If you haven’t been shopping for a new laptop in awhile and want to make the switch to a 2-in-1, there’s never been a better time. These versatile laptop/tablet convertibles have become hugely popular in recent years, and you have a ton of great options to choose from (many of which are very affordable, as well). The market for 2-in-1s has grown a lot lately, and today it contains pretty much everything from dirt cheap Chromebooks to cutting-edge ultrabooks packing powerful hardware and features like 4K displays. The good news is that if you’re in the market for one, there are always great 2-in-1 laptop deals to be had, and we’re here to help you find them. Below, we’ve got all the best 2-in-1 laptop deals available this month.
Today’s best 2-in-1 laptop deals
— $349, was $480
— $420, was $680
— $500, was $800
— $600, was $930
— $800, was $1,200
Asus VivoBook Flip 14 — $349, was $480
Asus
Why Buy
14-inch Full HD touchscreen
Good battery life
Can charge via USB-C
Quiet design
The Asus VivoBook Flip 14 aims to elevate the 2-in-1 laptop experience without moving beyond an affordable price range. It’s powered by an 11th-gen Intel Core i3 processor and 4GB of RAM, with the output displayed on the device’s 14-inch Full HD touchscreen. As you switch between laptop mode and tablet mode, this 2-in-1 will be able to adapt to what you need — laptop mode if you need to type up a document, tablet mode for browsing the internet, and tent mode so that you can watch streaming content at a comfortable angle.
The 2-in-1 laptop comes with a 128GB SSD with Windows 10 in S Mode pre-installed, and it promises a battery life that can last the whole day on a single charge. If the battery gets depleted, you can charge it via AC outlet or the USB-C port, so you don’t need to hunt around for a power outlet just to finish a task that was interrupted by a low battery.
Another advantage of going with this 2-in-1 is that it runs quietly, mitigating annoying noise that many laptops can make when trying to keep up with a demanding workload. The 2-in-1 laptop also features a webcam and integrated mic, allowing you to make video calls, sit in on video conferences, take online classes, and so on.
HP Chromebook x2 11 — $420, was $680
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
Why Buy
Chrome OS offers snappy performance
Tons of available apps
Stylus pen included
Detachable keyboard allows for true tablet experience
This convertible Chromebook is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and 8GB of RAM, which makes it more than capable of handling everyday functions such as browsing the internet, typing documents, and streaming content. It comes with 128GB of eMMC flash storage, which you won’t use much since you can easily rely on the cloud, and the front-facing 5MP camera can be used for things like selfies, video calls, conferences, and online classes. There’s a rear-facing camera for snapping regular photos, too.
Like the best 2-in-1 laptops, this Chromebook can be used in laptop mode for easy typing or in tablet mode with the keyboard fully detached. At the center of these different forms is the device’s 11-inch edge-to-edge touchscreen, which is supported by stereo speakers that are custom-tuned by experts from Bang & Olufsen for a complete multimedia experience.
Lenovo Yoga 6 13 — $500, was $800
Lenovo Yoga 6
Why Buy
13.3-inch 1200p touchscreen
16:10 aspect ratio
Multiple ports
Solid specs for productivity
The Lenovo Yoga 6 13 2-in-1 laptop combines flexibility with durability, with a hinge that’s smooth enough to easily switch among laptop, tent, media, and tablet modes, but stiff enough to keep the screen steady in the form that you choose. The 2-in-1 laptop features a 13.3-inch 1200p 16:10 touchscreen that combines with dual speakers and audio tuned with Dolby Atmos to make it a complete entertainment device, perfect for catching up on your favorite streaming shows or movies.
With up to 17 hours of juice, you don’t have to worry to much about the battery of this laptop running out when you’re in the middle of a task or a download. For compatibility with most of the computing accessories that you’ve accumulated, the 2-in-1 laptop comes with multiple connection ports including USB Type-A, USB Type-C, and HDMI.
Inside the laptop are an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 8GB of RAM, which is the sweet spot for most users according to our laptop buying guide. The device also comes with a 256GB SSD for storage, which should be more than enough space to install your essential software and safeguard your important documents. It comes with Windows 11 pre-installed, as well as a 720p HD camera with integrated digital microphone so that you can properly participate in virtual meetings.
Micoroft Surface Pro 7+ — $600, was $930
Why Buy
Tablet design with 2-in-1 form factor
All-day battery life
Detachable keyboard
12.3-inch 3:2 touchscreen is great
If you’re looking for a tablet that can easily pull double duty as a laptop, look no further than the Surface Pro 7+. It’s able to handle even the most demanding tasks at work with its 1th-gen Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and integrated Intel Graphics. (You can upgrade to a Core i5 CPU for $100 more.) If you’re always moving, you won’t have a problem with this 2-in-1 laptop, as it promises a full workday’s worth of battery life on a single charge plus rapid charge technology that can restore most of the juice after just half an hour of being plugged in.
There’s no downtime with this 2-in-1, either, as its always-on responsiveness can get the device to wake up and start browsing the internet in mere seconds. It’s perfect for the creative types, too, as you can purchase a stylus pen, which you can stick right to the side of the tablet housing via a powerful magnet when you’re not using it.
