Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- Modular laptops excel when versatility and upgradeability are priorities, but often come with tradeoffs in weight and form factor.
- Top-tier models like the Dell 16 Plus balance high performance with expandability, making them suitable for power users.
- Ultrabook-style options like the ASUS Zenbook Duo emphasize portability and innovative screen setups, often at a premium price.
- Battery life and thermal management are common challenges in modular designs, especially with high-performance components.
- The selection process reveals a pattern: higher modularity usually means larger size or higher cost, requiring buyers to weigh flexibility against portability.
| modular laptop | Processor | Display | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell 16 Plus Touchscreen Lapto | — | — | — |
| GPD Pocket 4 Mini Laptop with | — | — | — |
| ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop with D | — | — | — |
| HP OmniBook 7 Flip 16 2-in-1 B | — | — | — |
| ASUS Zenbook Duo 14" OLED Touc | — | — | — |
| GPD Pocket 4 AI 370-32GB+2TB M | AMD Ryzen A1 9 HX-370, 12 Cores/24 Threads | 8.8-inch LTPS, 2560×1600, 144Hz | 2TB SSD |
| GPD Pocket 4 AI 370-32GB+2TB M | AMD Ryzen A1 9 HX-370, 12 Cores/24 Threads | 8.8-inch LTPS, 2560×1600, 144Hz | 32GB RAM + 2TB SSD |
| ASUS ProArt PZ13 2-in-1 AI Lap | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100, 3.20GHz (up to 3.4 GHz) | 13.3" OLED 3K (2880×1800) Touchscreen | 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Dell 15 DC15250 Touch Laptop w | Intel i7-1355U (10-Core) | 15.6-inch FHD Touchscreen | 1TB SSD |
| ASUS ProArt 13" OLED 3K Detach | Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 | 13" OLED 3K (2880×1800) | 2TB (1TB SSD + 1TB Docking Station) |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Dell 16 Plus Touchscreen Laptop with Intel Core Ultra 9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Wi-Fi 7, Windows 11 Home
The Dell 16 Plus stands out for its combination of a large, high-resolution touchscreen and top-tier performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks like content creation and AI workloads. Its Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and 32GB RAM ensure smooth multitasking, outperforming most ultraportables like the ASUS Zenbook Duo, which sacrifices some power for portability. The 16:10 display offers more vertical space, boosting productivity, but the weight and premium price might limit portability for frequent travelers. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 4 support fast data transfer and future-proofing. However, the device’s size and weight could be a drawback for those needing ultra-light laptops. It’s best suited for professionals needing serious horsepower in a versatile package.
Pros:- Powerful Intel Core Ultra 9 processor with AI acceleration
- Large, detailed 16-inch touchscreen display
- Fast 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD for seamless multitasking
Cons:- Heavy and less portable compared to smaller laptops
- Premium features come at a high cost
- Limited to Windows 11 Home edition
Best for: Power users, content creators, and professionals needing a large, high-performance touchscreen laptop.
Not ideal for: Travelers seeking a lightweight, ultraportable device or budget-conscious buyers due to its premium price.
Our verdict“This laptop is an excellent choice for professionals demanding high performance and a large display, despite its weight and price.”
GPD Pocket 4 Mini Laptop with AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, 8.8-Inch 2.5K Touchscreen, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
The GPD Pocket 4 offers impressive performance in a tiny footprint, making it perfect for those who need a high-end device on the move. Its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and 32GB RAM provide enough punch for gaming, creative work, and multitasking, rivaling larger laptops like the Dell 16 Plus in raw power but in a much smaller form factor. The 8.8-inch 2.5K touchscreen with 144Hz refresh rate enhances usability, especially for creative tasks and media consumption. Its expandable modules and fast charging add to its versatility, but limited information on weight and battery life may concern frequent travelers. This device is ideal for users who prioritize portability without sacrificing performance.
Pros:- High-performance AMD Ryzen AI 9 CPU with Radeon 890M GPU
- Compact, lightweight design with a vibrant 2.5K touchscreen
- Expandable modules for customization and versatile connectivity
Cons:- Limited details on overall weight and battery life
- Potentially high cost for the specs
- Small screen may be less suitable for prolonged productivity sessions
Best for: Creative professionals and power users who need a highly portable device with high performance and expandability.
