There’s inherent versatility in a 2-in-1 laptop for the simple fact it works as either a laptop or tablet, regardless of how it functionally plays both roles. But what it can’t do might be possible with the right tool for the job. This applies to anyone, be they students, professionals, content creators, or general users. As with any laptop, you want to improve your workflow as much as you can without compromising too much. When a computer accessory feels like an upgrade, it can change everything about how you get things done.
Must-have 2-in1 laptop accessories for productivity
Many accessories that would work with most laptops are just as adaptable to 2-in-1 models.
Stylus or digital pen
Some 2-in-1 laptops come bundled with a stylus or digital pen to illustrate that the device serves more than one purpose. If you don’t get one in the box, double-check that the touchscreen is optimized for stylus input. Some standard PC laptops have touchscreens that don’t work well with pens, and while less likely with a 2-in-1, is still worth clarifying.
When it comes to note-taking, drawing, editing PDFs, editing photos, and just being precise with what you’re doing onscreen, a high-quality stylus can be satisfying to work with. Pressure sensitivity and palm rejection also reduce the chances of making mistakes.
USB-C hub
Since many 2-in-1 laptops have minimal ports, a USB-C hub is a good way to fill the gap. This way, you can plug in monitors, SD cards, phones, headphones, external drives, and more from a single port. Suddenly, you could have a whole workstation in front of you rather than just a simple laptop.
External monitor, keyboard and mouse
A Bluetooth or wired keyboard, paired with a wireless mouse, still makes more ergonomic sense over longer writing or design sessions. Same with your eyes, where an external monitor or foldable USB-powered second screen can prove indispensable for getting things done faster by running multiple apps or files side-by-side.
Considering a 2-in-1 laptop? Learn more about 2-in-1 laptops and whether they suit your needs.
Accessories for protection and portability
A 2-in-1 laptop is supposed to go wherever you go, but you also need to protect it just in case. That doesn’t mean you need to have a case on it at all times, just that you have some form of protection for the body in transit or during a commute.
Laptop sleeve
A snug-fitting sleeve prevents avoidable scratches, dings, and scrapes while taking it with you. Even better if it has an extra slot for the stylus.
Screen protector
If you do want some extra peace of mind while using it, consider a screen protector as a way to keep the main screen pristine. Tempered glass or matte screen protectors are best because they add durability without affecting touch sensitivity, including when using a stylus.
Laptop stand
You might be in the camp that doesn’t think an external monitor is necessary. That’s totally fine, though you may want to consider how much your neck cranes to look at the screen. A laptop stand is a good way to raise the screen’s height to better meet your eye level and improve posture. Your body will thank you years later.
Tech pouch
All that said, there’s nothing worse than losing a charger, cable, dongle, or memory card. Don’t let it happen when you can get a pouch that carries all of those things.
Storage and backup solutions
As with any laptop, especially one with limited space, extra storage can be a lifesaver. Not just for giving you additional space to store files but also for backing up your 2-in-1.
External SSD drive
An external SSD drive is fast and easy to work with. You can pretty much plug it in and transfer files over right away.
Thumb drives
Thumb drives are pretty convenient as quick access tools. You plug it in, quickly copy files over or use it to backup a project or presentation. They won’t offer the same storage sizes as your typical SSD drives but can still be effective tools to have in your pocket. You’ll want drives with USB-C and USB-A to cover all devices.
Cloud storage
Cloud storage is a worthy backup plan, too. Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box—all of them offer various plans for students to automatically back up files, share files with others, and remotely access files based on how you set it up.
Find the accessories tailored to your needs
How one uses a 2-in-1 laptop can largely determine what accessories fit best. There’s certainly overlap depending on the types of assignments or projects you might be working on, so let’s break it down a little.
For students
Paper notebooks still have their place for the sheer permanence of pen to paper. However, a stylus pairs well with effective notetaking apps (like OneNote or GoodNotes) to highlight, annotate, or doodle diagrams in lectures. Software that can turn those writings into text also save a lot of time, and since you can search for keywords later, the efficiency is easy to appreciate.
For professionals
This is a pretty wide range. From a workstation setup that includes external monitors and peripherals, to portable scanners or headphones for virtual meetings, there’s a lot to consider. There are also HDMI adapters and presentation remotes for meetings, lectures, or conferences.
For creatives
The creative field you’re in can determine what accessories matter most. Artists and designers will love a stylus that feels accurate and responsive, along with drawing gloves to avoid smudging or accidental touches. Others working on photos and video would definitely like to store files on external drives, as well as use colour-calibrated portable monitors for more accurate editing.
How to choose accessories that actually work
Before buying, consider the following tips to avoid wasting money on poorly matched tools:
- Check compatibility: Does your device support Bluetooth 5.0? USB-C or Thunderbolt? Windows Ink? Always confirm before buying.
- Prioritize quality: You want durability and reliability in accessories you’ll use daily, like keyboards, mice, and styluses.
- Match your use case: A student’s needs differ from a content creator’s. Build your accessory kit around how you use your device, not just what’s popular.
Complete your 2-in-1 laptop setup
Your 2-in-1 laptop accessories need to be part of the solution throughout. Productivity comes in many forms, be it typing up reports, drawing characters, taking digital lecture notes, or multitasking between different apps. The right tools make your device better able to do those things more comfortably to suit your style and workflow.
Check out all the latest 2-in-1 laptops currently available, along with all the accessories that can work with them.
