Two-In-One Computer

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What Does Two-In-One Computer Mean?

A two-in-one computer is a computing device that achieves the dual functionality of a laptop computer and a tablet device. In most cases, these devices resemble a laptop computer, but the keyboards can either be folded away or detached entirely.

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Techopedia Explains Two-In-One Computer

Two-in-one computers solve various end-user problems involving portability, ease-of-use and versatility. By combining a tablet interface with a computer keyboard, the two-in-one computer gives users the option of either working on the device like a tablet or folding out the keyboard and using alphanumerical input to interact with the computer.

Part of the popularity of the two-in-one computer is the fact that early tablets did not have a physical keyboard and thus were difficult to type on. This problem results in "output deficiency"; in other words, although it is easy for smartphone or tablet users to get all kinds of information over the Internet or open up files, it is extremely difficult for them to develop polished, quality output quickly without a physical keyboard.

Moreover, the popularity of the two-in-one computer provides a glimpse of the interfaces of the future. Some experts say that a speech-to-text interface or some other resource may soon replace the alphanumeric keyboard and change the way individuals use computing devices. Until then, the two-in-one computer offers consumers a number of advantages, including the portability of the tablet, a tablet-style interface and the versatility of a keyboard. A two-in-one computer may not be able to support intensive data entry very well, but for many users, it is a lot easier than tapping a touchscreen for input.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.