The Surface Pro 7+ features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio that makes the display feel much larger than it is, and its 2,736 x 1,824 resolution delivers a great experience when you’re watching streaming content or even doing a little light gaming during your down time. This 2-in-1 laptop/tablet hybrid also comes with a built-in webcam and microphone for taking online calls.
Asus Zenbook Flip 15 — $800, was $1,200
Why Buy
Stable 360-degree hinge
Fast Core i7 processor
Dedicated graphics card
Built-in Amazon Alexa
With the Zenbook Flip 15, transforming between its laptop mode and tablet mode is easy with a 360-degree hinge that offers stability, while the 2-in-1 laptop feels great in your hands thanks to its sleek edges. For those who love to multitask between several programs at a time, this device won’t disappoint, as it’s powered by a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Max-Q graphics. You shouldn’t experience crashes and slowdowns even while you switch between the apps that you’re running, and this thing can even handle some gaming.
The laptop features a 15.6-inch 1080p touchscreen with minimal bezels which is easy on the eyes while you work or study. The hardware combines with built-in Amazon Alexa AI assistant so that the laptop can function as a smart device, which is perfect for performing searches, asking questions, setting reminders, shopping online, and more with just your voice.
Other features of this 2-in-1 laptop Wi-Fi 6 for the latest in wireless internet performance, Bluetooth connectivity, a backlit keyboard for when you’re whiling away the evening hours, and up to 10 hours of battery life for a full day’s work. It also comes loaded with the latest Windows 11 operating system.
If a nice combination of versatility and affordability are what you’re looking for in a laptop, student laptop deals are starting to ramp up. Among them is one of the best 2-in-1 laptop deals we’ve seen, which is taking place at Lenovo. Currently you can get the 11-inch Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 for just $300, a savings of $80 from its regular price of $380. It even comes with free next-business-day shipping, so you can be up and running on your new IdeaPad in almost no time.
When considering some of the best budget laptops, it’s important to be sure you’re getting something that meets your needs, which not all budget laptops may be able to do. But with the IdeaPad Flex 3, there aren’t a lot of things to be left wanting for everyday users. It has plenty of power to push you through day in its dual-core AMD Athlon processor, and all-day battery life ensures you can get things done on the go. It even has rapid charging capability, which gives you two hours of battery life in just 15 minutes. The IdeaPad Flex 3’s touchscreen provides high-definition resolution, as does its webcam, making it a great option for collaborators in addition to students.
It’s not everyday that the going laptop deals turn up something for just $300, but that’s the current sale price of the 11-inch Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3. This is a savings of $80 from its regular price of $380, and free next-business-day shipping is included.
Lenovo’s laptop offerings have bloomed over the past few years — from everything from 2-in-1s to gaming laptops, there’s something for everybody. Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7, a great 2-in-1 that’s having a massive sale right now, is going for $2,507, down from $4,559, an incredible $2,052 discount from the retail price and likely one of the better 2-in-1 laptop deals you’re going to find today.
One of the most important things with a 2-in-1 is the screen quality, and we’re happy to say that this 14-inch screen has a pretty amazing resolution of 3840 x 2400, which means that the touchscreen experience is great, especially if you’re planning to do productivity or editing work. Not only that, but it’s an OLED screen that has HDR 400 and a peak brightness of 500 nits, giving you crisp pictures with good contrast. And most importantly, it can be used during the daytime, out in the sun, or in a room full of lights, without having to worry about whether you’ll be able to see what’s on the screen.
As for under the hood, it sports a 12th-gen Intel i7-1280P processor, a higher-end CPU that shouldn’t have an issue handling most productivity tasks, transcoding when streaming, or any other CPU-intensive tasks. The 14 cores and 20-thread count also make it great for audio editing, which relies a lot on both, and the portability of a 2-in-1 makes it easy to take with you to gigs if you’re a live performer. You’ll also be happy to note that it comes with 32GB of RAM, which is more than the average user needs but is great for those who need to open several apps and tabs simultaneously. Storage is also surprisingly large for such a small frame, with a 1TB SSD packed in there, giving you great performance and a ton of space to work with. Finally, it has an IR and 1080p hybrid camera, which is something you don’t often see, even in mid-range laptops.
Overall, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 is an excellent portable 2-in-1 that gives you a lot of great specs under the hood and an excellent screen to play around with, and right now to can get one at Lenovo for a lower price of $2,507 with a hugely impressive $2,052 discount. That being said, if that’s still a bit too much for your budget, check out some other excellent laptop deals for something that fits the bill.
“The Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 would be a solid option were it not for the mediocre display and battery life.”
Pros
Good productivity performance
Decent keyboard and touchpad
Streamlined good looks
1080p webcam
Cons
Below-average battery life
Inferior display
No Thunderbolt 4
I’ve reviewed more 14-inch laptops over the last several months than any other size, demonstrating how popular these devices have become.
The Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 has been one of the more popular 2-in-1 options, especially if you’re hoping to save a few hundred bucks compared to the most premium laptops. And Dell has updated the machine for 2022 with a slightly more streamlined aesthetic and an upgrade to Intel’s 12th-gen CPUs.
