INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Welcome to our pick of the best tablets with keyboards in 2019
If you don’t want to go to the expense of buying separate laptop and tablet devices, there’s an easy and obvious money-saving shortcut,
and that’s to purchase a tablet which comes with a detachable keyboard (or is sold as a bundle with an optional keyboard accessory, which
you don’t have to take if you don’t want it).So, if you’re in the market for such a 2-in-1, which are the best hybrids currently out
there? Naturally, that rather depends on what you intend to use your convertible device for
Do you want a great all-round hybrid? Or a 2-in-1 suitable for creative pros, or perhaps a device which is as wallet-friendly as it is
versatile?Whatever your needs, you’ll find something to suit in the following roundup of the best tablets with keyboards.The best tablets
with keyboards 2019 at a glance:Microsoft Surface Go Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch)Samsung Galaxy Tab S6Lenovo Miix 630Surface Pro
7Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet (3rd Gen)iPad Pro 12.9Google Pixel SlatePanasonic Toughbook CF-33Linx 12 x64The best tablets with keyboards of
2019(Image credit: Future)1
Surface GoBest overall tablet with keyboardCPU: Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 4GB - 8GB | Screen:
10-inch 1,800 x 1,200 touchscreen | Storage: 64GB eMMC - 128GB SSD | OS: Windows 10 Home in S modeGreat performance for the moneyGood
keyboardStill no accessories includedLess powerful than an iPadMicrosoft introduced a very tempting 2-in-1 when it first unleashed the
Surface Go, which can essentially be thought of as a far more affordable version of the Surface Pro.Sadly, just like the Surface Pro, you
have to shell out separately for the detachable keyboard, but you can buy this bundled when ordering the Surface Go
And for not a lot of money, you get quite a lot of tablet here, with a very impressive 10-inch display, high-quality keyboard, and laudable
performance levels (with even enough oomph to tackle some light gaming – it’ll run Minecraft very nicely indeed, for example).In short,
this is a great all-rounder in terms of power, portability, and relative affordability, making it our top overall pick
There is, of course, a limit to the performance you’ll get in this price bracket, but if money is no object, then check out our next entry
for a high-end Surface device which is a truly supercharged portable.Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Go(Image credit: Microsoft)2
Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch)Best high-end tablet with keyboardCPU: Intel Core i5 - i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 (i5) - Nvidia
GeForce GTX 1060 (i7) | RAM: 16GB | Screen: 15-inch 3,240 x 2,160 PixelSense touch display | Storage: 256GB - 1TB SSD | OS: Windows
10Fabulous sizeable displayBattery life in spadesPowerful hybridSeriously priceyIf you’ve got deep pockets, then this is our favored
Windows option for a power-packed high-end hybrid with a detachable keyboard
The 15-inch model can sport a Core i7 CPU backed with a GTX 1060 graphics card for some serious portable computing power – and it’s even
capable of tackling contemporary games.Microsoft’s Surface Book 2 has a truly high-quality display with plenty of screen real-estate in
this 15-inch version, yet it’s still surprisingly light when used as a standalone tablet
The other thing you’re getting with this hybrid is excellent battery life, which is obviously a major boon when out and about.The Surface
Book 2 also benefits from an excellent build quality, and there’s very little wrong here, save for some minor niggles – like the
trackpad being a bit small – and of course that very hefty price tag
But if you want a truly premium Windows 10 tablet with a detachable keyboard, if your budget can stretch, it really doesn’t come any
better than this.Read the full review: Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch)(Image credit: Future)3
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6Best Android tablet with keyboardCPU: Snapdragon 855 | Graphics: Adreno 640 | RAM: 6GB - 8GB | Screen: 10.5-inch 1,600
x 2,560 resolution | Storage: 128GB - 256GB | OS: Android 9Performance levelTop quality screenExpensiveOur favorite Android tablet plus
