Looking for a lightweight 2-in-1 work laptop?

Editor's Picks

Building a modern workplace for a remote workforce

Sweating in spring? Office air isn't helping

Five minimum features needed in your choice of a business laptop

Venom BlackBook Zero 15 Phantom

The Elite Dragonfly is HP's lightest business convertible laptop yet. That's good news if you travel a lot.

One of the key choices you’ll need to make when buying a laptop is whether to get a 2-in-1 model that also functions as a tablet, or a more traditional laptop (see the photos on the right).

One of the drawbacks of 2-in-1 laptops is their weight. But the good news is they’re getting lighter.

For example, HP will start selling its lightest-ever business convertible laptop in Australia next month. The HP Elite Dragonfly has a 13-inch screen and weighs less than kilogram – compared to 1.37Kg for Apple’s current MacBook Pro.

The catch is the HP Elitebook Dragonfly won’t be cheap. The entry-level model will cost $2,699. But that’s to be expected for a premium device.

The laptop is not only relatively light, it has impressive battery life. HP claims it will run for up to 24.5 hours.

It also has Wi-Fi 6, which means faster wireless connectivity if you’re connecting to a Wi-Fi 6 access point (though these aren’t common at this stage). And you can pay extra for built-in gigabit-class 4G LTE wireless connectivity.

The Elitebook Dragonfly will also have an 8^th Gen Intel Core vPro processor.

Like most 2-in-1 laptops, you can use it in tablet mode, ‘tent’ or ‘media’ mode (for presenting or watching videos).

The device will also have a variety of other premium features, including Bang & Olufsen audio, multiple display options and a ‘next-generation magnesium chassis’.

Interestingly, HP says the Elitebook Dragonfly has an ‘ultra-quiet keyboard’ – something you might find handy if you often work while travelling in trains or planes.