MORE: Windows Detachables Have Big Battery Life Problem 3. However, if you don't see the need to use your notebook as a slate, you'll usually get more performance for your money with a traditional clamshell laptop. Most of these systems are much better at serving one purpose than the other, with bend-backs being laptops first and detachables offering a superior tablet experience. 2-in-1s generally come in two different styles: detachables with screens that come off the keyboard entirely and flexible laptops with hinges that bend back 360 degrees to change modes. Many PC laptops fall into the category of 2-in-1 laptops, hybrid devices that can switch between traditional clamshell mode, tablet mode and other positions in between such as tent or stand modes. Pay extra to get a 2-in-1 if you plan to use Android apps. A 1920 x 1080 resolution preferred and 4K is better but very uncommon. If you need a Chromebook, look for one with at least 4GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. They are also extremely popular with schools and parents because they are hard for kids to infect with malware and more functional than most tablets.

If you need a device to surf the Web and check email, navigate social networks and chat online, Chromebooks are highly portable and tend to offer good battery life at low prices.

However, that's changing as all new Chromebooks, including the high-end, Google PixelBook, can now run Android apps. The downside is that many of the 'web apps' you use don't work particularly well offline. The user interface looks a lot like Windows with an application menu, a desktop and the ability to drag windows around, but the main app you use is the Chrome browser. Found on inexpensive Chromebooks such as the Samsung Chromebook 3. Google's OS is simple and secure, but more limited than Windows or macOS.

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