The high-end model I reviewed came in at $1,050, though a cheaper $850 base configuration is also available. Unfortunately, regardless of how you configure it, the low-quality display and mediocre battery life make this 2-in-1 hard to recommend.
Design
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 received a design refresh for the latest version, with sharply angled rear edges replacing rounded surfaces and horizontal rear vents taking the place of round holes. The silver color scheme of my review unit contributes to a more streamlined look than before, –a definite improvement. Overall, the Inspiron now looks more like the XPS line, which is good.
A combination of aluminum in the lid, plastic in the chassis bottom, and mylar in the palm rest and touchpad are used in the Inspiron 14 7420 2-in-1’s construction. The result is some bending in the lid and flexing in the keyboard deck, while the chassis bottom is solid.
It’s an adequate build for the price, and it’s more robust than the Asus Vivobook Flip 14 while being equal to the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14. The Asus Vivobook S 14X, priced around the same as the Inspiron, is built as solidly as well. You’ll need to increase the price if you want the most robust build quality.
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
The display bezels aren’t the smallest around, particularly on the top and bottom, making the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 with its 16:10 display a bit deeper than some of the competition. It’s 0.62increase to 0.70 inches thick and weighs 3.61 pounds with the larger 54 watt-hour battery, which is a decrease in thickness but an increase in weight.
That compares to the Asus Vivobook Flip 14 at 0.72 inches and 3.31 pounds and the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i 14 at 0.82 inches and 3.3 pounds. The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 isn’t the thinnest nor the lightest 14-inch convertible 2-in-1, but it’s not overly large either.
Ports
Connectivity is a mixed bag. You get two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports, but no Thunderbolt 4 support — which is disappointing — along with a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, a full-size HDMI 1.4 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a full-size SD card reader. The SD card reader is an excellent addition to what is otherwise a standard array.
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.2 are options, meaning you can gain access to the most up-to-date wireless connectivity.
Performance
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 7420 is the first laptop we’ve reviewed with the Intel 12th-gen Core i7-1255U. It’s a 15-watt, 10-core (two Performance and eight Efficient), 12-thread CPU that’s a midrange lower-power option for thin-and-light laptops. We’ve tested several machines with the 28-watt, 12-core (four Performance and eight Efficient), 16-thread Core i7-1260P, and then Intel also has the even lower-power Core i7-1250U, with the same core and thread count as the Core i7-1255U, but running at 9 watts. We haven’t tested that CPU or any other variations with slightly faster frequencies or more cores.
The bottom line is that the Core i7-1255U is intended to provide slower performance than the Core i7-1260P while offering better efficiency. Regarding the former, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 slots in between the 28-watt 11th-gen four-core/eight-thread Core i7-1165G7 and the Core i7-1260P. That’s not necessarily a verdict on the Core i7-1255U’s performance because we need to account for Dell’s thermal design and tuning. We’ll need to test more laptops with the chip to draw any firm conclusions.
Surprisingly, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 was quite fast in single-core tests.
As usual, I used the laptop’s thermal tuning utility that allows adjusting fan speeds and CPU frequencies to optimize for quiet and cool or loud and fast operation. I’ve reported both balanced and performance modes in the table below, but the utility wasn’t as impactful in the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 as similar utilities have been in some other laptops. In addition, as with most thin-and-light laptops we test, there was some throttling in our more CPU-intensive benchmarks, particularly in performance mode.
The Core i7-1255U, at least in the Inspiron 14 2-in-1, was a slight step up from the 11th-gen Core i7. Notably, the newer model is slower than the previous generation with the AMD Ryzen 7 5700U. Overall, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 7420 was fast enough for demanding productivity workflows, but it wasn’t particularly quick at CPU-intensive creative tasks.
Geekbench (single / multi)
Handbrake (seconds)
Cinebench R23 (single / multi)
PCMark 10 Complete
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (Core i7-1255U)
Bal: 1,703 / 6,520 Perf: 1,685 / 6,791
Bal: 153 Perf: 141
Bal: 1,729 / 6,847 Perf: 1,773 / 7,009
5,138
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 (Core i7-1260P)
Bal: 1,650 / 8,080 Perf: 1,621 / 8,544
Bal: 116 Perf: 120
Bal: 1,587 / 7,682 Perf: 1,611 / 8,078
5,537
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 7 (Core i7-1260P)
Bal: 1,717 / 9,231 Perf: 1,712 / 10,241
Bal: 130 Perf: 101
Bal: 1,626 / 7,210 Perf: 1,723 / 8,979
5,760
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (AMD Ryzen 7 5700U)
Bal: 1,184 / 6,281 Perf: N/A
Bal: 116 Perf: N/A
Bal: 1,287 / 8,013 Perf: N/A
5,411
Asus ZenBook 14X OLED (Core i7-1165G7)
Bal: 1,536 / 5,780 Perf: 1,527 / 5,776
Bal: 175 Perf: 162
Bal: 1,479 / 5,717 Perf: 1,502 / 6,252
5,366
Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED (Ryzen 7 6800U)
Bal: 1,417 / 6,854 Perf: 1,404 / 7,223
Bal: 112 Perf: 111
Bal: 1,402 / 8,682 Perf: 1,409 / 8,860
5,647
The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 scored well below the Intel Iris Xe average in the 3DMark Time Spy test. Unsurprisingly, the laptop’s Fortnite score was below average at 12 frames per second (fps) at 1200p and epic graphics. The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is even less of a gaming laptop than the typical Iris Xe machine.
