2-IN-1S FOR SCHOOL
In recent years, a new category of laptop has emerged.
Hybrids, also known as 2-in-1s, function as traditional
clamshell-style laptops and can transform into tablets
when your task requires more mobility. Some (generally
FDOOHGFRQYHUWLEOHV VSRUWDIROGLQJGHVLJQWKDWÀLSVWKH
keyboard out of the way, usually by rotating all the way
around its hinge. Others (“detachables”) let you dock
the tablet/screen portion of the PC with an accessory
keyboard for laptop-like functionality.
If you’re considering a detachable 2-in-1 design, make
sure the keyboard base is included in the price. In some
FDVHVLWLV LQRWKHUVLW¶VDQDGGHGFRVW
WHAT ABOUT WINDOWS 10 S?
You probably won’t run across Windows 10 S in your
shopping, but it’s good to know what it is, since it’s most
often encountered in education environments.
0LFURVRIW¶VQHZVWXGHQWFHQWULFÀDYRURILWVRSHUDWLQJ
system is a locked-down version of Windows, aimed at
preventing inadvertent malware downloads. It’s
compatible with any app in the Windows Store, but it
doesn’t allow third-party Windows programs unless you
convert your laptop to full Windows 10 Home or Pro.
You can easily switch to the full version of Windows 10
using the Microsoft Store app, but a fee may apply,
depending on your device, and you won’t be able to go
back to Windows 10 S once you convert. Also, this
version of the OS supports only the Edge browser.
Windows 10 S comes preloaded on portables such as
the Microsoft Surface Laptop (a $999 ultraportable
PRGHOZLWKDWDUJHWSODFHG¿UPO\RQWKHEDFNVRI
$SSOH¶VOLQHRI0DF%RRNV WKHQHZHU6XUIDFH/DSWRS
ships with straight-up Windows 10) and the consumer
versions of the Microsoft Surface Go.
Hybrids, also
known as 2-in-
1s, function as
traditional
clamshell-
style laptops
and transform
into tablets for
more mobility.