The laptop and tablet worlds have collided recently thanks to the emergence of hybrids. These devices twist the laptop's familiar form factor in several new directions thanks to designs where screens slide, flip and twist in startling new directions.
They're designed to offer the best of both worlds: the power and proper keyboards of the best laptops alongside the portability and touchscreens of tablets.
Most of the big names have had at least one crack at a hybrid, but quality varies – so cast aside dodgy designs and awkward angles to discover which machines are worth your cash.
Sony VAIO Duo 13
This is Sony's flagship hybrid device, and it's clear that the firm's best design brains have been put to work on the VAIO Duo 13. It transforms from laptop to tablet with a smooth sliding mechanism, and it's barely thicker or heavier than Sony's standard Ultrabooks – an impressive feat considering its dual functionality.
The IPS screen is bright and has fantastic colour accuracy, and the Haswell processor ensures ample performance levels alongside excellent battery life – enough to get from sunrise to sunset without a single charge.
The full-size, backlit keyboard is easy to use, but the tiny touchpad is awkward, there's no way to adjust the screen angle, and – like many hybrids – the VAIO is a little too heavy for prolonged tablet use.
It's not perfect, but it looks superb, lasts all day, has a fantastic screen and has one of the slickest hybrid designs around. If you can afford almost £1,500, you'll be delighted.
Microsoft Surface Pro
Microsoft's Surface Pro is technically a tablet, but it's got more hybrid credentials than most slates: a Core i5 processor, a Full HD touchscreen, the full version of Windows 8 and an optional keyboard that's the equal of many laptops.
It's a sturdy, good-looking bit of kit, and the processor makes Windows 8 run smoothly – although, without a Haswell chip inside, it does mean that battery life is average. The optional case includes a comfortable, responsive keyboard, although the flimsy kickstand makes it a little awkward to use when balanced on a lap.
It's more tempting than ever, too: its original price of £799 has been reduced to £639. The keyboard case adds around £100 to the price, but that still makes Microsoft's machine cheaper than the other hybrids in this group. It's got almost as much versatility as its rivals, so it's worth a punt – especially at this price.
Samsung ATIV Q
The Korean giant hasn't been quick off the mark with hybrids, but its forthcoming ATIV Q looks like it's going to make up for lost time.
The showstealer is the 3,200 x 1,800 resolution display: that's better than Apple's Retina screens, and has more than twice the number of pixels as any other panel here. Quality looks like it'll be good, too.
That's not the ATIV's only party trick: this is one of the only hybrids that dual-boots Windows and Android. Early tests have indicated that Google's OS runs as an app within Windows 8, as it's possible to switch between the two systems by pressing ALT+TAB. It's got full access to Google Play, so this looks like a versatile inclusion.
The 13.3-inch screen has a hinge in the middle, so it can be used in several different ways: propped at 45° for laptop-style use, flat like a tablet, or flipped over to face away from the keyboard. There's no trackpad, just a Lenovo-style touchpoint in the middle of the keyboard, and the Haswell processor – which should provide excellent battery life – is inside the thick central hinge, rather than the base.
Dell XPS 12
This machine has one of the most innovative designs of any hybrid: the 12.5in touchscreen spins in the middle of its frame in order to switch between laptop and tablet modes.
The magnetic mechanism works fantastically: prodding the screen between the two modes feels almost effortless, and it feels sturdy enough to last. The rest of the XPS 12 is up to scratch, too: the base is made from a single piece of carbon fibre, and there's another chunked of the familiar weaved material to protect the back of the screen.
The Dell is one of the first hybrids to be updated with an Intel Haswell processor, and battery life is superb – tests have shown that the XPS 12 lasts for more than 12 hours away from the mains. It's a reasonable performer, too, with slick Windows 8 pace and an SSD under the hood.
The Dell is a little heavier and thicker than many of its Ultrabook and hybrid rivals, but it's a quality piece of kit. If you can afford its £1,200+ price then it's one of the slickest hybrids around.
Asus Taichi 21
Asus has long dabbled in Android-based hybrids, with tablets like the Transformer able to slot into keyboard bases with extended batteries. The Taichi is its first Windows-based hybrid.
The Taichi 21 looks like an Ultrabook, but the screen's rear houses a second display – shut the lid or press the Taichi's dedicated button and it'll activate. The Taichi can be used as a laptop or tablet, and both screens can also be used at the same time. The rear display can even be configured as a secondary monitor.
We like the fact that the Taichi has a full, laptop-style base, too – it means that there's no compromise when it comes to keyboard and touchpad quality, unlike some of the other hybrids here.
It's versatile, and both the displays offer good quality. The Core i7 processor delivers more than enough power, but it's not a Haswell chip, so battery life is mediocre. The laptop display isn't a touchscreen, and it's a little too heavy for use as a proper tablet – an issue that afflicts most hybrids.
The £1,000 Taichi is a little cheaper than some of its rivals, and it's versatile, but it's not quite as slick, and its components aren't as modern. Unless you love its dual-screen design or need a Core i7 processor, look elsewhere.
Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13
Most manufacturers come up with various designs for their hybrids, and Lenovo is no different. Its IdeaPad Yoga 13 has a central hinge that rotates through 360°, so it can be flipped around between its laptop and tablet modes.
It's smart and businesslike – about what we'd expect from Lenovo – and it's strong, although it's also heavier than several of its rivals. There's little to complain about when the Yoga is used in its tablet mode: a great keyboard, a responsive touchpad, and plenty of ports.
The Yoga can be used in standard laptop or tablet modes, or in "tent" mode, with the screen facing outwards and the base used to prop the machine up.
The panel isn't Full HD, but it's a high-quality touchscreen, and the Ivy Bridge components are plenty fast enough despite the average battery life.
Lenovo has achieved a good balance between laptop and tablet with this device, and it's available for around £900, which makes it one of the cheaper hybrids on the market.
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