Convertibles, or 2-in-1 laptops, blend the functions of a tablet with the form factor of a laptop. They're considered '2-in-1', which is a nod to both the tablet and laptop functions in the same unit. So get the power of a laptop and the convenience of a tablet. In one. At TEKshop.
2-in-1 laptops are still laptops, but they have unique advantages. There's the obvious - you can use your finger to touch the screen to navigate or manipulate things. This can mean a familiar experience when compared to your mobile phone for example. Also, you can position the display in different ways to suit your viewing needs one moment to the next.
Versus tablets
Tablets are great for movies, media, and photo editing and creative work - especially with a stylus. 2-in-1 laptops have these benefits, but are often a lot more powerful than tablets. They also usually have a larger display. Unlike most tablets, these run Microsoft Windows, so are compatible with 'serious' software.
Should I look at one over a 'normal' laptop?
If you're looking for a new laptop, there are plenty of reasons to choose a 2-in-1. For starters, it's more convenient than carrying around two separate devices. Being productive at a desk, you can tap away at the keyboard as normal. If you need to show documents on the move, tablet mode is very useful. Finally, while laptops are great for documents and websites, a tablet is better for media. Especially when you want to relax, without access to a desk.
Two different 2-in-1
There's one other consideration with a 2-in-1 laptop - which operating system it runs. Like laptops, there are two options - Google's Chrome OS and the familiar Microsoft Windows. The former has access to Android apps, so the interface would be familiar to most other tablets. The latter will give you the laptop experience you're used to, so which is best depends on your needs.