3DMark Time Spy
Fortnite (1080p/1200p Epic)
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (Intel Iris Xe)
Bal: 1,492 Perf: 1,502
Bal: 12 fps Perf: 12 fps
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 (Intel Iris Xe)
Bal: 1,899 Perf: 1,886
Bal: 17 fps Perf: 16 fps
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 7 (Intel Iris Xe)
Bal: 1,658 Perf: 1,979
Bal: 12 fps Perf: N/A
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (Radeon graphics)
Bal: 1,247 Perf: N/A
Bal: 14 fps Perf: N/A
Asus ZenBook 14X OLED (GeForce MX450)
Bal: 1,756 Perf: 1,765
Bal: 18 Perf: N/A
Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED (Radeon graphics)
Bal: 2,110 Perf: 2,213
Bal: 19 fps Perf: 19 fps
Display
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
We dinged the previous-generation Inspiron 14 2-in-1 for its poor display, a 16:9 panel with well below-average colors and brightness. Unfortunately, although Dell improved the display to a 16:10 version at Full HD+ (1,920 x 1,200), everything else remained roughly the same (or worse). As I used the latest review unit, I was reminded of that display — and not in a good way.
The colors weren’t even close to the midrange and better average of 95% of sRGB and 75% of AdobeRGB, at just 63% and 48%, respectively. Color accuracy was also poor at a DeltaE of 3.35 (1.0 or less is considered excellent). The contrast was above average at 1,330:1, exceeding our threshold of 1,000:1, but the brightness was just 288 nits, below our preferred 300 nits. It’s true that the laptops in our comparison group are all more expensive, but the Apple MacBook Air M1 and Microsoft Surface Go 2 are in the same ballpark and have much better displays.
This is an unfortunate display on a laptop exceeding $1,000, particularly given that IPS displays have generally improved. And it’s even more unfortunate this time, given that the previous generation was faster and longer-lasting (see below).
Brightness (nits)
Contrast
sRGB gamut
AdobeRGB gamut
Accuracy DeltaE (lower is better)
Dell Inspiron 14 2-in-1 (IPS)
288
1,330:1
63%
48%
3.35
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 7 (IPS)
386
1,900:1
100%
81%
0.78
MSI Summit E14 Flip (IPS)
516
1,320:1
100%
89%
1.10
Lenovo Yoga 9i 14 Gen 7 (OLED)
406
28,380:1
100%
95%
0.87
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i Pro (IPS)
369
1,340:1
100%
80%
1.65
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7 Carbon (OLED)
397
27,590:1
100%
96%
0.88
Keyboard, touchpad, and webcam
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
The Inspiron 14 2-in-1’s keyboard is wide and spacious, with large keycaps. The switches are exceptionally light, with a solid click as keystrokes bottom out. They’re maybe a hair too light, though, as they lack the precision of a Dell XPS or HP Spectre keyboard.
The touchpad is 14% larger than before, with a mylar material that provides a smooth surface that’s comfortable for swiping. It’s a Microsoft Precision touchpad, of course, so Windows 11 multitouch gesture support is precise and reliable. The clicks are solid and quiet enough, making the touchpad a pleasure to use.
The display is touch-enabled and works as well as usual. It supports Dell’s optional Active Pen, which I tried out and found as good for inking as most 2-in-1s today.
Windows 11 Hello password-free login is provided by an optional fingerprint reader embedded in the power button, which is precisely the right place. It worked quickly and reliably during my testing.
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
The webcam is Full HD, which is a nice upgrade. It provided a clear and sharp image that should keep hybrid workers happy as they interact with their colleagues. There’s also a physical privacy slider that covers the webcam for some additional privacy.
Battery life
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
Judging a laptop’s battery life can be a challenge. While the absolute numbers are clear, letting us see how long a laptop lasts against its competition, determining which factors led to its longevity can be complicated. That’s particularly true with a laptop that has a brand-new CPU that’s meant to be more efficient. So many factors come into play that it’s difficult to point to just one as the cause of really good or really bad battery life.
The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is a case in point. It has 54 watt-hours of battery capacity, which isn’t a lot for a 14-inch laptop, even given the lower-resolution Full HD+ display. The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 7, for example, has 70 watt-hours, but it also has a power-hungry high-res OLED display and a faster CPU.
In our web-browsing test that cycles through a handful of popular and complex websites, the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 managed just 6.75 hours, a few hours less than we like to see. It hit 10 hours in our video test that loops a local Full HD Avengers trailer, which is about 90 minutes less than average. Finally, in the PCMark 10 Applications battery test that’s the best indication of productivity battery life, the Inspiron made it to 8.75 hours, also a bit less than average.
