Words like “flexibility” and “convenience” best describe 2-in-1 laptops. These computers are convertible hybrids that can be used as a traditional laptop or be flat on the surface as a tablet. You can even prop it up in a kickstand/tent mode for ease of viewing.
There are many popular 2-in-1 laptop brands you can find online and offline include Microsoft Surface Go and Lenovo IdeaPad Flex models, just to name a few. And depending on the brands and models, some 2-in-1s come in Windows or Chromebook OS and are even equipped with the latest Intel 11th generation processor.
Here, we will focus more on the budget-priced 2-in-1 laptops no matter if you are using them for business, study, entertainment or gaming.
Editor
Jodee Tan chevron_right
Table of Contents
8 Best Budget 2-in-1 Laptops Under RM 3,000
- Year: 2020
- CPU: Intel Pentium Silver N5030
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 605
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB eMMC 5.1
- Display: 10.3-inch, 1920 x 1200 pixels, IPS 340 nits Glossy Display
- Weight: 1.5 kg
- Ports: 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (support data transfer & DisplayPort 1.2), 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (support data transfer, Power Delivery 3.0 & DisplayPort 1.2), 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack, 1x microSD card slot
- Dimensions: 253 (W) x 166 (D) x 9.9 (H) mm
Here’s an all-rounder of a budget 2-in-1 Windows laptop from Lenovo, combining portability and performance in a sleek-looking graphite grey chassis.
Features:
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3 weighs only 1.5 kg and while it’s far from the lightest one available, it is portable enough to carry with you. Under the hood, this device runs on an Intel Pentium Silver N5030 and comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB eMMC.
Fortunately, Lenovo includes a microSD card slot, which allows you to expand your storage capacity up to 128GB. The 10.3” FHD display is crisp and bright while the IPS panel offers wider viewing angles as well as better colour and contrast.
You can detach the keyboard to use it as a tablet while the folio kickstand at the back enables you to prop it up when you want to stream your favourite movies.
Performance:
Given its entry-level N5030 processor, it’s best to stick to basic tasks like running Microsoft Office and web browsing. The compact-sized keyboard, in the meantime, isn’t for everybody and might require some time to get used to it, particularly for those who have grown accustomed to the full-sized variety. Battery life is great, capable of lasting up to 8-9 hours.
- Year: 2020
- CPU: Intel Gemini Lake N4100
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 12.0-inch, 2160 x 1440 pixels, IPS
- Weight: 780 g
- Ports: 1x USB 3.0 port, 1x Expandable SSD port M.2 SSD (2280), 1x TF card slot, 1x Micro HDMI slot, 1x DC charging port, 3.5mm earphone jack
- Dimensions: 292.19 (W) x 207.89 (D) x 9.0 (H) mm
Coming from China, Chuwi specialises in budget-friendly laptops and among them includes the 2-in-1 UBook X model, which happens to be one of the lightest laptops ever made at just 780g.
Features:
The Chuwi UBook X features a built-in U-shaped bracket, which can be extended as a kickstand and allows you to prop the device up. There’s an optional detachable keyboard available where you can hook it up to be used as a traditional laptop.
Amazingly enough for such a price point, you’ll get a 12-inch IPS display with 2K resolution and a maximum brightness of 340 nits. As for the hardware, it comes equipped with an entry-level Intel Gemini Lake N4100, 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD storage capacity.
Performance:
Expect vibrant display, while the 3:2 form factor makes it easier to use even in a vertical position. You’ll also be glad to know that the Gemini Lake N4100 processor is good enough for basic computing tasks. Using a 38Wh battery, it can last long enough around 8-9 hours on a single charge.
- Year: 2021
- CPU: Intel Core i3-1115G4 (2C / 4T, 3.0 / 4.1GHz, 6MB)
- GPU: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
- RAM: 8GB Soldered DDR4-3200
- Storage: 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0x4 NVMe
- Display: 14" FHD (1920x1080) IPS 250nits Glossy, 45% NTSC, 10-point Multi-touch
- Weight: Starting at 1.6kg
- Ports: 2 x USB 3.1 (Gen 1), USB-C (Gen 1 with PD), HDMI 1.4b, 4-in-1 card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC), Headphone / mic combo
- Dimensions: 321.5mm x 217.5mm x 17.9-20.8mm
If you’re looking for a photo editing machine with a solid screen and specs, whilst also being on a budget, then the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is the one for you.
Overview
The Graphite Grey colour is stealthy and subtle, being able to blend into any environment you put it in without sticking out like a sore thumb, whether it’s the office, classroom, or coffee shop.
