Amalgamating two products together is always likely to be a difficult process. From the early days of research and development right through to an offering hitting the shelves, tech manufacturers have their work cut out making sure they're capturing the best of both worlds.
The majority of complaints will stem from the best features being left out, leaving the end user with a product that just isn't as good as the two or more it has been morphed from.
However, the market share of 2-in-1 laptop and tablet hybrids is steadily growing, with the majority of tech companies now offering them in one form or another.
With that in mind, here are three reasons why now is the time to consider picking one up:
Go anywhere
Laptop manufacturers continue to spend much of their time focussing on increasing performance while saving on weight and as such, they are more portable than ever.
However, 2-in-1s offer a go-anywhere ability that is seldom seen. As laptops are typically quite an investment, the majority of users will leave them on a table or desk and may never even take them out of the house.
A hybrid laptop and tablet is not only extremely lightweight, but the majority have longer than average battery life too. Subsequently, they're perfect for anyone with a particularly active lifestyle.
Whether it's a business user who attends multiple meetings across a city each day, or students looking for an inspirational place to study, 2-in-1s offer a potent mix of power and portability that other existing devices simply cannot match.
Intuitive operation
Those that have never used a hybrid laptop and tablet may think the concept is a bit of a gimmick, but it's actually incredibly intuitive. Being able to type and touch seamlessly may take a little getting used to, but the ergonomics of it are easy to get to grips with.
This is in part thanks to the Windows 8 operating system - which was designed from the ground up with touch in mind. Any device running this OS, such as the Microsoft Surface Pro3, can make the crossover between touchscreen device and laptop that little bit more seamless.
More creativity
The return of the stylus may not be welcomed by many, but its usefulness and responsiveness have come a long way since the early days of the PalmPilot.
For instance, the aforementioned Surface Pro3 includes a stylus which can be used for everything from scribbled hand-written notes to intense graphic design projects.
Subsequently, even the most casual user may well feel the creative juices flowing when using a 2-in-1 over a conventional laptop.
