Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 and HP Spectre x360 15: Powerful Convertibles for Creative Professionals

Finally, 2-in-1s Can Do It All

The release of Dell's XPS 15 2-in-1 and HP's Spectre x360 15 marks a significant moment for today's convertible PCs. By integrating powerful GPUs into these versatile machines, they finally deliver on the promise of convertible computers.

A Personal Quest for the Perfect Laptop

Since the mid-2000s, I've been searching for a mobile computer that can handle a wide range of tasks. However, early laptops were limited by power-hungry components, making them suitable only for basic tasks. Despite my attempts to find a versatile laptop, I faced issues with reliability and performance.

The Rise of 2-in-1s and the Need for Powerful GPUs

The introduction of smartphones popularized touchscreens, leading to the development of the first-generation Surface, a groundbreaking convertible laptop. 2-in-1s have since become the fastest-growing segment in the laptop market, but they've been held back by a lack of powerful GPUs.

Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 and HP Spectre x360 15: A Game-Changer

At CES 2018, HP and Dell unveiled the Spectre x360 15 and the XPS 15 2-in-1, featuring 8th-gen Intel Core i CPUs and AMD Radeon RX Vega M Graphics for under $1,500. These convertibles are not just jacks-of-all-trades; they excel at various tasks.

AMD Radeon RX Vega M GPU: A Significant Performance Boost

The AMD RX Vega M GPU in these laptops offers a significant performance boost over the Nvidia MX 150, typically found in 2-in-1s. This translates to much higher frame rates in games, making these machines capable of handling even demanding titles.

Design and Features: A Tale of Two Laptops

The XPS 15 2-in-1 emphasizes sleekness, while the Spectre x360 15 offers more ports and a more comfortable keyboard. The XPS has a thinner profile, while the Spectre features a 4K touchscreen as standard. Both laptops offer solid battery life.

The Best 2-in-1s for Creative Professionals

Whether you choose the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 or the HP Spectre x360 15, you can't go wrong. These 2-in-1s are powerful, versatile, and offer excellent value for money. They can handle demanding tasks like gaming and video editing without breaking a sweat.

Recommendations for the Ideal Configuration

For the best balance of price and performance, opt for an Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and a Radeon RX Vega M GPU.

Additional Notes

Both laptops can be cumbersome when used as tablets due to their large screens.