keyboard option is the S6 for several reasons
This is a premium slate which boasts excellent performance levels thanks to its Snapdragon 855 chip, and has a gorgeous Super AMOLED display
As a result, it’s fantastic for media playback in particular, and an added bonus is the inclusion of high quality AKG-tuned speakers.Note,
however, that the keyboard must be purchased separately, and is an optional accessory (although some retailers sell it in bundles with the
tablet, so you might want to look for one of these)
The Book Cover, as Samsung calls it, is built in much the same vein as the Surface Pro’s detachable keyboard, using a sturdy magnetic
connection, and even providing a kickstand via a cover that attaches to the rear of the Galaxy Tab S6.On the whole, it’s a pretty decent
keyboard, but the downside is the accessory is pricey
Indeed, the tablet is on the expensive side itself, so the complete setup is far from a budget option.And indeed, Samsung’s interface
still isn’t the best and holds the S6 back a little, but despite that quibble – and those pricing issues – this remains hands-down the
top pick for those who want an Android slate with a keyboard.Read our full review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S6(Image credit: Future)4
Lenovo Miix 630Best Windows on Snapdragon tablet with keyboardCPU: Snapdragon 835 | Graphics: Adreno 540 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 12.3-inch
1,920 x 1,280 resolution | Storage: 128GB - 256GB | OS: Windows 10 S ModeSmart designAmazing battery lifeReasonably priced compared to
rivalsDon’t expect the earth with performanceThose who want an ‘always connected’ 2-in-1 Windows 10 laptop with a Qualcomm CPU, quite
possibly for the huge battery longevity that these machines boast, would do well to check out Lenovo’s offering.The Miix 630 is powered by
a Snapdragon 835 chip which gives it just about enough power under the hood – more than previous rather feeble Snapdragon laptop efforts
– and you get a rather staggering claimed 20 hours of battery life for when on the go (plus LTE connectivity, too).It’s a very smartly
designed 2-in-1 with a great 12.3-inch display, and Lenovo provides the Miix 630 with not just a detachable keyboard cover, but also a
There’s no paying extra for accessories here.There are caveats with Qualcomm-powered Windows 10 machines, in that you can’t expect the
earth with performance, but the 630 is solid enough with general everyday computing
Also, it runs Windows 10 S Mode by default, but this can be easily switched away from.Note that there are more powerful ‘always
connected’ machines, like Samsung’s Galaxy Book 2, but we felt that the extra power gained from the Snapdragon 850 didn’t translate
into all that much difference in terms of real-world performance, particularly not when comparing the price of that Samsung product to the
Miix 630.This could be an entirely different story for hybrids using the newest Snapdragon 8cx chip, but they aren’t out yet – although
they may prove a much better bet for those hungering after a Windows on Snapdragon hybrid with some true grunt
Again, though, their price tags won’t be comparable to the reasonable asking price that Lenovo’s 2-in-1 is available for online these
days (with all accessories bundled).Finally, note that you can buy versions of this machine with a traditional Intel Core i3 or i5
processor.(Image credit: Future)5
Surface Pro 7Best mid-range tablet with keyboardCPU: 10th-gen Intel Core i3 - i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics - Intel Iris Plus Graphics |
RAM: 4GB - 16GB | Screen: 12.3-inch 2,736 x 1,824 PixelSense display | Storage: 128GB - 1TB | OS: Windows 10Tried and tested quality
hybridUpgraded to cutting-edge CPUStarting to feel datedBattery life isn’t the bestMicrosoft’s Surface range is, of course, heavy with
hybrids that have detachable keyboards, and we’ve already mentioned two of them
But if you want a middle-ground between the fully-loaded Surface Book 2 and the affordable Surface Go, then that’s where the Surface Pro 7
is pitched.Now, in our review, we did fire a fair amount of flak at the latest iteration of the Surface Pro – mainly because Microsoft
didn’t do all that much with it
