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Upgrade Your Laptop, Upgrade Your Life

Explore the benefits of upgrading to a lighter, sleeker all-in-one device.

Studio 61 for Best Buy
4 min read

Have you ever noticed a dull ache in your shoulder after a long day at work? And when you drop your laptop bag to the floor do you literally feel like the weight of the world has been lifted off of said (Aching!) shoulders?

It's time you take a closer look at what you've been lugging around in that bag of yours. If you find yourself toting a tablet for your commute and a laptop for the office-or you just want to spice up your downtime with a little more fun-perhaps it's time you consider the hottest trend in portables, the 2-in-1.

It's sleek, lightweight, and transitions from work to play in one swift flip of the keyboard. Meet the latest genre of PC; an all-in-one device that's hip and portable with catchy commercials to match. So what exactly is this magical machine, and is it time for you to upgrade? Below, we'll explore what a 2-in-1 has to offer, in order to help you decide.

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What is a 2-in-1?

The 2-in-1 device, also known as a combination, hybrid, or convertible laptop, is essentially a tablet and laptop fused into one-it features a touch-screen and the convenience of a tablet combined with the keyboard and processing power of a laptop. Gone are the days of lugging both a laptop and a tablet around-this is an all-in-one device that's both portable and versatile, and can power you through your workday as well as easily travel with you for entertainment on the go.

Portability & Versatility

The headlining feature of 2-in-1s is a flexible design that adapts to your needs throughout the day. All hybrids offer a variety of modes, allowing you to draft an email while utilizing a traditional keyboard in laptop mode, and then browse the web, edit photos, and play games in tablet mode with a quick flip, twist, or by simply detaching the keyboard (depending on the make and model). Some 2-in-1s, such as the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro, offer additional modes that allow you to invert the device into a "tent" or "stand" configuration intended for watching movies, viewing presentations, or displaying a recipe while you cook-saving you both counter space and a messy keyboard. Throughout each mode, the new Windows 8.1 software quickly adapts its interface to adjust to the orientation of the device.

If you've accidentally (yet understandably) attempted to swipe or tap their traditional laptop screen, you'll appreciate that a 2-in-1 maintains an active touch screen, even in laptop mode. This is a welcomed update, allowing for more efficiency in navigating Windows 8.1 and controlling apps without fumbling with a track pad or mouse. The drawback (of course) is the tendency for the screen to accumulate fingerprints quickly, but it's a minor problem that is easily remedied by a quick wipe of the screen.

Furthermore, unlike a traditional tablet, 2-in-1s offer a solid range of built-in ports. Most feature USB 3.0, HDMI, a built-in SD card reader and a headphone jack. Increased peripheral connections means increased productivity as you simultaneously charge your phone, upload photos, sync a hard drive, and hook up your 2-in-1 to stream to your HD TV for an evening of binge watching your favorite television shows.

Performance

In addition to its versatile design, the components within a 2-in-1 are engineered to help you get more done faster. Nearly all 2-in-1s house a solid-state drive and an Intel processor, lending to increased durability, super fast application load times, as well as prolonged battery life. That said, individual usage habits may result in faster battery drain than advertised by manufacturers, and while Intel's processor will power everyday usage, it is not optimized for intense tasks such as long hours of video editing. Still, compared to a tablet and older laptop, the 2-in-1 is a powerhouse built for speed and productivity.

Benefits of an Upgrade

If you're seriously considering an upgrade to a 2-in-1 device, consider the following:

- You'll increase your productivity and make life easier. With the full functionality of both a laptop and a tablet, you'll be able to work wherever and whenever needed.

- You'll travel lighter. Gone are the days of packing both a tablet and a laptop.

- You'll relax and play with ease. The 2-in-1's flexible viewing modes make for a more comfortable gaming and entertainment experience. The touch screen display is perfect for playing games, drawing, and creative collaboration.

- You'll save money. No need to invest in a separate laptop and tablet; you've got everything you need in one device.

- Bonus! Trade in your old laptops and tablets through Best Buy's Buy Back program, and you'll receive a gift card to put towards your new purchase.

The bottom line? A 2-in-1 is an innovative device that packs an impressive amount of productivity and entertainment into one sleek, portable package. Investing in one can improve your productivity, help you relax, and streamline your life in terms of both work and play. Oh, and your shoulders will thank you.