Which convertible should I buy?

Going paperless is already a matter of course at many universities. So is taking notes directly on the tablet or laptop or learning from screen. That's why we have a total of eight convertible models in our current laptop range. To make it easier for you to choose the right device for your needs, we will show you the most important features and differences of the individual models in this article. 

Advantages of a convertible

Convertibles combine the advantages of a tablet with those of a laptop. They are the right choice if you work with software in your studies that does not run on a tablet (iPadOS, Android). Instead of investing in two devices, you can buy a convertible. At least you have this option with Windows devices, with Apple you have no choice and have to complement your MacBook with an iPad. So, if you don't want to give up a powerful laptop for the sake of writing, it's worth taking a closer look at the following models: Comparison list of convertibles. Thanks to digital notes, you not only reduce your paper consumption, you also have an easier time organizing your documents. 

HP Convertibles

We offer three 2-in-1 laptop models from HP in the current Sales Wave. The HP ProBook x360 435 G8 is our most affordable entry-level convertible. In our opinion, it is ideally suited for the needs of students (high school, vocational school) or first-year students who have chosen a non-technical course of study. Despite the affordable price, the built-in AMD processor offers satisfactory performance: you can take notes, read, research and stream. If your daily school or study routine is mainly limited to the aforementioned tasks and you hardly have more than your Office365 and a browser in use, you won't have any problems with the performance of this model. However, keep in mind that the 8 GB of RAM and the storage size of 256 GB are rather slim. If you want to invest in a device for the long term or are not sure which software you will use in your field of study in the higher semesters, it is worth taking a look at the more powerful models. 

The HP Probook x360 435 G9 is the more recent version of HP's convertible and a solid mid-range device. The AMD Ryzen R7 processor offers good performance even for more complex tasks with its eight processor cores. This ProBook is suitable for courses that use different, processor-heavy software (statistics, programming) in class. The 16 GB working memory and the 512 GB SSD meet our current minimum standard for studio devices.

Both ProBook models have a 13.3'' glossy display in 16:9 format and both are characterized by a very good battery life of around 10 and 11 hours, respectively.  

The HP EliteBook x360 1040 G9 is equally powerful as the HP ProBook x360 435 G9 and thus meets the performance requirements of all non-technical studies. The surcharge of around CHF 500 comes from the following differences: 

• The 14'' large display is matte and has a 16:10 aspect ratio. This results in two advantages: You have a larger screen area and more space vertically, i.e. you have to scroll less. The matte surface of the display offers slight resistance when writing, resulting in a paper-like typing feel. 
• The case of the EliteBook has a higher quality build, the device is slightly lighter and has a larger touchpad.
• The included pen is rechargeable via USB-C and adheres magnetically to the casing.
• The warranty is valid worldwide.

Lenovo Convertibles

We also have three ThinkPad convertibles from Lenovo to choose from. Our most affordable Lenovo convertible is the Thinkpad L13 Yoga Gen 3. The device is solidly built and thanks to the convenient option of storing the pen directly in the case, the latter is always charged and will not get forgotten or lost easely. The AMD Ryzen Pro R5 processor can handle the everyday tasks that come up in the course of everyday study without any problems. With 16 GB of RAM, you'll have enough working memory for a smooth workflow. This convertible model has a 16:10 glossy display.

The Lenovo Thinkpad X13 Yoga Gen 3 is the second lightest convertible on offer at just 1.2 kg (the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a full 50 g lighter). Compared to the L13 Yoga Gen 3, it has more power and twice as much storage thanks to the Intel i7 processor. The 16:10 display is matte. Admittedly, the price tag is relatively high for the extra performance and features you get. If your budget isn't limited and you're a Lenovo fan, we'd recommend buying the X13 even for a non-technical degree, as you'll be using the device longer due to the more powerful processor. It is also the only model that can be ordered with Linux pre-installed.

