Convertible (computer)

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Above is a convertible converted into a tablet computer , below you can see the removable keyboard on this model.

A Convertible ( Engl. Convertible , transformable ') - even hybrid PC called - is a laptop which, to one in the form of a top-hung swing, sliding or click mechanism tablet computer can use. Devices specially designed for mobility are more precisely referred to as netvertibles based on the computer category of subnotebooks and netbooks . Devices in which the screen can be completely separated from the keyboard, one further calls Detachable ( engl. Detachable , removable ').

While convertibles can be entered in "laptop mode" as usual via keyboard and touchpad or trackpoint , the device is operated after conversion into a tablet computer via a touchscreen , digitizer or with the help of an input pen .

While the device class of convertibles had a long niche existence, devices of this type have been increasingly brought onto the market since 2012. This development is favored by the advances in hardware development and the increasing touch optimization of operating systems such as Windows 8 .

In general, a distinction must be made between:

  • Tablets that can be used as convertibles with the help of external keyboards, but were not primarily designed for this (e.g. iPad Pro )
  • Convertibles, based on ARM architecture to build and which are therefore not a Windows desktop - operating system can run (. Eg Microsoft Surface 2 , Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11)
  • A Microsoft Surface Pro 4 with a docked keyboard unit
    Convertibles that are equipped with hardware known from laptops and can therefore be operated with a normal desktop operating system and used as a complete PC replacement (e.g. Microsoft Surface 3 , HP Pavilion x360 or Acer Iconia).

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Tablet PCs in convertible design on Heise.de
  2. ↑ pocketnow.com
  3. ↑ Convertible laptops - the versatile all-rounders. Notebooks-Ratgeber.de, accessed on February 2, 2015 .
  4. ↑ IDF 2012: Has the Convertible PC's Time Finally Come? zdnet.com, accessed April 24, 2013 .