2-in-1 laptop for graphic design

A 2 in 1 laptop, sometimes called a convertible laptop, can be detached from its keyboard to be a smaller tablet. This gives you the processing power of a laptop and portability of a tablet in one single device. It would usually be cheaper than having a separate laptop and tablet.

Maybe you want to buy a 2 in 1 laptop for your graphic design projects, but dont know where to start. Today, I will review ten 2 in 1 laptops for graphic design and show you what to look for when buying one.

I hope this will help you find the best 2 in 1 laptop for graphic design. Lets dive in.

Comparison of 2 in 1 Laptops for Graphic Design

My Reviews of 10 Best 2 in 1 Laptops for Graphic Design in 2021

1. Microsoft Surface Book 3

If you want the best 2 in 1 laptop for graphic design, look no further than the Microsoft Surface Book 3.

You can detach the screen from the monitor to get a compact table for on-the-go work, as the quad-core powered, 10th Gen Intel Core processors deliver a powerful performance.

The NVIDIA GTX GeForce GPU boasts incredibly fast graphics. Those who often work outside would appreciate laptops with a long battery life, like this one with up to 17.5 hours!

However, while it comes equipped with built-in speakers, many have claimed that they barely work. The customer service is not very commendable either.

Pros

• Detachable screen
• NVIDIA GTX GeForce
• 17.5-hour battery

Cons

• Poor built-in speakers
• Poor customer service

2. HP Envy X360

The HP Envy X360 is best known for its excellent security features, like the Webcam Kill Switch as well as an integrated fingerprint reader.

Easily switch between laptop and table to stand or tent mode to accommodate a variety of uses.

Meanwhile, the BIOS Recovery and Protection can ensure your PC is at its optimal health. The computer itself is made using environmentally friendly materials.

There truly is not much to complain about this HP laptop, as it boasts a quad-core processor and Intel Core i7. Not to mention the 15.6-inch Full HD IPS touchscreen!

Perhaps the only downside I can think of is it does not actually detach for a separate tablet device.

Pros

• Excellent security feature
• BIOS Recovery and Protection
• Environmentally conscious

Cons

• Does not detach

3. Lenovo Yoga C940

The Lenovo Yoga C940 prides itself in its 14-inch 10-point multitouch screen, an excellent surface for various graphic-related projects.

The 12GB RAM means you can run video-editing apps, while the 512 SSD lets you open programs faster.

In terms of its looks, nothing could beat the sophisticated metal casing and sleek frame. Best of all, it comes with a fingerprint reader for extra security and easier access to your laptop!

Several users have found a common problem with this Lenovo laptop, which is frequent freezing. You might also receive a defective product, which is why its important to choose the right seller.

Pros

• 12GB RAM and 512 SSD
• Fingerprint reader
• Sophisticated look

Cons

• Freezing
• Defective product

4. HP Spectre x360

For a smaller 2 in 1 laptop, the HP Spectre x360 is a great choice with its thin and visually stunning exterior. The 13.3-inch screen has an IPS display.

It boasts the Intel Turbo Boost Technology with Core i7 processor for lightning-fast performance, as well as a 12-hour battery life. Plus, the Bang & Olufsen audio with two speakers are an added bonus for seamless audio performance!

In terms of its disadvantages, the official circulated photos of the HP Spectre x360 do not show the actual port positions.

If your purchase does not come with an extended warranty, you should be careful as many products could fail after a few months of use. Suffice to say, the customer service is not the best either.

Pros

• Intel Turbo Boost Technology
• 12-hour battery
• Bang & Olufsen audio

Cons

• Different port positions than photo
• Bad customer service

5. Dell XPS 15 2-in-1

The Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 comes with a quad-core 8th Gen Intel® Core processor and Radeon Vega M graphics. This allows you to operate multiple applications at once and still enjoy increased performance.

You might want the best possible display for graphic design, so this anti-reflective IPS panel screen and 400-nit brightness is perfect for that.

In addition, this laptop could give you up to 15 hour and 53 minutes of battery life at a FHD display. Working on a project on the go cannot be any easier!

However, it only has USB-C ports so you may need adaptors and docks. The keyboard feel is also not the smoothest, but shouldnt be a problem if your work doesnt involve much typing.

Pros

• Radeon Vega M graphics
• 400-nit brightness
• Long battery life

Cons

• Only USB-C ports
• Mediocre keyboard feel

6. Acer Spin 5Convertible Laptop

The Acer Spin 5 weighs only 2.65 lbs, making it perfect to work anywhere. The 360° Dual-Torque Hinge lets you use four different modes, while the thin bezel design and 80% screen-to-body ratio gives you more screen to work on!

However, the game changer lies in its quick charging dock, which could give you 90 minutes of power with only 15 seconds!

This is also the perfect choice for graphic designers because of the Acer Active Stylus, which has Wacom AES 1.0 and features 4,096 different levels of pressure sensitivity.

It will feel exactly like youre writing on paper. Although, some have claimed that Acers hinge technology is not the strongest.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Thin bezels
• Quick charging
• Paper-like writing experience

Cons

• Flimsy hinge

7. Dell XPS 13

Next up is the Dell XPS 13, which comes with a 13.3-inch FHD touchscreen. The InfinityEdge technology with edge-to-edge Corning Gorilla Glass 4 and 10-finger multi-touch support are all you need for an efficient workflow.