The tablet, with rather thick bezels, is starting to look dated, and there wasn’t much different with the refreshed version of the hybrid,
which simply gained a USB-C port (but with no Thunderbolt 3 support) and an improved faster processor (with better integrated graphics).So
the Surface Pro 7 was disappointing in some respects, but it’s still a quality convertible at heart, and the beefier CPU certainly helps
on the performance front (although sadly, battery life is diminished compared to its predecessor).From an overall perspective in the hybrid
world, the entry-level Surface Pro 7 still represents a good pick for a mid-range 2-in-1, and can even cope with gaming decently enough
As a balanced tablet with keyboard – although remember you must pay extra for the keyboard, which can be bundled at the time of purchase
– there remains a lot to like here.That said, there is quite possibly more to like about the Surface Pro 6 when you consider that it’s
still being sold, and is likely to receive some tempting discounts as an outgoing model
Particularly as Black Friday is rapidly coming into view now, with the potential of major price-cutting therein…Read our full
review: Surface Pro 7(Image credit: Jim Hill)6
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet (3rd Gen)Best tablet with keyboard for productivityCPU: 8th-gen Intel Core i5 - Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD
Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB - 64GB | Screen: 13-inch 3,000 x 2,000 resolution | Storage: 256GB - 512GB | OS: Windows 10Impressive build
qualityBundled stylus as well as keyboardPair of Thunderbolt 3 portsBattery life is only so-soIt may be a touch heftier than the Surface
Pro, but the third incarnation of Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Tablet is a sterling option for business users
It comes with a really well-built removable keyboard which is nicely comfortable to type on, and it’s another hybrid which bundles a
stylus into the bargain (Lenovo’s ThinkPad Pen Pro).The tablet itself is built to a high standard featuring a superbly vivid 13-inch 3K
touchscreen, and connectivity is impressive for a 2-in-1 in terms of the device being equipped with a pair of Thunderbolt 3 ports
If there’s a flaw, it’s that battery life is only okay rather than good
Unsurprisingly, the ThinkPad X1 Tablet isn’t cheap either, but it still represents good value for money given what you’re getting
here.Read our full review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet (3rd Gen)(Image credit: Future)7
iPad Pro 12.9Best tablet with keyboard for creativesCPU: A12X Bionic | Graphics: A12X Custom GPU | RAM: 4GB - 6GB | Screen: 12.9-inch 2,732
x 2,048 resolution | Storage: 64GB - 1TB | OS: iPadOSAmazing color-accurate display Superb for stylus usePlenty powerfulUnpleasantly
wallet-damagingIf you’re a creative professional, there’s an obvious choice of tablet to go for, and that’s the iPad Pro
It’s not cheap, but the iPad Pro 12.9 is a fantastic device on the creative front for many reasons, and it can be combined with the
detachable keyboard – which Apple calls the Smart Keyboard Folio – as you check out when buying your iPad (so make sure you add this,
and the correct language for the keyboard).The detachable keyboard is solid enough effort, but what really sets the iPad Pro apart from the
competition for creative types is the fantastic display which is impressively bright, and boasts support for the P3 wide color gamut
(meaning it’s great for professional design work or the likes of photo editing)
The Apple Pencil stylus is also a dream to use on this display, and highly responsive.The downsides are that you don’t get a full desktop
experience, compared to say Windows, although Apple is trying to provide that with iPadOS to move the tablet away from its mobile (and iOS)
The iPad Pro 12.9 is also eye-wateringly expensive if you want a decent amount of storage, with the detachable keyboard and stylus adding a
considerable dollop of extra cost
This isn’t a hybrid combo for the financially faint of heart.Read our full review: iPad Pro 12.9(Image credit: Future)8
Google Pixel SlateBest tablet with keyboard running Chrome OSCPU: Intel Core m3 - Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB -
16GB | Screen: 12.3-inch 3,000 x 2,000 resolution | Storage: 64GB - 256GB | OS: Chrome OSExcellent screen that makes colors popImpressive