Budget is absolutely not an issue for you? Then Lenovo's high-end convertible, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7, might be the right convertible for you. The built-in Intel i7 processor is the most powerful in its class. The 32 GB RAM gives power users the possibilities to have many resource-hungry applications open at the same time. With the 1 TB SSD, you also have plenty of local storage space available. The 16:10 display offers a whole 568 cm² screen area with its 14'' and is matte. Thus, the display does not reflect in unfavorable lighting conditions and offers a paper-like feel when typing. The case is made of aluminum and is not only light at 1.4 kg, but also visually appealing. Moreover, the material is less sensitive to dirt and fingerprints.

Microsoft Convertibles

The two Microsoft Surface Convertibles are available in the business version. This results in the following advantages:

• Windows 11 Pro and not Home is installed on the devices.
• Some configurations are only available as "Surface for Business".
• You have better support conditions: In the event of a warranty claim, you benefit from an advance exchange and receive the new Surface first. You can then send the defective device to Microsoft.

The Surface Pro 9 is the latest edition of Microsoft's popular hybrid tablet. We offer a variety of different configurations. This allows you to choose the configuration that best suits your performance requirements. We recommend three variants, which in our opinion make the most sense for the different performance requirements: A student device, a student device with rather limited storage space to optimize the price and a student device with enough storage space.

You also have the choice between a version with an Intel processor or one with Microsoft's SQ3 chip. With the Intel chip, better performance and optimal software compatibility is ensured. With the SQ3 chip, battery life and 5G connectivity are the key advantages. This is the device for those who can make it through university with Office365 and a browser of choice. All configurations come bundled with a keyboard and pen.

The Surface Pro 9's 3:2 format display is almost as big as an A4 sheet (20.9 x 28.7 cm vs. 21 x 29.7 cm), very bright and glossy. Scrolling feels pleasantly smooth due to the high refresh rate of 120Hz. The Surface Pro 9 tablet weighs just 880g, making it ultra-portable. With keyboard and stylus, it weighs 1,150g. If you compare the features of the recommended Surface Pro 9 configurations with the convertibles from HP and Lenovo, you'll find that you get more performance and a better warranty for your money with them. However, the described features of the Surface Pro 9 make the device unique and the build quality is very good, so you won't have a hard time deciding pro or contra Surface.

The Microsoft Surface Studio Laptop is a unique device because it combines the pen functionality of a convertible with the power of a workstation. It is the only 2-in-1 device in our lineup with a dedicated graphics card. Thanks to the Intel i7 processor and the dedicated GPU, the device has the necessary power even for working with 3D models. You have the choice between the Nvidia RTX GeForce GPU and the professional RTX A2000 GPU. The latter is optimized for working in CAD applications and thus the right choice for all students of architecture or engineering.

The 14.4" display is glossy, has a high resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. However, due to the equipment options and the rather high weight of 1.85 kg, we only recommend this device to those students who really need the graphics performance of a dedicated GPU.

The choice is hard

Performance, memory, resolution, weight - as you can see, every convertible model has better values or features here or there, but also a different price. You ultimately want to choose the right work device for your needs without spending money unnecessarily. That's why we'll make a cross-comparison among the manufacturers:

If your budget is tight, choose from the following three models:

1. Super affordable, student or entry-level device: HP ProBook x360 435 G8, CHF 799.-
2. Good processor performance, very good price-performance ratio: HP ProBook x360 435 G9, CHF 1'195.- 
3. Solid processor performance, slightly better warranty conditions with the same warranty period as the 2nd, good price-performance ratio: Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 3, CHF 1'155.-.

If you do not only orientate yourself on the device price when buying and can spend a bit more for a better performance of the convertible, we suggest the following models:

1. Larger, matte display; probably better battery life: HP EliteBook x360 1040 G9, CHF 1,695.-
2. Double the storage space as the 1st for CHF 25.- less: Lenovo ThinkPad X13 Yoga Gen 3, CHF 1'675.-
3. Unique form factor, very light, worse price-performance ratio, shorter warranty period: A Suface Pro 9 configuration, from CHF 1'520.-.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 is, as already described, the most powerful but also the most expensive convertible.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is the convertible for creative or technical fields of study because of the GPU.

If you're still not sure, we suggest you stop by the showroom and take a look at all the convertibles on site. If you are too far away, we can also advise you via video call.