Compare a tablet, laptop, and a 2-in-1 laptop
Performance
Tablet: watch movies and browse the internet
Do you mostly want to watch movies and use the internet? The processor and lower RAM of a tablet are enough. A tablet is less suitable to run demanding programs. Because it doesn't have a keyboard, a tablet is less suitable for use at school or work. A keyboard cover is an option, but typing won't be as comfortable as with a laptop. In general, the battery of a tablet lasts a long time.
Laptop: suitable for school and work
A laptop has a lot of RAM and a good processor. This allows you to perform more demanding tasks such as photo or video editing. In addition, you can store many files thanks to the large storage. The large keyboard makes a laptop suitable for use at school or at work. In addition, a laptop has many connectors. For example, you can connect the device to an external hard drive or to a large screen so that everyone can clearly read what you're presenting.
A 2-in-1 laptop: the middle ground
Want a device you can use at home, at work, or at school? A 2-in-1 laptop is a good option. In terms of performance, it's somewhere between a tablet and a laptop. A 2-in-1 laptop is less powerful than a laptop, but more powerful than a tablet. And unlike a tablet, a 2-in-1 laptop has a keyboard. It's not as extensive as the keyboard of a laptop. In addition, a 2-in-1 laptop has fewer connectors and the battery life is shorter than that of a tablet or laptop.
Compactness
Tablet: light and compact
Tablets have a small size compared to laptops and 2-in-1 laptops. Most tablets are slightly larger than a standard A5 notebook. You can easily put a tablet in your bag. In addition, tablets are much lighter. So you'll barely notice that you're carrying it with you. In addition to that, you can easily hold a tablet for a longer period of time without straining your arm, wrist, and hand.
Laptop: more difficult to take with you
A laptop generally has a larger screen. Laptops come in different sizes, but the screen of most models is slightly larger than an A4 sheet of paper. This larger screen is comfortable for use at work or in the classroom, but it also makes the laptop heavier. As a result, a laptop isn't as easy to take with you. Before you make your choice, consider if the better performance of a laptop is worth the extra weight and size.
2-in-1 laptop: foldable or detachable
A 2-in-1 laptop is slightly smaller and lighter than a laptop on average, and larger and heavier than a tablet. With a foldable 2-in-1 laptop, you can adjust the keyboard to any angle you can think of. A detachable 2-in-1 allows you to detach the keyboard. This gives you the convenience of a keyboard at work or at school. And you can use the 2-in-1 laptop as a tablet when you're at home.
Touchscreen
Tablet: touchscreen
You control a tablet via the touchscreen. This allows you to scroll through the menus quickly and easily. With a couple of touches, you can switch from your news app to your Facebook timeline or your favorite Netflix series. If you buy a keyboard cover or connect a Bluetooth keyboard to it, a tablet is also suitable for text processing and spreadsheets.
Laptop: extensive keyboard
A standard laptop doesn't have a touchscreen. As a result, navigating through menus and switching between different programs is less smooth. Thanks to the mouse pad and keyboard, a laptop is more suitable for text processing and spreadsheets, for example. In addition, you can easily connect an external mouse via the USB port of your laptop.
A 2-in-1 laptop: touchscreen and keyboard
You can control a 2-in-1 laptop both via the touchscreen and with a keyboard and mouse. Use the touchscreen to quickly scroll through your menus and programs. Want to use a text processor or work in a spreadsheet? Use the keyboard with mouse pad. Keep in mind that the keyboard of a 2-in-1 laptop is slightly smaller. It's also less extensive than a laptop keyboard. You can connect an external mouse to a 2-in-1 laptop via a USB port.
Conclusion
Thanks to its size and weight, a tablet is much easier to take with you than a laptop. A laptop performs better. In addition, a laptop is better for text processing and spreadsheets. A 2-in-1 laptop is a tablet and laptop in one. The advantage is that you can use a 2-in-1 laptop as both a tablet and as a laptop. This being said, a 2-in-1 laptop isn't a better solution than a separate tablet or laptop when it comes to any specific task.