TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.It’s hard to imagine being an efficient worker or an effective member of my household without my laptop computer. It’s just as difficult to envision myself fully relaxing and enjoying myself at home without a tablet. Unfortunately, double the devices usually means double the cost. As our lives become more entangled with technology, it feels like we have to spend more and more every year to stay connected and to keep up with the changes. However, if you’re a smart shopper, you can make the most of multi-use tech and not waste your precious money unnecessarily. What are 2-in1 laptops and tablets?A 2-in-1 laptop and tablet is possibly the best way to straddle the thin line between work and play, making the most of your time and your money. You basically get two devices while only paying the price of one. And you only have one device to carry around. These machines combine the portability of a laptop computer with the convenience of a tablet and can use almost any operating system, though most are either Windows- or Android-based. Windows-based machines are most easily synced with many work-specific applications like Microsoft Office and Teams. However, Android-based machines like Chromebooks work very well in concert with Android-specific smartphones. Which of these two you choose will likely depend on what your most common use will be for the device. Those who plan to use it more often for work may opt for Windows, while those favoring free-time use might prefer Android. This choice ultimately comes down to personal preference above all else.Lenovo Chromebook Duet 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet
Courtesy of Amazon
Check price at AmazonCheck price at WalmartOne of the best examples of this type of laptop that I’ve seen in some time is from a trusted brand. Lenovo makes great laptops and tablets at a price that’s affordable for most people. That’s not to say that their computers are strictly “budget” machines, as you’ll find some of its high-end options capable of competing with the best of the best in tech. That said, Amazon is selling one of the brand’s more affordable computers for less than $300, and it’s a device that can do a whole lot of computing at a very low price.The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet delivers speed and quality in a durable package, but perhaps what is most important about this type of laptop is just how versatile and efficient it is. For starters, it comes with a detachable keyboard with a trackpad. That means you can take it to the office and use it as a standard laptop whenever you wish. Thanks to the detachable design, though, you can then take it home and set it up for an evening of relaxing entertainment.That’s made even easier by the fact that the device is optimized for streaming purposes. While some cheaper tablets do not have the license permission to display shows and movies from services like Netflix and Hulu, this model does. In fact, its nearly 11-inch IPS touchscreen displays millions of colors and gives you the ultimate canvas for streaming your favorite entertainment without a care in the world. It also utilizes the SmartAMP system, which creates an immersive sound experience, even on portable devices like this one.What are the benefits?One advantage that a 2-in-1 machine like this has over a traditional laptop is its portability. Not only does it weigh less than most other laptops with similar specs, but it’s also incredibly thin thanks to a more tablet-centric design. Even with the addition of the keyboard, the entire machine is less than an inch thick. That makes it incredibly easy to throw into a backpack or large purse and take on the go. It weighs less than two and a half pounds, so it won’t weigh you down when you’re out and about. That’s a far cry from some of the big and bulky laptops you might see others using at the local coffee shop.The operating system on this device is the aforementioned Android operating system. It’s ideal for a portable device like this one because it interfaces perfectly with your Android-based smartphone. Though optimized for smartphone integration, you can perform just about any operations on this computer as you can on your traditional Windows machine. However, some people find the Chromebook interface to be more user-friendly and intuitive than its Microsoft counterparts.Why it’s worth buyingNo matter how you plan to use the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet, you’re sure to get your money’s worth. It’s hard to find a good computer or tablet that can do everything you need at the office and at home for less than $1,000. The fact that we found one for less than $300 is pure luck. This laptop and tablet combo offers twice the features for less than half the price of most other similar machines. On top of that, you’re getting a trusted name in computing, and an operating system that can do everything you need and more.More 2-in-1 laptops and tabletsMicrosoft Surface Pro 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet
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Check price at AmazonHyyuo 2-in-1 Laptop and Tablet
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