Its 14 inch 1080p panel is sharp and detailed, but also colour-accurate enough to take on your workload with ease. Plus, the added fact that it’s a touchscreen and is able to transform into a pseudo-tablet makes it great for your photo viewing experience.
Performance
The 11th gen Intel Core i3 powering the device may not be anything special, but it can certainly handle any everyday task you throw at it, whether it be web browsing, Netflix, or document work. Pair this with 8GB of RAM and you’ll find yourself with one powerful editing machine.
Still, it’s not all rainbow and sunshine when it comes to the laptop. Although we appreciate the physical shutter cover over the webcam for privacy reasons, the webcam itself is mediocre at best. Moreover, photos can look grainy and blurry, but if you’re in a pinch and have no other option, this one’s serviceable.
Overview:
Adopting an all-in-one design, the Dere VBook V10 can be flipped 360-degree to meet your different needs in various usage scenarios. It has a narrow screen bezel of only 5mm, giving you an unobstructed viewing experience.
The VBook V10 supports dual-band Wi-Fi for a faster wireless network connection. Its front camera and stereo speakers are decent for study and office tasks.
Dere VBook V10 Specifications
- CPU: Intel Celeron N4000
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- RAM: 12GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 11.6” HD
- Weight: 1.09kg
- Ports: 1x SD card reader, 2x USB 3.0, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack, 1x HDMI
- Dimensions: 282.0 (W) x 192.0 (D) x 18.5 (H) mm
Who is this for?
The Dere VBook V10 is lightweight and compact, perfect for students and those who are frequently on the go. It equips an Intel Celeron processor, 12GB RAM and 512GB SSD for high-efficiency performance and excellent multitasking. The large capacity battery can last about 4 to 8 hours for ultra-long office battery life.
- Year: 2021
- CPU: Intel Core i3-1115G4 (2C / 4T, 3.0 / 4.1GHz, 6MB)
- GPU: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
- RAM: 8GB Soldered DDR4-3200
- Storage: 256GB SSD M.2 2242 PCIe 3.0x4 NVMe
- Display: 14" FHD (1920x1080) IPS 250nits Glossy, 45% NTSC, 10-point Multi-touch
- Weight: Starting at 1.6kg
- Ports: 2 x USB 3.1 (Gen 1), USB-C (Gen 1 with PD), HDMI 1.4b, 4-in-1 card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC), Headphone / mic combo
- Dimensions: 321.5mm x 217.5mm x 17.9-20.8mm
If you’re looking for a photo editing machine with a solid screen and specs, whilst also being on a budget, then the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is the one for you.
Overview
The Graphite Grey colour is stealthy and subtle, being able to blend into any environment you put it in without sticking out like a sore thumb, whether it’s the office, classroom, or coffee shop.
Its 14 inch 1080p panel is sharp and detailed, but also colour-accurate enough to take on your workload with ease. Plus, the added fact that it’s a touchscreen and is able to transform into a pseudo-tablet makes it great for your photo viewing experience.
Performance
The 11th gen Intel Core i3 powering the device may not be anything special, but it can certainly handle any everyday task you throw at it, whether it be web browsing, Netflix, or document work. Pair this with 8GB of RAM and you’ll find yourself with one powerful editing machine.
Still, it’s not all rainbow and sunshine when it comes to the laptop. Although we appreciate the physical shutter cover over the webcam for privacy reasons, the webcam itself is mediocre at best. Moreover, photos can look grainy and blurry, but if you’re in a pinch and have no other option, this one’s serviceable.
- Year: 2020
- CPU: Intel i7-7600U
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 630
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 12.6-inch, 2880 x 1920 pixels, IPS
- Weight: 980g
- Ports: 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type A, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C, Mini HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Dimensions: 305.7 (W) x 217 (D) x 9.7 (H) mm
The Shenzhen-based VOYO is no stranger to producing quality mid-range laptops, given its experience for over a decade. Among their top recommended products is the VOYO i7 Plus, a 2-in-1 laptop bundled with a complimentary stylus pen.
Features:
Boasting a 12.6-inch IPS display with 3K resolution, the screen has a ratio of 3:2 and a wider viewing angle at 178°. The laptop can be easily switched from a laptop to a tablet or tent mode. In terms of hardware, the laptop comes equipped with an Intel i7-7600U processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD.
This laptop is also super lightweight at just 980g, making it portable enough to hold with just one hand comfortably. or store it in your backpack.
Performance:
The specs are adequate enough for running daily tasks while the integrated Intel graphics allows you to play some games. Of course, don’t expect this to perform up to expectations when it comes to graphically demanding titles.
