2-in-1 Laptops, any hands on experience?

[toastem2004]

I've recently become self-employed, inheriting a mobile PC and Networking repair small-business when the now former owner wanted to get out. I have been finding myself in need of a small machine to assist me with some of my clients needs. I have looking into getting this 13 inch 2-in-1 from HP. But before I spend money I don't yet have, I was curious if anyone has any hands on experience with any of these types of units yet. I am also looking at a Dell 11 inch, but it lacks an ethernet port which I am needing quite a bit lately.

I am aware that the screens on both suck as far as resolutions and color. And I plan on replacing the hard drive with an SSD in the next month or so. Any advice or comments are greatly appreciated.

 

[erixx]

I believe that just any laptop (with USB3 ports) plus a USB3 docking station (you know for sure) will help you doing your business efficiently.

 

[Liquid Cool]

I'd take the Venue 11 Pro off your list. The 1080p screen just about kills usability of the desktop, although it's great for the very limited metro screen apps. Despite popularity...1080p on a 11" desktop is horrible for everyday use. If you do purchase one, JJ electronics is selling the atom version(5130) for 239.99 on ebay(Factory Refurbished). If you go up to the core i3/i5 version, they aren't fanless.

I will disagree with you on the screen in these Dell's. They're superb to my eyes, but also my expectations aren't through the roof. Mine has excellent color representation, viewing angles etc...seems like a high-quality IPS screen to me.

A good 13.3" HP Split X2(Factory Refurbished) in core i3 can be found on eBay for 399. Again, not fanless.

I've never seen an ethernet port on one of these two in one's...

Best,

LC

 

[krusha03]

I dont think you will find a 2 in 1 (one with a detachable screen) with an lan port. Any particular reason why you need a 2 in 1 and not an ultrabook for example?

 

[xvi]

I use my Dell Venue 8 Pro daily, but I'd recommend against it for doing actual work on. The screen looks nice, but trying to tap little tiny things on a screen that small is.. ah.. difficult (putting it nicely). Even the stylus doesn't improve accuracy by a whole lot. I'd very much recommend a laptop. It's probably the most mobile thing you'll get with decent connectivity.

I've even tried a bluetooth keyboard and mouse with it, but bluetooth cuts out too often to be reliable. There's a Wireless/Bluetooth issue where it just locks up and has to be rebooted to recover.

 

[krusha03]

If you opt for a laptop i would recommend something like this. It has fast CPU, 10h battery life and a msata slot so you can have both SSD and HDD.

 

[toastem2004]

Thanks guys for all your responses.

I dont think you will find a 2 in 1 (one with a detachable screen) with an lan port. Any particular reason why you need a 2 in 1 and not an ultrabook for example?

Main reason for a 2-in-1 is that I am working on digitizing my receipts and billing, the 3 carbon paper type that I have inherited is just not efficient at all; spending at least an hour at the end of the week to reconcile it all is just not how I want to spend a friday night, lol. Being able to flip the screen over/around and have them sign an invoice, which i can then print with a mobile printer and/or email to them is my endgoal. Also, with all the other things I have been carrying in my bag, smaller is better, I would hate to spend for an ultrabook and scratch it or damage it.

The HP 13" that i have been leaning towards has the LAN port, which I have found to be needed, but also, for what I intend to do/use it for, is a sufficient compromise in size and function. I have been currently using my HP 15.6" Laptop (laptop1 in sig) and while it works, its a bit cumbersome, but mainly, I had it set up for school work and would like to keep personal and business separate as possible.

I greatly appreciate your feedback LC regarding the Dell. It intrigued me as it seemed it was more "business" or at least durable oriented than the others I have viewed. And sadly, I am a bit price sensitive right now. More cash is going out that coming in the last few weeks, Again though, I appreciate all y'alls feedback.

 

[krusha03]

Ok so when you said 2 in 1 you meant one of these convertables and not the one where the panel actually detaches like a tablet but technically any laptop with touchscreen should do. What's your budget? Look into the Thinkpad S230u. With i3 + HDD + cache SSD its 375 and with i5 + SSD its 425. both are better than that HP in my opinion

 

[Liquid Cool]

toastem2k4....

I dropped back into this thread because I wanted to wish you well on your new business adventure and I was short on time in my first response.

I also noticed your 'laptop 1' looks like an HP ENVY Sleekbook 6? With the red bottom? Nice little laptops, I used to have one.

Again...good luck with the business.

Best,

LC

 

[toastem2004]

LC, Thank You! Its quite an experience working for ones self. No one to blame when things go bad, and when it goes right; no one is there to take credit away, lol.

And, that would be the laptop... "soft-touch" red bottom.

Thanks again to all who responded. I'm going to see what my operations are like for another week or two and think about whether this is a "need" or a "want"