Can 2-in-1 laptops have apps

They twist. They turn. They detach. If youve been shopping for a laptop lately, youve probably seen some 2-in-1 computers in the store. You might say theyre a natural outgrowth of Windows 8 and its emphasis on touch, since they are a laptop and tablet rolled into one device.

But is a 2-in-1 the right choice for you? Here are some questions to ask yourself before buying.

1. What do you sacrifice versus a dedicated laptop?

The ergonomics on some smaller models are not ideal. The keyboards can be small and cramped. The machine may be so light that it lifts off the table when you tap the touch screen. Some touchpads found on two dont have the side and top swiping enhancements you find on other laptops. When we asked some readers to give them a try, a few complained that the screen lost its connection to the keyboard too easily.

2. Are the laptops good performers?

When it comes to performance, the best are as good as any laptop. Most use Intel Core processors. Battery life on the 2-in-1s we recommend ranges from 8 to 12.75 hours. Theyre quite lightweight and portable, but the displays can be small. The lightest we tested was Lenovos Miix 2 10, a 10-inch model that weighs 2.3 pounds.

For more details on 2-in-1s, laptops, and tablets, take a look at our computer and tablet buying guides.

3. What do you sacrifice versus a dedicated tablet?

Watch your weight! Some detachable tablets can weigh more than typical tablets. Of course, they may also have larger displays than other tablets. Thats nice if you want a lot of screen space for spreadsheetsthe Microsoft Surface Pro 3 has 12-inches of real-estateor even movie viewing. But it may be more machine than you want to carry around. Also remember that 2-in-1 computers use the Windows operating system, and thats what your tablet will have as well. The Windows app store doesnt offer the wide selection of apps that Android and Apple do. So if youre an Android or Apple fan, stick to a stand-alone tablet.

4. Do you want a detachable or a convertible?

2-in-1s come in two basic forms. First are detachable laptops, which have displays that are easily removed from the keyboard. Second are convertibles, which remain attached to the keyboard and twist or fold into a tabletlike device. Some convertibles, such as Lenovos Yoga series, can be turned into various positions, such as tent, tablet, and stand. If you want a lighter tablet, its best to stick with a detachable model because you can take the keyboard off.

5. Does it cost more to buy a laptop and a tablet separately?

There are any number of ways to compare prices and product features, but here are two examples: Lenovos Miix 2 10 is just $500. Its a great performer as a laptop and, as mentioned above, super light. It just missed a recommendation by us as a tabletits battery life of 8.1 hours is less than other recommended models, and its heavier. But otherwise, its not a bad tablet.

On the flip side, Microsofts Surface Pro 3, our top-performing detachable, costs $1,130 when equipped with 128GB of memory, an Intel Core i5 processor, and keyboard accessory. Its still a nice, light laptop at 2.4 pounds. But it weighs 1.8 pounds as a tablet. An alternative might be Acer's Aspire S7-191-6447 Ultrabook for $800 and a Google Nexus 7 tablet for $230. It costs about the same, and you still get a lightweight 11.6-inch laptop, plus an Android tablet thats super-portable and weighs just 0.7 pounds.

Donna Tapellini