Will convertible tablets replace laptops?

When the iPad made its debut in 2010, some consumers thought it was a bridge between smartphones and laptops. At the time, tablets were known for their mobility, but also their distinct lack of computing power. In the last few years, the mobile devices have gained functionality, and they now rival many laptops in terms of available features.

With the rise of ultrabooks and other slim computer models, tablets and laptops have found themselves on somewhat equal footing. As manufactures shrunk their computers, they stripped away features like optical drives, and now the only distinguishing feature between the two devices is the built-in keyboard.

That could be changing soon as convertible tablets become more popular. Windows 8 seems to have motivated manufactures to create hybrid gadgets that combine the computing power of laptops and tablets. With fully integrated keyboards, the devices could be the next step in personal computing technology and might replace laptops. Below are some of the best models that could be ushering the next digital age.

Lenovo ThinkPad X230

Lenovo is well-known for its products' excellent performance, and the ThinkPad X230 continues this positive tradition. According to Laptop Magazine, the battery lasts a full day. Additionally, the keyboard is sturdy and responsive and doesn't add too much weight to the device.

The news source points out that one of the few drawbacks is touchscreen's lack of functionality. While the device responds to most commands, it sometimes can be difficult to make selections and navigate between multiple windows without a touchpad or mouse.

HP EliteBook 2760p

Convertible tablets must be durable so users can switch between the laptop and tablet modes without risking damage. The HP EliteBook 2760p is as durable as it is functionable, with a sturdy hinge that can endure regular wear and tear as well as major accidents.

You should note that this model runs on Windows 7. Unlike Windows 8, the older operating system doesn't have an interface that has been optimized for tablets, so it may be difficult to use it as a mobile device.

ASUS VivoTab RT

The VivoTab RT is a tablet that boasts a detachable keyboard as its main feature. With the keyboard, the device only weighs 1.5 pounds, which is less than most ultrabooks and on par with many tablets.

The gadget runs on Windows 8 RT and has two separate menus for tablet and laptop mode. Also, the Gorilla Glass display is scratch-resistant and features wide viewing angles so colors aren't distorted.

These are only three of the convertible tablets that represent the next wave in computing technology. Do you plan on leaving your laptop behind for a hybrid device?

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

The numbers
6162cc, V8, RWD, 432bhp, 420lb ft, 22.0mpg, 304g/km CO2, 0-62 in 5.2secs, 155mph, 1920kg

The verdict
Brilliant-handling muscle car, but surprisingly expensive and terrifyingly heavy. Too easy to resist

If our understanding of engineering is anything to go by, removing a car's roof tends to make the driving experience a bit... fluctuant. Especially if it's enormous and American. But the new Euro-spec rag-top Camaro's confounded us - it handles beautifully.

Which is probably because it's not a dollar-driven afterthought. The convertible was designed alongside the tin-top, so a lot of the bracing's been massaged into the shell, not bolted on later - that keeps weight down, closing the dynamic gap between the 'vert and coupe. But at 1,920kg (125kg more than the fixed head) it's still very ponderous.

Wrestling the mass are two engines, both 6.2-litre V8s. There's a 432bhp LS3 that comes with a six-speed manual 'box and a 405bhp L99 with a six-speed auto.

They're quick enough, but both struggle to feel as fun as the numbers suggest. They're thirsty, too - despite the L99's Active Fuel Management system (it shuts down four of the eight cylinders during light loads), it only manages 22mpg. They make a pretty noise, though, which you get a lot more of in the scalped version.

So far, so muscle car. But it gets interesting underneath - instead of a leaf sprung/live axle rear end, there's an independent set-up with Euro-only stiffened dampers and a pair of repositioned and reshaped anti-roll bars. Which means it does the unthinkable - it corners. Like a proper sports car.

It's not exactly unruffled, but body roll's minimal and it's GT-like in its compliance on the open road.

There is, however, a problem. The auto costs £41,495 (manual is £39,999), which seems offensively pricey for something that trades on affordable fun. It gets worse when you notice the wobbly seat stitching and frail trim - something not endemic of other Euro GM cars. Then there's the inconvenience of left-hand-drive, cramped rear legroom, dim fuel economy...

But, let's face it, buying a muscle car in the UK transcends judgement - it's all about visual pheromones and cultural connotations. And, of the current over-priced, under-built crop available in the UK, at least it handles.