battery lifeNiche devicePriceyWe should say upfront that Google’s Pixel Slate is a pretty niche proposition, but if you do want a tablet
plus keyboard combo that runs Chrome OS, then this is the best pick (out of a vanishingly thin field, admittedly).The Slate is a nicely
designed piece of hardware with a beautiful display that really makes colors pop, plus it benefits from good battery life, and the keyboard
cover itself is a palatable enough accessory
It’s a solid tablet offering, then, on the face of it, but one of the major drawbacks here is the price – you’re paying a lot for
‘solid’ performance.You can buy the Pixel Slate bundled with the keyboard at some online retailers, but the price tag is, frankly,
pretty exorbitant – even for the base model, which only has a Core m3 processor
So this is something to definitely bear in mind: to fork out this much, you’re going to need a serious hankering to have Chrome OS on a
Panasonic Toughbook CF-33Best rugged tablet with keyboardCPU: Intel Core i5-7300U | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB - 16GB |
Screen: 12-inch 2,160 x 1,440 resolution | Storage: 256GB - 512GB | OS: Windows 10Fully rugged hybridMeets MIL-STD-810G standardGood
keyboardReally expensiveA rugged 2-in-1 is another niche area, but for those who need a tablet with keyboard which can take some punishment,
this Panasonic product is king of the rough-and-tough hill.Panasonic’s Toughbook CF-33 is sold standalone as a tablet or can be bundled
with the keyboard – be sure to add it upon purchasing
The keyboard is well worth the extra outlay, because this is an excellent accessory, giving you a nice typing experience with a good level
of travel (for a detachable unit).Battery life is superb, which is obviously great for those using the CF-33 in the field, plus you get a
high quality display, and a 2-in-1 capable of surviving drops and shocks, rain, extreme temperatures and humidity
The CF-33 meets the military-grade MIL-STD-810G standard for toughness, and perhaps the biggest downside for those wanting a truly rugged
hybrid is that it won’t save your wallet from a pretty severe beating.(Image credit: Alex Cox)10
Linx 12 x64Best tablet with keyboard on a tight budgetCPU: Intel Atom x5-Z8350 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 400 | RAM: 4GB | Screen:
12.5-inch 1,920 x 1,080 resolution | Storage: 64GB | OS: Windows 10Incredibly cheapDoes the job – just aboutRather sluggish
performanceExpected compromises on build qualityWe’ve touched on some relatively affordable tablets with detachable keyboards above, but
if you really want to spend as little as possible on your 2-in-1, then Linx makes a great product which you’d do well to consider.With the
Linx 12 x64 you get the tablet and keyboard in one package which costs less than Apple’s detachable keyboard for the iPad Pro – yes,
less than the keyboard itself, never mind including the expense of the actual iPad.The caveat is that this is an older device which was
released a couple of years back, but it’s still perfectly serviceable, and the price has now been cut to under £200 in the UK (at the
And that’s quite incredible value, really, because this is a decent enough hybrid which represents a good cheap alternative to the Surface
Pro, as we observed when we reviewed the device.It’s nicely thin, has a decent-sized Full HD screen, and great battery life too
Yes, the build quality isn’t the best, and performance levels are rather sluggish – a lot of which is due to the eMMC storage – but in
this price bracket, you’re obviously going to encounter compromises
The Linx can cope with basic tasks, though, albeit with some slowdown at times.For the money – particularly now you can get it even
cheaper than when the device first launched – this is an excellent wallet-friendly option
Those in the US may have to import a model, but even with that cost on top, it’s still a highly affordable solution for a tablet with a
detachable keyboard.Alternatively, for a similar bargain basement model, check out the Chuwi Hi10 Air (just remember that this is another
tablet where the keyboard is optionally bundled, so be sure you’re getting the accessory as well when purchasing).Read our full review:
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