Laptops

Best Picks

Reviews

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 represents Dell's effort to deliver premium convertible computing in an ultraportable form factor. Across multiple generations, this line has evolved from a traditional 360-degree hinge design to a detachable tablet format similar to Microsoft's Surface Pro. Professional reviewers consistently praise the stunning display quality, exceptional build craftsmanship, and slim profile that makes it one of the most portable 2-in-1s available. However, the pursuit of thinness comes with trade-offs, including limited port selection, middling battery performance on recent models, and reduced processing power compared to traditional laptop designs. The device shines for users prioritizing portability and display quality for everyday productivity, but struggles to meet the needs of power users or those requiring all-day untethered operation.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7][^8]

Review
Shrook Score
78
Generally Favorable
HP ProBook 455 G10

HP ProBook 455 G10

The HP ProBook 455 G10 positions itself as a practical business laptop that prioritizes reliability and performance over premium aesthetics. Built around AMD's Ryzen 5 7530U or Ryzen 7 7730U processors, this 15.6-inch notebook delivers capable performance for everyday office tasks while maintaining a focus on security and durability. The laptop has passed 19 MIL-STD-810H tests for durability, ensuring it can withstand demanding work environments. With a spill-resistant keyboard, comprehensive port selection including USB-C with Power Delivery, HDMI 2.1, and Gigabit Ethernet, the ProBook 455 G10 targets professionals who need a dependable machine for productivity work, remote collaboration, and light creative tasks. While it lacks the premium build quality and vibrant display of higher-end models, it compensates with practical features, good battery life for a full workday, and HP's Wolf Pro Security suite for enterprise-level protection.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5]

Review
Shrook Score
80
Generally Favorable
HP Spectre x360 14

HP Spectre x360 14

The HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) represents the evolution of HP's premium convertible lineup, delivering a compelling package for professionals and content creators who demand versatility without compromise. Powered by Intel's Core Ultra processors with integrated Arc graphics, this 14-inch 2-in-1 features a gorgeous 2880x1800 OLED touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate, a standout 9MP webcam, and battery life that exceeds 11 hours in real-world testing. The convertible design allows seamless transitions between laptop, tent, and tablet modes, while the included MPP 2.0 stylus supports inking and note-taking. With its elegant metal chassis, comfortable keyboard, and quad speaker setup, the Spectre x360 14 holds its position as one of the best Windows 2-in-1 laptops available, though its premium pricing and soldered RAM may give some buyers pause.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6]

Review
Shrook Score
83
Generally Favorable
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook

The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook stands as an impressive evolution in Chrome OS tablets, combining a brilliant 13.3-inch OLED display with genuine all-day battery life in a versatile 2-in-1 package. While its Snapdragon 7c Gen 2 processor won't satisfy power users, the device excels at web browsing, content consumption, and light productivity tasks that define mainstream computing. The included keyboard and kickstand transform this tablet into a legitimate laptop replacement for students and casual users, though its detachable design brings inherent stability compromises compared to traditional clamshell Chromebooks. With software updates guaranteed until 2029, premium build quality typically reserved for higher-priced devices, and an OLED panel that punches well above its weight class, the Duet 5 represents exceptional value for users who understand its performance boundaries.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7]

Review
Shrook Score
80
Generally Favorable
MSI Titan 18 HX AI

MSI Titan 18 HX AI

The MSI Titan 18 HX AI represents the pinnacle of gaming laptop engineering for 2025, packing desktop-class components into a massive 18-inch form factor. Built around Intel's Arrow Lake HX Core Ultra 9 285HX processor and Nvidia's flagship GeForce RTX 5090 laptop GPU with 24GB GDDR7 memory, this machine delivers chart-topping benchmark scores and handles 4K gaming with confidence. The centerpiece is a breathtaking 3840×2400 Mini LED display capable of 729 nits average brightness with excellent color coverage . MSI equips the Titan with premium features including Cherry MX mechanical keyboard switches, Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, four M.2 SSD slots, and up to 96GB DDR5-6400 memory. While the performance justifies its desktop replacement positioning, reviewers consistently note significant trade-offs including aggressive fan noise, underwhelming battery life barely exceeding two hours, and a finicky haptic touchpad that detracts from the premium experience.[^1][^2][^3][^4]

Review
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

Microsoft's Surface Laptop Studio 2 represents a refined evolution of the company's distinctive convertible laptop, pairing 13th Gen Intel processors with Nvidia RTX 40-series graphics in a chassis designed to transform between laptop, easel, and tablet modes. The device targets creative professionals and power users who need a single machine capable of handling design work, gaming, and traditional productivity tasks. While the hardware delivers competitive performance and the 120Hz touchscreen impresses, the Studio 2 faces stiff competition from both Windows alternatives and Apple's MacBook Pro lineup. The absence of an included Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus at prices starting near \$2,000 undermines the device's tablet functionality, and battery life falls short of Microsoft's claims. For users who genuinely need the unique convertible form factor and can justify the premium, the Studio 2 delivers a capable all-in-one solution, but most buyers may find better value elsewhere.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5]

Review
Shrook Score
80
Generally Favorable
Dell XPS 13

Dell XPS 13

The Dell XPS 13 represents one of the most refined ultraportable Windows laptops available, with recent models featuring Intel's Lunar Lake processors delivering remarkable battery life that extends beyond 18 hours. The laptop's tandem OLED display option stands out as a vivid, high-quality screen suitable for both productivity and content creation. Dell has maintained its premium build quality and minimalist aesthetic while keeping the chassis under 13mm thin and approximately 2.6 pounds. However, the XPS 13's controversial redesign introduces friction points including an invisible haptic trackpad, capacitive touch function bar, and extremely limited port selection with only two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. These design decisions, while visually striking, compromise the practical usability that made earlier XPS 13 generations universally praised.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5][^6][^7][^8]

Review
Shrook Score
79
Generally Favorable
Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch

Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch

The Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Touch represents a mature evolution in premium ultraportable design, delivering a harmonious balance of performance, portability, and visual excellence. This 2.82-pound laptop features a stunning 2880x1800 OLED touchscreen with 120Hz refresh capability, Intel Core Ultra 7 processors, and a 75Wh battery that consistently delivers over 12 hours of real-world use. The device excels in productivity workflows with 32GB of soldered LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB storage, housed in a fingerprint-prone but premium aluminum chassis. While the keyboard feels slightly mushy and thermal throttling affects sustained workloads, the combination of build quality, display excellence, comprehensive port selection including dual Thunderbolt 4, and competitive specifications make this a compelling choice for professionals prioritizing portability without sacrificing screen quality.[^1][^2][^3][^4][^5]

Review
Shrook Score
85
Generally Favorable
MSI Crosshair 16 HX

MSI Crosshair 16 HX

The MSI Crosshair 16 HX positions itself as a versatile gaming laptop that balances portability with performance. Equipped with either Intel Core i7 14700HX or Core Ultra 9 275HX processors paired with RTX 4060 or RTX 5070 GPUs, the Crosshair 16 HX features a 16-inch QHD+ (2560x1600) 240Hz IPS display. The laptop stands out for its exceptional thermal management system, Cooler Boost 5 technology that keeps temperatures remarkably low even under sustained load. While the build quality feels premium and the keyboard offers satisfying tactile feedback, the pairing of a high-refresh display with mid-tier graphics creates a performance mismatch. The device excels at productivity tasks and CPU-intensive workloads but requires settings adjustments to achieve frame rates that match the display capability.[^1][^2][^3]

Review
Shrook Score
80
Generally Favorable