Overall, battery life wasn’t great, and the Inspiron 14 2-in-1 may struggle to make it through a full day of anything more than a light productivity workload. As I mentioned above, we can’t draw strong conclusions about the Core i7-1255U’s efficiency from testing one laptop. Too many other variables come into play, and we’ll have to wait to test more laptops before a pattern emerges. Interestingly, the previous Inspiron 14 2-in-1 generation with the Ryzen 7 5700U got significantly better battery life.
Price and configurations
My review unit is priced at $1,050 for a Core i7-1255U, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a 512GB PCIe SSD, and a 14-inch Full HD+ display. Drop down to a Core i5-1235U and 8GB of RAM, and you’ll spend $850.
There’s also a model based on the AMD Ryzen 5 5625U with 8GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 14-inch Full HD+ display for $800.
Our take
The Inspiron 14 7420 2-in-1 takes a step back in performance and battery life from the previous generation while retaining the same subpar display. It’s attractively priced at $1,050, but you’re making too many compromises.
While I was able to recommend that last version, this one doesn’t make the cut. It would be worth spending a few hundred dollars more to get a better laptop, or even a few hundred dollars less for laptops that perform as well even though they’re based on older CPUs. Or, you can wait for the $1,000 laptop class to catch up to Intel’s 12th-gen wave.
Are there any alternatives?
I’m unaware of any other 2-in-1s in the same $800 to $1,000 range that equip Intel 12th-gen CPUs, so a direct recommendation is difficult.
If you don’t need a 2-in-1 and can drop down a bit in size, then the Asus Zenbook S 13 is a great option. It’s $250 more, but it offers a faster AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor and a gorgeous OLED display.
If you want to save some money, then you could consider the Asus Vivobook Flex 14. It has a similar display and performs similarly even with an older CPU, but the battery life is better.
How long will it last?
The Inspiron 14 2-in-1 is robust enough to provide years of productive use, with modern components (except for no Thunderbolt 4 support) that should keep Windows 11 running smoothly for quite some time. The industry-standard one-year warranty is disappointing, as always.
Should you buy it?
No. While it’s priced right, you’ll make too many compromises. There are many other 14-inch laptops to consider that are faster, longer-lasting, and worth some extra cash.
“The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 hits all the marks as a premium Chromebook with all the bells and whistles.”
Pros
Solid productivity performance
Strong battery life
Excellent 3:2 IPS display
Comfortable touchpad
Affordable
Cons
Keyboard was behind the curve
Display bezels are large
Chromebook convertible 2-in-1s have completely caught up with their Windows competition. Active pen support, taller 16:10 and 3:2 displays, and higher resolutions screens — they’re finally up to snuff.
Acer’s updated Chromebook Spin 513 is a classic example, offering an efficient and quick MediaTek ARM processor and a 3:2 display that’s bright and sharp. Acer wanted us to mention our review unit’s model number, the CP513-2H, noting that it’s the model’s second generation.
My review unit is priced at $615 and includes the MediaTek Kompanio 1380 8-core CPU and a 13.5-inch 3:2 2K (2256 x 1504) IPS display. I found the 2-in-1 to be a fast contender in the Chromebook space, with enough battery life to stand out. It’s a solid offering for Chrome OS fans who want the option of flipping their display into tablet mode and writing or sketching on the display.
Design
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
A combination of sandblasted and anodized aluminum in the chassis’ top and bottom covers and plastic in the keyboard deck creates a laptop that’s meant to be durable on the outside but lightweight. I found the lid slightly bendable, the keyboard deck to demonstrate some flex, and the bottom chassis sturdy.
Aesthetically, the Chromebook Spin 513 is a bit plain, with a unicolored dark grey chassis with zero adornments and straightforward lines. The rear edge is angled, and there’s a flair at the front sides, but otherwise, this is a typical laptop design. The Chromebook Spin 514 is a little sharper in its silver color, but it, too, is minimalistic. It seems that’s the trend with Chrome OS laptops (and laptops in general, frankly), as the HP Chromebook x360 14c is another that’s simplistic in its aesthetic.
The Chromebook Spin 513 doesn’t have minimal bezels, particularly on the bottom, where the chin is massive by contemporary standards. Given the slightly larger 13.5-inch 3:2 display, it’s quite a bit deeper and a little wider than other 13-inch laptops. It’s 0.64 inches thick and weighs 2.83 pounds, which is thin and light enough to be easy to carry around.
Ports
Connectivity is solid, with two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports, a USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a microSD card reader. Wireless connectivity is slightly behind the curve with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1.
Performance
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 is built around the eight-core MediaTek Kompanio 1380 CPU, paired with an Arm-Mali G57 MC45 five-core GPU. The CPU is intended to be fast enough for the lightweight Chrome OS while offering long battery life. My review unit was also configured with 8GB of RAM, a ton of memory in a Chromebook, and 128GB of slower eMMC storage.
We can’t run many of our benchmarks in Chrome OS, but I was able to test the Chromebook Spin 513 in the Android version of Geekbench 5 and the Speedometer 2.0 web benchmark. In Geekbench 5, the MediaTek CPU achieved 936 in single-core and 3,438 in multi-core. That’s quite competitive with other ARM-based Chromebooks such as the HP Chromebook x2 11 with its Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c that scored 599 and 1,718.
