Convertible tablet computers are becoming increasingly popular because of the versatility and functionality encased in sleek and elegant designs. Convertible laptops incorporate the best qualities of the traditional laptop and slate PCs, converting between them depending on the task in hand through a rotation of the LCD. They are especially popular with the business community because they can be used in all sorts of difficult environments when away from the office.

The screen is rotated from a hinge backwards to create the slate, with the screen facing upward to create the flat writing surface for use with a stylus. This allows for much more control than the finger-operated iPad for example, and the kit can be used as a slate whilst travelling and for taking notes in meetings.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Hands On

This advanced convertible tablet runs on the Android operating system. Weighing in at just 1.23 pounds, it is unusually light for its size when held in the hand, and even the iPad feels bulky and unwieldy in comparison to it. Heavier metal alloys are eschewed in its construction in favour of sturdy plastic, which allows for a portability superior to that of, say, the comparable Motorola Xoom. You still have to use it with both hands, however, and there is a limit to what can be achieved in terms of size and lightness in the laptop tablet field, convertible or not.

The high screen resolution of 1280 by 800 pixels makes this tablet ideal for playing multimedia and browsing the web, as you would expect from any regular desktop or notebook.

One of the most innovative design features with the Galaxy Tab 10.1 is the complete absence of buttons at the front, which gives it a sleek and sophisticated appearance. All the functionality is hidden away and protected inside the tough but smooth outer shell.

LG G-Slate Pad Hands On

With an 8.9-inch screen, the G-Slate fits snugly in the hands, fitting neatly into the space between the oversized smart-phone that can be operated with one hand and the full-size laptop that needs both hands holding it. It is less heavy than the iPad and is of solid construction with a robust metal back cover.

On the front of the machine there are no keys, and the G-Slate uses the Honeycomb operating system like the Galaxy and Xoom with full multi-tasking capability to deliver a super-sensitive device that responds instantaneously to applications of stylus to screen and is ideal for both the business and home user.

LG Optimus Pad Hands On

Otherwise known as the Honeycomb Pad because of its use of the Honeycomb OS, the LG Optimus has similar specifications to the G-Slate that received favourable reviews at the Mobile World Congress recently. It comes in a range of colours and incorporates the same hinge mechanism for converting between laptop and tablet modes. As a convertible tablet PC, the Optimus is ideal for anyone wanting to combine the traditional functionality of a laptop with the flexibility and convenience of a tablet PC.