Some great highlights are the laptop’s 3K sharp and bright display as well as the keyboard’s responsive feel. As for the stylus pen, it can support up to 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity and performs reasonably well regardless of jotting or sketching on the capacitive touchscreen. Battery life, in the meantime, is decent enough with around 6-7 hours of juice.
- Year: 2021
- CPU: Intel i3-1115G4
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14.0-inch, 1366 x 768 (HD)
- Weight: 1.7 kg
- Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C, HDMI 1.4b, 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack
- Dimensions: 222.7 (W) x 324.3 (D) x 19.05 (H) mm
Designed with productivity in mind, the Dell Inspiron 14 5406 2-in-1 laptop is made suitable for daily use no matter if it’s for work, study or play.
Features:
Operating on the latest 11th-gen Intel i3 processor, the laptop features a standard 4GB RAM + 256GB SSD combo and an integrated Intel UHD Graphics. The laptop is also made flexible in different modes from a laptop to a tablet or tent position.
Display-wise, it boasts a 14-inch FHD screen with narrow bezels all around, offering a better screen-to-body ratio.
Performance:
When comes to the laptop performance, it performs well enough for general multitasking such as Office suite, online streaming and web browsing. While the display is generally good in terms of viewing clarity and angles, keep in mind that it’s rather reflective if you use it under direct sunlight.
Battery life, unfortunately, is quite disappointing since it only lasts around 5 hours in normal settings. Luckily, the keyboard feels good to type on, mainly thanks to its well-spaced keys.
Overview:
Ready, set and go anywhere with the Microsoft Surface Go 3. It is the most portable Surface touchscreen 2-in-1 at only 544g.
The Surface Go 3 handles your everyday tasks, homework and play effortlessly with its Intel Pentium processor and tablet-to-top versatility. You can discover the perfect way to work, run your favourite apps, jot down ideas and enjoy a little laid-back time thanks to the 10.5-inch PixelSense display and the Surface Pen.
Details:
- CPU: Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 615
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Display: 10.5-inch PixelSense, 1920 x 1280, 1500:1 contrast ratio, 10-point multi-touch, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- Weight: 0.544kg
- Ports: 1 x USB-C, 1x 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1x Surface Connect port, 1x MicroSDXC Card Reader
- Dimensions: 245.0 (W) x 175.0 (D) x 8.3 (H) mm
Who is this for?
A detachable 2-in-1 laptop like the Microsoft Surface Go 3 offers great versatility and portability to ensure you can work in your most comfortable ways anytime, anywhere. With the Surface Pen, touch and even just your voice alone, you can operate the hybrid laptop easily in a smooth manner. You can expect 11 hours of superb battery life that can get you through the day.
2-in-1 laptop vs traditional laptop?
To simply put, a 2-in-1 laptop combines the features and functionality of a traditional laptop and tablet into a single device. In short, you get the processing power of a traditional laptop and the versatility of a tablet.
- A 2-in-1 laptop comes with a smaller screen inch size, typically below 15-inch. Meanwhile, a traditional laptop can reach up to 17-inch for an ultra-wide workspace.
- As a result, a 2-in-1 laptop definitely more compact in size and lighter than the traditional laptop.
- Not to forget there’s the long-lasting battery life in a 2-in-1 laptop. You can generally work, play and stream for hours without being tethered to the walls.
Tips To Choosing A Budget 2-in-1 Laptop
Wondering what to look for upon purchasing a budget 2-in-1 laptop? Keep reading as we list these three essential tips before you spend your hard-earned money.
i) Size of your machine
- Choosing the right display size is important as a large screen offers you a wider and more immersive viewing experience, though it’ll also weigh more.
- On the other hand, a smaller screen is more portable and easily carried around.
- However, the limited workspace could reduce your peripheral vision, especially during multitasking.
- For those who are constantly on the go, we recommend getting a 10-inch model for better portability. But if you’re mostly using it indoors, you can opt for one with at least a 13-inch screen size.
ii) Storage type
Generally, there are two types of storage offered in budget 2-in-1 laptops.
- The majority of them will come with an eMMC storage type that has lower performance but is much more affordable.
- On the contrary, the SSD is more expensive but offers superior performance and are available in far larger sizes for bulk storage.
- In our opinion, it’s better to take the SSD storage for the long run.
iii) Processor choice
Just like any other traditional laptop and Chromebook, the most essential component on your 2-in-1 laptop is unarguably its processor. It has the biggest impact on your laptop’s performance and thus on your overall productivity.
- Even if you’re on a budget, we still strongly suggest you get a processor from the latest generation, and it doesn’t matter if you’re going for the Intel or AMD processor.
- If need be, you should look for an Intel Core i3 or an AMD Ryzen 3 for a limited budget under RM3,000.