I found the Chromebook Spin 513 to be plenty speedy at everything I threw at it.
Of course, Chrome OS laptops with Intel Core processors were faster, including the Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 with a Core i5-1135G7 that scored 1,190 and 4,151. However, the Chromebook Spin 513 wasn’t far off, which is a solid showing. In Speedometer 2.0, the Acer hit 76, well above the Chromebook x2 11’s 45 and below the Chromebook Clip CX5’s 163.
Subjectively, I found the Chromebook Spin 513 to be plenty speedy at everything I threw at it. I could open multiple Chrome tabs and run a few Android apps without things slowing down, largely due to the large amount of RAM. Even Android gaming was quick, with titles like Asphalt 9 playing without noticeable stutter.
Geekbench (single / multi)
Speedometer 2.0
Acer Chromebook Spin 513 (MediaTek Kompanio 1380)
936 / 3,438
76
HP Chromebook x360 14c (Core i3-1125G4)
898 / 2,866
N/A
HP Chromebook x2 11 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c)
590 / 1,689
45
Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (Core i5-1135G7)
1,190 / 4,151
163
Display and audio
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
One of the laptop’s more impressive features was its 13.5-inch 3:2 2K (2256 x 1504) IPS display. The taller aspect ratio is great for productivity, and the panel was sharp enough that I had to look for pixels. My colorimeter isn’t supported in Chrome OS, so the following are my subjective impressions.
First, I found the display more than bright enough for all my working environments, with only outside in direct sunlight being unusable. Acer quotes 360 nits for the display, and I believe it’s hitting that number, if not higher. Next, colors were plentiful and seemed natural, with no oversaturation. Finally, the contrast seemed high enough that blacks looked black and not grey, and text on a white background popped.
Tablet mode works great thanks to the 3:2 aspect ratio.
The display was comfortable in tablet mode thanks to the 3:2 aspect ratio that’s closer to a sheet of paper. The display is touch-enabled and worked well, and there’s optional USI pen support.
Sound is delivered via two downward-firing speakers on the front bottom of the chassis. It was average in volume with clear mids and highs and zero bass. You’ll want headphones or external speakers for your Netflix bingeing and music listening pleasure.
Keyboard, touchpad, and webcam
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
The Chromebook Spin 513’s keyboard is nicely sized, with keycaps that are just big enough and plenty of key spacing. The switches have a solid click and require more pressure to engage than most. There’s a comfortable bottoming action and plenty of travel. Overall, it’s a serviceable keyboard that may not be among the best you’ll find on premium laptops, but it’s the equal of most laptops I’ve tried that are less $1,000.
The touchpad is adequately sized for a 13-inch laptop, although there’s room for a larger version. It’s covered with Corning Gorilla Glass, which is a nice touch at this price point, and it’s smooth and comfortable with precise support for the full complement of Chrome OS multitouch gestures. The buttons have a responsive snap that’s just the tiniest bit too loud.
While the laptop industry is heading toward Full HD webcams, you don’t necessarily expect that from a budget laptop. Accordingly, the Chromebook Spin 513’s webcam is a 720p model, although it still provides clear and bright images.
Battery life
Mark Coppock/Digital Trends
Chrome OS is an efficient operating system, and the MediaTek CPU also promises greater efficiency. That should result in strong battery life even given the relatively small 36-watt-hour capacity.
In our web benchmark that runs through a series of popular and complex websites, the Chromebook Spin 513 made it to just over 11 hours, a strong showing that’s behind the HP Chromebook x2 11 with its slower Qualcomm CPU. It’s much longer than the Intel-based Chromebooks in our comparison group could manage. Next, in our video test that loops a local Full HD Avengers trailer, the Chromebook Spin 513 lasted for about 12.75 hours, another strong score that led the pack.
Battery life was a real strength of the Chromebook Spin 513.
Web browsing
Video
Acer Chromebook Spin 513 (MediaTek Kompanio 1380)
11 hours, 7 minutes
12 hours, 42 minutes
HP Chromebook x360 14c (Core i3-1125G4)
7 hours, 44 minutes
8 hours, 2 minutes
HP Chromebook x2 11 (Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c)
12 hours, 42 minutes
10 hours, 59 minutes
Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (Core i5-1135G7)
9 hours, 25 minutes
8 hours, 50 minutes
Our take
The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 provides a compelling balance of performance and battery life. It’s neither the fastest Chromebook you can buy nor the longest-lasting, but it’s a Chrome OS 2-in-1 that doesn’t force you to compromise.
The laptop had few outright weaknesses, with a build quality that was good enough given the $616 price, a really nice display, and an attractive if somewhat plain aesthetic. It’s a great option for anyone in the market for a Chrome OS 2-in-1.
The HP Chromebook x360 14c is another option, coming in at about the same price with decent performance but less battery life, and it’s still running with a 16:9 Full HD display.
Finally, if you want to go the detachable tablet route, consider the HP Chromebook x2 11. It’s less expensive, has a smaller and sharper 11-inch 3:2 2K display, and also has good battery life. However, its performance can’t quite keep up.
How long will it last?
