intel Core i5 CPU, which will run most day-to-day apps quickly. If you need something faster, you can choose from the Intel Core i7 instead.
This laptop also comes with 8GB or 16GB RAM, and you can choose between 512GB or 1TB SSD storage capacity. You can also choose between an Intel Iris® Xe Graphics GPU and an NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX™ 3050 (4GB) GPU, which is better suited to gamers.
This laptop also offers a 15.6-inch FHD OLED display with touch screen technology. It has a 5MP camera with an auto-frame feature that’s perfect for business or personal calls. The webcam also includes a camera shutter and a dedicated mic mute button to maintain your security.
The Eyesafe-certified display helps keep your eyes comfortable during long sessions, while the flicker-free display helps you work productively for longer. A quality audio experience is provided with help from dual Bang & Olufsen speakers and HP Audio Boost. This laptop has a full-sized keyboard and a pad with multi-gesture support. You will also have built-in dual microphones that ensure excellent sound clarity.
Ports include 2 Thunderbolt™ 4 with USB Type-C ports, 2 USB Type-A ports, 1 DisplayPort™ 1.4, 1 HDMI 2.1 and a headphone/mic port. This lap also offers a multi-format SD media card reader that will help those working with images and other files.
This laptop’s long battery life of just over 13 hours also helps to make it a great portable option, while HP's Fast Charge feature can be a godsend if you get caught out with a low battery. The all-metal chassis offers durability alongside professional aesthetics, and numerous ports enhance your machine’s functionality.
The HP ENVY x360 (15-fe0020na) is also made with sustainability in mind where possible. For example, many components are made from recycled plastics, which would otherwise end up polluting our oceans. This machine also weighs just under 1.8 kg, making it easy for most people to carry.
Summary
Our brief traditional laptops vs convertible laptop comparison should help you find which model works best for you. While a convertible model will not necessarily be as powerful as their traditional counterparts, it offers flexibility that can help transform how many people work.
Convertible laptops are also usually made with remote working in mind, meaning you get a long-lasting battery and plenty of connectivity options. Not only that, but they are also ideal for use in the office, at home, or in the field. The sturdy metal chassis and added durability also make this laptop an excellent portable option.
Before you choose, it can help if you first define how you will use your laptop and which software you need to run. This approach will help you find the right model with the hardware and other features that work best for you. Regardless, follow the brief guide above, and you will be well on your way to finding the machine with the features you need.
