Is it a tablet or laptop? Tips for choosing the best hybrid device

By Phil Hornshaw

With the release of Microsoft‘s Windows 8 operating system, a cool thing has come along: the hybrid laptop, a device capable of operating as both tablet and laptop. Lots of these devices can actually shift between the two roles using Windows 8, incorporating hardware such as keyboards and other peripherals only when their users need them.

If you’re in the market for a hybrid laptop, the good news is they seem to be somewhat cheaper than many straight laptops on the market today. The bad news? They’re also more expensive than many straight tablets. Luckily, if you determine what you want and shop around, you’ll be more likely to save money in the long run.

Finding the right combination

There are a number of hybrid laptops out there, but finding the right one for you is more a matter of preference than features. Most hybrids come with solid keyboard docks that quickly turn the touchscreen tablet into a workable laptop, so preference really is largely about what you want to do with it, what sort of connection ports you need and how the keyboard feels.

You’ll be able to find tons of these devices all over the place, from a number of different manufacturers. Counted among the top devices are the Dell XPS 12, the Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro700T and the HP Envy x2, but which is right for you is probably best determined with a little hands-on time.

Once you know what you want, it’s just a matter of finding a solid price. You’ll find several hybrid laptops at Best Buy and Walmart, which offer 2 percent Cash Back, and Radio Shack, which offers 3 percent Cash Back. Also worth checking out are Amazon and Tiger Direct, which offers 5 percent Cash Back.

You might also like:
Best gadgets for perfect wedding photos
Apple iWatch sneak peek: new flexible display
Why you’ll play better on a PlayStation 4 (plus: save now on a PS3!)