The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 was robust enough to last for years of typical use, and its components should keep up with Chrome OS. Its one-year warranty is typical and fine for a laptop in this price range.
Should you buy it?
Yes. The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 provides an attractive combination of speed, longevity, and value.
The LG DualUp monitor (28MQ780) is now available on LG.com and from select LG-authorized dealers for $700.
The uniquely designed product is a first for LG, and one of the most interesting new monitors to launch this year. Having been showcased at CES in January, the monitor won the CES 2022 Innovation Award. It is essentially two 21.5-inch landscape-oriented displays stacked vertically, to create one large portrait display with a 16:18 aspect ratio.
The monitor itself measures 28 inches diagonally. Its Nano IPS display features a double QHD (2,560 x 2,880) resolution for the upper and lower portions of the monitor, as it also offers a vertical split view function. This allows for the display to be set as two separate screens for multitasking and customization purposes. LG said it hopes to target “modern home-office workers and creators” with this product.
In terms of display quality, the LG DualUp monitor features a DCI-P3 98% color gamut, HDR10, brightness up to 300 nits, a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and a response time of 5 milliseconds.
The monitor features three-sided, super-slim borders and a second-generation Ergo stand, with pivot, height, tilt, and swivel movements. This allows the DualUp monitor to go beyond its standard portrait position to maximize ergonomic comfort for users.
Ports on the LG DualUp monitor include USB-C supporting power delivery up to 90 watts, two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, one USB hub upstream, and two downstream. Audio on the monitor includes 7-watt, two-channel stereo speakers powered by Waves MaxxAudio.
The DualUp monitor isn’t the only product LG is introducing to the market at this time. LG recently announced pricing and availability for its UltraGear 48GQ900 OLED gaming monitor, which is now available for pre-order in the U.K.
With many great Chromebook deals taking place right now, it’s a better time than ever to shop for an affordable, capable laptop. The Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook is seeing a huge discount when you purchase directly from Lenovo right now, as the popular laptop maker has dropped the price to just $249. That’s an impressive savings of $350, more than half off the regular price, which is $599. Free two-day shipping is included, and businesses, students, and teachers are eligible for additional savings as well. Inventory is likely to go quickly, so click over to Lenovo now to claim your discount on a new Chromebook.
When considering Chromebooks vs. laptops for your next computing device, the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook is a good consideration no matter what direction you may be leaning. It has the portability and affordability we’ve all come to value in a Chromebook, and it manages not to sacrifice when it comes to performance and capability. It packs the power of an AMD Athlon Gold 3150C processor, 4GB of system RAM, and integrated AMD Radeon graphics. Its 13.3-inch full high-definition touchscreen brings the touch functionality of a tablet to your computing workflow, as well as an immersive experience when taking in movies and other content.
If you’re thinking about making one of the best Chromebooks for your next computer purchase, the Lenovo ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook is a device that has to be part of the conversation. It has a high-quality webcam, which makes it an option amongst the best laptops for videoconferencing, and its modest price point makes it ripe for buying in bulk, and a great option amongst the best business laptops. Students will love its portability and versatility, as its 2-in-1 nature makes it a lot of fun to tote around campus. Lenovo’s ThinkPad lineup features a lot of great Chromebook options, and if you feel there might be a better ThinkPad out there for you, explore the models in our Lenovo ThinkPad buying guide.
Powerful, portable, and super affordable with this deal going on at Lenovo right now, the ThinkPad C14 Yoga Chromebook makes one of the best laptop deals around. It’s currently just $249, and is typically priced at $599. That’s a savings of $350, and even more savings are available for businesses, students, and teachers.
Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.
This is an amazing 2-in-1 Chromebook Black Friday deal! It’s extremely rare to find such a drastic discount on a product that’s so popular, but you can purchase this 2-in-1 Chromebook laptop for only $155, down $144 from its original price of $299. It’s one of the best Black Friday deals we’ve seen so far, so if you’ve been looking at some Black Friday Chromebook deals, this might be the product for you to pick up.
As for the technical specs of the device, the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 has a power-efficient MT8183C processor and has a very respectable battery life of 15 hours. A full charge will give you plenty of time with this device unplugged, so you don’t have to worry about it draining as soon as you go out. The device itself only weighs 2.21 pounds which means it’s ultra-portable and you probably won’t even feel it when you carry it in your bag or briefcase. It’s the perfect travel companion for whatever you need it for.
While the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 used to set you back $299, you can get this versatile device for only $155 today for Black Friday 2021. We rank this product highly in our roundup of the Walmart Black Friday deals as it’s not every day you get to see a massive $144 discount on one of the best Chromebooks out there. If you’ve been eyeing a Chromebook, we highly recommend you take advantage of this generous deal. This device has so many uses and functions that we can guarantee it will be a regular piece of equipment for your digital needs.
We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we choose what we cover carefully and independently. The prices, details, and availability of the products and deals in this post may be subject to change at anytime. Be sure to check that they are still in effect before making a purchase.
Digital Trends may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.
Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.