For any virtual meetings you have, the built-in 720P webcam could give you a high-definition image. Meanwhile, its battery life of 15 hours is another excellent plus!

At only 2.70 lbs, you can easily lug this laptop around to work in your favorite cafes or spots. Unfortunately, this Dell laptop is known to break down after months of use and it could prove troublesome to try and get Dell to fix it.

Pros

• InfinityEdge technology
• HD webcam
• 15-hour battery

Cons

• Not durable

8. HP Pavilion x360

The HP Pavilion x360 is one of the best 2 in 1 laptop for graphic design on the market today. In addition to a 14-inch 360-degree IPS touchscreen, this laptop boasts a 10th gen Intel Core i5, 8GB of RAM and a fast SSD.

Moreover, its BIOS recovery and protection can automatically scan your PC health, secure local storage and protect it against external threats.

The battery can last up to 9 hours 45 minutes on wireless streaming, while the fast charge can give you 50% in only 45 minutes!

However, customers have found that the battery life is not as strong on mixed usage and video playback. You might also experience frequent glitches, thus interrupting your workflow.

Pros

• 14-inch bendable screen
• 45 minutes fast charging
• BIOS recovery and protection

Cons

• Poor battery life
• Glitches

9. Lenovo Flex 5

The Lenovo Flex 5 is more than just a laptop, its a fashion statement. With a sleek and intricate design, you can choose between 4 modes of laptop, tent, stand or tablet for a variety of uses.

The AMD Ryzen 4000 processor delivers an incredible performance for faster and smoother multitasking. Meanwhile, the narrow bezels framing the FHD IPS screen gives you more monitor while looking extremely modish.

I also love the Lenovo Active Pen so you can easily scribble on the screen and write quick notes. Unfortunately, many say that Lenovo Support is not the best, especially for this specific model.

Some have also claimed to receive defective parts with their purchase, so you might need to choose your seller carefully.

Pros

• 4 multi-modes
• AMD Ryzen 4000
• Narrow bezels
• Lenovo Active Pen

Cons

• Bad support
• Defective parts

10. Dell Inspiron 14 5400

Finally, we have the Dell Inspiron 14 5400, which features a FHD 14.0-inch IPS touchscreen and a 10th Generation Intel Core i5-1035G1 Processor, as well as a 256GB SSD for faster boot-ups.

Its most unique feature is undoubtedly the fingerprint reader, which allows fast sign-on and better security. Meanwhile, the lid sensor means you can turn on your laptop just by opening it.

Additionally, the premium audio and vibrant colors by Dell Color Profiles will allow you to enjoy an immersive, lifelike cinema experience.

One downside is the persistent microphone issue it seems to pose, as well as problems with sharing screen to a separate monitor.

Pros

• 256GB SSD
• Fingerprint reader
• CinemaColor and CinemaSound

Cons

• Microphone issue
• Sharing screen problems

How to Choose a 2 in 1 Laptop for Graphic Design

Here are some important things you should consider when choosing a 2 in 1 laptop for your graphic design projects.

1. Screen Size

The best 2 in 1 laptop for graphic design is the right one for you. To find that, you need to figure out what screen size works for you.

Do you want smaller and compact screens or larger ones you can use to give presentations? 2 in 1 laptops vary from 10 inches up to 15-inches models.

See also: 10 Best Curved Monitors for MacBook Pro

2. Detachable or Attached?

These laptops come in two designs: detachable and attached. If you are going to type and navigate using the touchpad a lot, an attached model [also called a convertible laptop] would be best.

However, if you prefer a tabletlike experience and dont mind navigating using the touchscreen, you might like the detachable model [also called a hybrid laptop]. This lets you save some space in your bag too!

3. Processor [CPU]

The CPU is essentially the brain of your computer, as it will process and execute instructions. For intense graphic design work, I recommend getting at least a Core i7 HQ processor, or even a Core i9.

Of course, the price tag will increase the more powerful the processor is.

4. Graphics Card [GPU]

When it comes to designing graphics, the GPU of your laptop may be the most important thing too. It produces the images on your screen and determines how fast it buffers and how smooth it appears.

You will find that most would recommend Nvidia, although AMD is another great choice.

5. Memory [RAM]

RAM is like the short-term memory of the laptop and a higher RAM can process information better. For works in graphic design, it is best to have at least 8GB, although 16GB is preferable for 3D renders.

Again, more RAM means a higher price too.

6. Storage Type

The more popular and recommended storage type today are SSDs. They are faster and more efficient than HDDs but are more expensive. Better yet SSDs run more quietly!

However, HDDs are still more durable in the long run, although technology is continuously improving in favor of SSDs.

7. Keyboard Quality

The keyboard quality is essential for a graphic designer, especially for typing out your project briefs, portfolio and other texts.

The best ones will feel springy without being stiff and do not bottom out. In short, a good keyboard lets you type things quickly and comfortably.

8. Price

The price for a 2 in 1 laptop can range, from more affordable models to high-end ones. Of course, the right one for you should fit within your budget.

While spending more than you need on unnecessary features may not be wise, so is sacrificing quality for a cheaper price!

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the best 2 in 1 laptop for graphic design is one which can meet all your needs and preferences.

Think about the right screen size, if its just bendable or fully detachable, the CPU and GPU, memory, storage and keyboard quality. Most importantly, it has to fit with your budget!