Top 100 Tech of 2016: Best 2-in-1s & Tablets

2-in-1 Windows systems—tablets and laptops in one—saw explosive growth in 2016, while ordinary tablets plateaued big-time. We tested all the major players. These are the best to buy.

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Old Flame, New Spark

Despite some dialed-down hardware, at $89 Amazon's 2016 Fire HD 8 is one of today's best-value buys in a tablet of any stripe. See why.

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One Mighty Fine Mini

It's no computing powerhouse. But Asus' compact Transformer Mini detachable packs slick design, a few high-end features, and epic battery life into an under-$400 package.

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Asus Breaks Through the Surface?

The Transformer 3 Pro sports a larger screen and roomier keyboard than the Surface Pro 4, while remaining thin, light, and reasonably affordable.

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Our Top Tablets, Tested and Ranked

1

Our Verdict: Fanless and silent, the Switch Alpha 12 is a huge value among Surface-style Win 10 2-in-1 detachables: Core i5 power, a stylus, and a keyboard in one 9 test unit.

2

Our Verdict: The iPad Air 2 takes the title (from Apple’s original Air) of Best Tablet You Can Buy. The updates aren't enough to force an upgrade from a 2013 Air, but it'll feel like a tablet from another planet if you're still using an original iPad or iPad 2, or an early Android.

3

Our Verdict: With its 1-pound weight and slimmed-down design, the iPad Air marks the biggest leap forward for Apple's trend-making slate since the Retina display. It's rightly the standard by which all other tablets will, and should, be judged.

4

Our Verdict: It's certainly no computing powerhouse. But Asus' compact detachable brings premium design, a few surprisingly high-end features, and epic battery life to a price point that's a fraction of what you'd pay for a Surface Pro 4.

5

Our Verdict: Lenovo's Yoga Book changes the tablet landscape by yoking a combination flat keyboard and Wacom pad to the company's familiar convertible design, creating a 10.1-inch Android (and Windows) sensation.

6

Our Verdict: Despite some dialed-down hardware, at $89 Amazon's 2016 Fire HD 8 is one of today's best-value buys in a tablet of any stripe, especially for entertainment consumption.

7

Our Verdict: This sturdy, handsome tablet is among the best-equipped media-consumption Android slates available, and even includes a casual-use pico projector.

8

Our Verdict: A tablet with kickstand and keyboard cover? Before you say Microsoft Surface Pro 4 (and put "optional" in front of "keyboard cover"), check out HP's new laptop alternative.

9

Our Verdict: Though far from top-notch hardware, Amazon’s $49.99 Fire 2015 tablet is a stunning value for first-time tableteers, kids, and Amazon Prime members. It’s a slam-dunk for the holidays or gifting.

10

Our Verdict: The screen's better. So's the keyboard, and the pen. With the Pro 4, Microsoft's flagship tablet is now an unqualified win for those seeking both a powerful Win 10 slate and a serviceable laptop. (Just note: The keyboard still costs extra, and it's essential.)

Source: www.computershopper.com