If you’re a student looking for the perfect Black Friday laptop deals to bring to school, then you should consider browsing through Black Friday Chromebook deals. They’re cost-effective options that perform great and can do all the basic everyday tasks you need from a school laptop. You can browse the web, edit documents, send e-mails, and even do some content consumption after you’re done with your homework, all without breaking the bank.
There are also tons of touchscreen Chromebooks, giving you plenty of flexibility when watching videos or reading books for school. There’s a big sale on these 2-in-1 Chromebooks happening right now as part of the Best Buy Black Friday deals lineup. For an entry-level option, you can check out the HP 14-inch Intel Celeron Chromebook for $320, a $90 savings on the original price. If you need a bit more power, consider the HP 14-inch Intel Pentium Chromebook for $360, which is also $90 off. There’s also the Asus 15.6-inch 2-in-1 Chromebook with an Intel Core i3. You can pick it up for just $400, down by a massive $170 from its original price.
HP 14-inch 2-in-1 Intel Celeron Chromebook — $320, was $410
Do you need a few extra inches of display on your Chromebook? Then look no further than the Asus 15.6-inch touchscreen Chromebook, equipped with an impressive 1080p Full HD touchscreen. It’s also easily the most powerful device of the group, with an Intel Core i3 processor, 128GB of SSD storage, and 8GB of RAM. If you’re a power-user, this laptop will have no problem with multiple tabs simultaneously, opening large files, and editing long documents — especially with the simplified interface of Google Chrome OS. The 15.6-inch 1080p screen is also a perfect match with the 360-degree flip design, so you can easily show presentations, read books, or watch videos on the massive display. It’s equipped with Wi-Fi 6, which gives it access to lightning-fast internet speeds, so you can easily view HD content, like the best movies on Netflix. There’s also a built-in SD card reader so you can easily view or backup photos from your phone or camera. Right now, the Asus 15.6-inch Chromebook is available for $400, which is a huge $170 off the original price of $570. Get this deal as soon as possible since we expect it to sell out very fast.
We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we choose what we cover carefully and independently. The prices, details, and availability of the products and deals in this post may be subject to change at anytime. Be sure to check that they are still in effect before making a purchase.
Digital Trends may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.
Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.
The best Black Friday deals will offer significant savings when you’re buying a new laptop, but if you need to upgrade now for work or school, the good news is that retailers have already started rolling out early Black Friday deals. You might want to check out this year’s Walmart Black Friday deals, as you can already access Black Friday laptop deals across different budget ranges to give customers multiple choices for their next purchase.
If most of the laptops on sale are still beyond your budget, you should consider browsing Black Friday Chromebook deals. For those who aren’t familiar with them, Chromebooks are generally cheaper alternatives to traditional Windows-based laptops, as they don’t need powerful components to offer snappy performance because their operating system, Chrome OS, relies on web-based apps, instead of installed software. If you’re interested, Walmart is offering discounts on 2-in-1 touchscreen Chromebooks, which can transform from laptop form to tablet form depending on what you need.
Acer Chromebook Spin 311 — $155, was $299
The Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is powered by the MediaTek MT8183C processor and 4GB of RAM, which makes it more than capable of handling basic functions such as browsing the internet, typing documents, and watching streaming content. The Chromebook also comes with an 11.6-inch HD touchscreen, a 32GB eMMC for storage, and a battery that can last up to 15 hours on a single charge.
If you think the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is the device for you, you should take advantage of Walmart’s discount for it. The retailer is selling the Chromebook for just $155, nearly half its original price of $299 after a $144 reduction. It’s unclear how long the deal will last though, so if you want to secure your Acer Chromebook Spin 311 for this cheap, you should click that Buy Now button as soon as you can.
HP Chromebook x360 — $179, was $299
The HP Chromebook x360 comes with a bigger 14-inch HD touchscreen and more storage space through a 64GB eMMC, while packing a dual-core Intel Celeron N4000 processor and 4GB of RAM. The narrow bezels surrounding the display makes the device a good choice if you’re always giving presentations because you can maximize the screen, while the 360-degree hinge gives you extreme flexibility.
For a reliable 2-in-1 device, you can’t go wrong with the HP Chromebook x360. You can purchase it from Walmart at $120 off, bringing its price down to just $179 from its original price of $299. Other shoppers may snap up all the stock if you take too much time, so if you don’t want to miss out on this offer for the HP Chromebook x360, you should click that Buy Now button immediately.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet — $199, was $249
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet comes with a detachable plug-and-play keyboard, so you can freely switch between tablet form and laptop form. The 10.1-inch Full HD touchscreen is clear with vibrant colors whether you’re using the device as a tablet or laptop, while its MediaTek P60T processor and 4GB of RAM will make sure that you get your tasks done quickly.
As a 2-in-1 Chromebook, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet may be all that you need for work and play. It’s available from Walmart with a $50 price cut, making it more affordable at $199 from its original price of $249. The deal may disappear at any moment though, so if you want to take advantage of this offer for the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet, you should click that Buy Now button as soon as you can.
We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we choose what we cover carefully and independently. The prices, details, and availability of the products and deals in this post may be subject to change at anytime. Be sure to check that they are still in effect before making a purchase.
Digital Trends may earn commission on products purchased through our links, which supports the work we do for our readers.
