If you just want something that’s fast enough for schoolwork, lasts all day, and has a screen that actually makes Netflix look good, the Acer Swift 16 AI is the best laptop you can buy right now.

If you’re trying to keep it cheap and just want something that works, the Acer Aspire Go 15 is the perfect fit. It’s got a big screen and it handles all the basics like a champ.

Hybrids, also known as 2-in-1 notebooks, can function as traditional clamshell-style laptops when needed but transform into tablets when sketching, scribbling, or marking up a document is your main task. Some (generally called convertibles) sport a folding design that flips the keyboard out of the way by rotating around its hinge so the screen and keyboard are back-to-back.

Others (dubbed detachables) let you dock a tablet (the screen portion) with an accessory keyboard when you want laptop-like functionality. While these devices are tablets first, some provide the level of performance you'd expect from a laptop, though most are more comfortable to use on a desk than in your lap. What they do better than any laptop is let you take handwritten notes just as you would with pen and paper, making them ideal for many types of study. Microsoft's Surface Pro slates are at the forefront of power and design for detachables, and they have recently gone all-in on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Arm processors. These are the best versions of Windows on Arm chips yet, but they're not immune to the platform's app compatibility struggles.

A budget 2-in-1 might be just what you need to fill several roles. One thing to be mindful of: If you're considering a detachable design, ensure the keyboard cover, base, and stylus pen are included in the price. Some manufacturers (notably, Microsoft) charge extra for these accessories, hiking your total cost considerably.