This 2-in-1 Laptop Is My Constant Companion for Home and Travel, and It's Just $250 for Today Only

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 9:31 GMT by CNET

A $250 2‑in‑1 Laptop That Keeps Up With Your On‑The‑Go Life

When you’re looking for a portable machine that can double as a tablet, a notebook, or a workstation, a 2‑in‑1 laptop is the natural choice. CNET’s latest deal highlights a budget‑friendly option that promises the flexibility of a convertible design without breaking the bank. Below is a detailed breakdown of the product, the reviewer’s experience, and why it could be the right fit for students, commuters, and travel enthusiasts alike.

1. Quick Snapshot

The laptop is marketed as a “constant companion for home and travel.” It weighs less than three pounds, has a back‑lit keyboard, and a hinge that lets you switch between laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes. That flexibility is especially useful for people who need to go from a café to a classroom to a conference room without carrying a separate tablet.

2. Design & Build

The device uses a brushed aluminum chassis that feels surprisingly robust for its price class. The 11.6‑inch screen sits on a thin bezel, giving the laptop a sleek, “modern” look. The hinge is a standard 360‑degree pivot; while it isn’t as sturdy as premium 2‑in‑1s (think Dell XPS 13 2‑in‑1 or Microsoft Surface Pro), it’s perfectly adequate for daily use.

The back‑lit keyboard is quiet, with keys that travel a short distance—ideal for long typing sessions. The touchpad is slightly larger than average for this category, featuring a smooth glass surface that responds accurately to gestures. The laptop also offers a 720p webcam, a standard headphone jack, and two USB‑3.0 ports, one of which can double as a charging port thanks to a USB‑Power Delivery spec.

Because the device is lightweight, the reviewer noted it easily fits into a small backpack or carry‑on luggage. The battery life of 7–8 hours is decent for a student’s day in class or a day of conference calls, though heavy multitasking or video streaming will drain it faster.

3. Performance & Usability

The heart of the machine is an Intel Celeron J4005, a low‑power processor that handles web browsing, document editing, and light media playback with ease. It can manage a handful of background tabs, but you’ll find it stuttering under more demanding tasks such as video editing or heavy multitasking.

The 4 GB of RAM is the minimum for a Windows 10 device, and you’ll want to keep your programs lean. If you need to run more memory‑intensive software, you’ll hit the limits quickly. The 64 GB eMMC drive is the biggest drawback; it’s barely enough for an OS, a handful of apps, and some documents. The reviewer recommended installing an external SSD or swapping the drive for a larger NVMe SSD if you plan to store media files or larger projects.

Software-wise, the laptop ships with Windows 10 Home and includes the standard OEM bloatware that many budget laptops carry. However, a clean installation of Windows 11 or a Linux distro could improve performance and reduce clutter.

4. Pros & Cons

5. Where It Shines

The reviewer praised the device’s “constant companionship” for home and travel. They highlighted that it’s especially useful for:

• Students who need a cheap, portable machine for note‑taking and research.
• Freelancers who travel lightly and use the laptop primarily for word processing, spreadsheets, and video calls.
• Casual users who want a convertible device for streaming, browsing, and light gaming (the latter only on older titles or with reduced settings).

The price point also makes it attractive as a second‑hand or “backup” laptop for people who already own a higher‑end machine.

6. How to Grab the Deal

CNET’s article includes a “Buy Now” button that redirects to the retailer’s product page. The $250 price is advertised as a “today only” promotion, and stock is limited. The retailer typically offers free shipping and a 90‑day return window, giving buyers peace of mind.

For those who want to upgrade the storage, the laptop’s SSD slot is accessible via a simple rear panel removal, allowing an upgrade to a 128‑GB or 256‑GB NVMe drive. Some reviewers have swapped in a Crucial P3 NVMe SSD and noted a significant speed boost.

7. Final Thoughts

While the 2‑in‑1’s specifications are modest, the device delivers solid performance for everyday tasks at a fraction of the cost of comparable models. If you’re a student, a budget‑conscious traveler, or someone who doesn’t need a high‑end machine, the $250 convertible is a sensible choice. For power users, however, you might consider a higher‑tier model with better RAM, storage, and processor options.

CNET’s deal provides an excellent opportunity to acquire a functional, versatile laptop without compromising on mobility. It’s a good reminder that, in the laptop market, you can still find a credible device that fits the “home and travel” lifestyle without the premium price tag.