So-called convertibles promise the best of both worlds. The SZ has tested three laptops that can also be folded down to form a tablet and, for comparison, the iPad pro with a keyboard case.
Anyone who opts for a convertible has to live with some compromises. Since these 360-degree hinge laptops contain a full keyboard, they are thicker and heavier than a pure tablet. In addition, the Windows operating system is not as well designed for operation with a finger or pen as with the iPad, even if the latest version 11 brings improvements such as larger buttons.
In order to save space and weight and still provide enough performance, the limited space in the convertibles must be optimally used – this makes them quite expensive compared to conventional notebooks. Instead of cheap off-the-shelf components, specially adapted components have to be installed. However, this also applies to its thin and light sisters, the so-called ultrabooks, which cannot be converted into tablets.
It depends on the intended use which device is suitable
The great advantage of Windows devices is that you can use the full variety of programs that are available for this system. Programs for tablets, on the other hand, are often scaled-down versions of their big sisters for “real” computers. This is no longer necessarily due to the performance of the iPad, for example. The latest Pro models are on par, if not superior, to many laptops. However, the more complex a program is, the more difficult it is to adapt it to pure control with a finger or pen. The tablets, on the other hand, have an advantage where exactly that is required: fingers and pens – for example in drawing programs.
Which device you choose always depends on what the main purpose of use should be. Anyone who has to work with Windows programs on the go or in the office at home has no other choice. A convertible then only offers one additional option.
Outwardly, the most striking of the test candidates is HP’s Specter x360 with a 14-inch screen. The angular design with metal frame and beveled corners makes it stand out from the crowd. The Specter doesn’t just look high-quality, you also get the same impression when you open the lid, nothing wobbles or creaks – which is not to be expected otherwise with a laptop in the high-priced segment.
The HP Specter X360: Nothing wobbles or creaks on the high-priced laptop.
(Photo: HP / oh)
The screen in 3: 2 format has a resolution of 1920 by 1280 pixels and, like all convertibles, is of course touch-sensitive so that the device can be operated with the fingers in tablet mode. If you fold the screen with the 360-degree hinge, the computer switches to tablet mode, whereby the mechanical keyboard is deactivated. That is also recommended. Because due to the design, the keyboard is at the bottom.
The decision of the designers to put a USB-C port on one of the bevels seems a bit strange, after all, like the second one, which is attached to the side, it understands the fast Thunderbolt 4 standard. Also available: a USB socket in the familiar, larger A format and a reader for memory cards in micro SD format. Instead of installing a fingerprint reader in the on / off switch like other manufacturers, HP sacrificed the second Ctrl key, which is located at the bottom right next to the Alt key.
Lenovo calls its convertibles Yoga – presumably to indicate the contortions you can put on the screen. What is immediately noticeable is the test device’s leather-covered lid. However, this equipment is optional. The keyboard also impresses with its precise pressure point, and the Yoga’s powerful sound is a positive surprise, even though Lenovo is the only one of the three convertibles that does not adorn itself with the logo of a sound specialist. Even movies are fun here – even if the sound of a laptop can of course never reach the level of the external loudspeaker. In the tested version with a Full HD screen (1920 by 1080 pixels) in 16:10 format, the Yoga lasted for a working day if you weren’t asking for high-performance jobs such as video conversion.
With Yoga from Lenovo, the powerful sound is surprising.
(Photo: Lenovo / oh)
Another special feature of the Yoga is the pen that is supplied and can even be integrated into the housing. This is comfortable and minimizes the risk of losing the pen. Connections are just as sparse as in HP’s Specter: two USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), one USB-A and a microphone / headphone jack – that’s it.
For a number of years, Dell’s XPS series was the recommendation of many tech experts for a small but powerful laptop. The competition has caught up in the meantime, but the XPS devices are still at the forefront. Our test device, the XPS 13 9310 2 in 1, also has a screen in 16:10 format, the resolution is 1920 by 1080 pixels. The camera is now no longer under the screen, as in the first version, but above it – this puts participants in video conferences in the picture more advantageously.
Those who find the design of the HP Specter too conspicuous could be happy with the Dell. It looks elegant but doesn’t overdo it. The connections are even more stingy than the competition, there are only two USB-C sockets (Thunderbolt 4), and an adapter to USB-A is always included. There is also a combined headphone / microphone socket and a card reader in micro SD format. Compared to the previous in-house models, the graphics performance in particular has improved.
The XPS device from Dell puts participants in video conferences in the picture.
(Photo: Dell / oh)
Dell has built the fingerprint reader into the on / off switch. You can argue about the keyboard. Some like it as short-throw as the Dell offers, others don’t. If in doubt, you should try this yourself if you want or have to use the built-in keyboard a lot. Otherwise, for ergonomic reasons, an external keyboard is recommended anyway, the laptop can then be placed in an elevated position and so does not have to crouch over the laptop.
Apple’s iPad Pro comes from a different device world. The manufacturer advertises it as a laptop replacement, but on the other hand is careful not to offer its laptops with a touch screen. Realistically, it is an intermediate category. It can be upgraded to a writing instrument with optional keyboards, but you don’t want to do it for a long time. IPads, and especially the potent Pro series, show their strengths especially when it comes to creative work.
Apple’s pen – also optional – can differentiate between many pressure levels. It also sticks magnetically to the side of the iPad, but not particularly strongly. If you don’t want to lose the input device, which costs almost 120 euros, you should store it differently. The iPad, although it is almost entirely made of a screen, lasts about ten hours without charging. The four loudspeakers are sensational considering the size of the case.
Whether you absolutely need an iPad Pro depends on what you want to use it for. Anyone who writes or draws notes, for example, will get the larger Pro model. If you use it more for media consumption, one of the normal models is sufficient, which then doesn’t tear such a big hole in your wallet. There is also a pen for them, but it cannot do quite as much as the one for the Pro models. You don’t have to look far for connections on an iPad. There is only one, at least in USB-C format, plus the connector for the keyboard cover, which can only be used for this.
The prices:
HP Specter x360: from around 1400 euros
Lenovo Yoga i9 14 ITL5: approx. 1400 euros
Dell XPS 13 9310 2in1: from approx: 1300 euros
iPad pro 12.9: from approx. 1100 euros, keyboard cover: 400 euros, pen: approx. 120 euros