Best Touch Screen And Hybrid Laptops

Windows 8, touch-screen and hybrid laptops are suddenly back in favor, combining the best features of laptops, tablets, and even all-in-one desktops. To explore the best in all categories, check our list of the best laptops overall.

Microsoft Surface Pro 3

 

While the new Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's best PC to date, it's more successful as a tablet than a laptop replacement.

Price: $799.99 - $799.99 Check prices

The Good The Surface Pro 3 is thinner and lighter than the previous two versions, despite having a larger 12-inch display and higher screen resolution. A new kickstand makes it easier to set up and use, and the keyboard cover remains a best-in-class example. The Surface Pro 3 is now optimized for a digital pen, which is included.

The Bad That excellent keyboard cover is not included in the base price, and its improved touchpad still doesn't measure up. The chassis lacks pen storage, and even with tweaked kickstand and keyboard hinges, the Surface Pro 3 still doesn't fit perfectly on the lap.

The Bottom Line While the new Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's best PC to date, it's more successful as a tablet than a laptop replacement.

 Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro 700T (128GB, Windows 8)

The Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro 700T walks the line between ultrabook-level laptop and tablet, but doesn’t truly excel at either.

Price: $776.55 - $1,348.99 Check prices

The Good Samsung’s ATIV Smart PC Pro 700T hybrid is a fast, full-powered Core i5 tablet, has a 1080p screen, comes with its own keyboard base, and includes the pressure-sensitive S-Pen that’s very accurate and responsive.

The Bad Battery life isn’t great for a tablet; it lacks laptop-style features like Ethernet and a standard SD card slot; plus, it’s even more expensive than the Surface Pro.

The Bottom Line The Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro 700T walks the line between ultrabook-level laptop and tablet, but doesn’t truly excel at either. 

Best hybrid

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro

A major update to our favorite Windows 8 hybrid, the IdeaPad Yoga 2 Pro is still a better laptop than tablet, but the new version adds a future-proof better-than-HD display at a great price.

Price: $1,119.99 - $1,119.99 Check prices.