Not ideal for: Users who prefer larger screens for productivity or those needing longer battery life for extended use.
Our verdict“This mini laptop excels for on-the-go users who need serious power in a pocket-sized device, despite some limitations in screen size and battery info.”
ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop with Dual 14″ OLED Touchscreens, Intel Core Ultra 9 285H, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, WiFi 7, Thunderbolt 4, Windows 11
The ASUS Zenbook Duo offers a dual-screen experience with vibrant OLED displays, making it a standout for multitasking, creative workflows, and productivity. Its Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor and 32GB RAM ensure robust performance, comparable to the Dell 16 Plus but in a more portable and flexible form. The dual 14-inch OLED screens deliver stunning visuals, ideal for split workflows, while the detachable keyboard and kickstand add versatile modes. Battery life varies—up to 16 hours in laptop mode—so it’s best for those who can keep it plugged in during long creative sessions. Premium pricing and the dual-screen setup might be a hurdle for some users, but it’s a smart choice for multitasking professionals.
Pros:- Vivid dual 14-inch OLED touchscreens with high color accuracy
- Powerful performance with Intel Core Ultra 9 and 32GB RAM
- Portable design with detachable keyboard and kickstand
Cons:- High price point may be a barrier
- Battery life can vary significantly based on usage modes
- Dual-screen setup might require adaptation for new users
Best for: Creative professionals and multitaskers who value dual high-quality displays and portability.
Not ideal for: Users seeking a traditional, single-screen laptop or those on a tight budget due to premium pricing.
Our verdict“Ideal for creative professionals who need dual high-quality displays in a portable form, despite premium costs.”
HP OmniBook 7 Flip 16 2-in-1 Business Laptop with 16-Inch 3K OLED Touchscreen
The HP OmniBook 7 Flip combines a high-resolution 3K OLED touchscreen with a flexible 2-in-1 form factor, catering well to business users needing versatility. Its Intel Octa-core Ultra 7 Series 258V processor and 32GB RAM support demanding multitasking and productivity, rivaling the performance of larger models like the Dell 16 Plus but with a focus on portability and flexibility. The 16-inch OLED display offers vibrant visuals perfect for presentations and detailed work. The inclusion of a rechargeable pen adds creative options, but the device’s weight and limited battery details could be drawbacks for on-the-go use. It’s best suited for professionals who prioritize a premium display with flexible usage modes.
Pros:- High-resolution 3K OLED touchscreen with HDR support
- Powerful octa-core processor and ample RAM
- Includes rechargeable pen for creative tasks
Cons:- Heavy for frequent travel
- Limited details on battery life
- Premium price may be prohibitive for some users
Best for: Business professionals and power users who need a versatile 2-in-1 with a stunning display for productivity and presentations.
Not ideal for: Travelers needing ultra-lightweight devices or users with tight budgets, due to premium features and weight.
Our verdict“This 2-in-1 is perfect for business users who value a flexible form factor and stunning display, despite its weight and cost.”
ASUS Zenbook Duo 14″ OLED Touchscreen Laptop with 3K 120Hz Display, Intel Core Ultra 7, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Inkwell Gray
The ASUS Zenbook Duo 14″ OLED combines portability with high-performance dual screens, making it an excellent choice for multitasking and creative work. Its Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and 32GB RAM deliver solid performance, comparable to larger models like the Dell 16 Plus, but in a much lighter package. The 3K OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate provides vibrant visuals, ideal for design and media work. Its MIL-STD 810H certification indicates durability for mobile use, and the detachable keyboard adds versatility. Battery life details are not specified, which could be a concern for full-day use. This device is well-suited for creative professionals who need portability without sacrificing screen quality.
Pros:- Vivid 3K OLED touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate
- Powerful performance with Intel Core Ultra 7 and 32GB RAM
- Lightweight and durable with MIL-STD 810H certification
Cons:- Battery life details are not provided
- Dual-screen setup may require adjustment for some users
- Premium price might be a barrier for some
Best for: Creative professionals and multitaskers needing a portable, dual-screen device with high-quality displays.
Not ideal for: Users seeking a traditional laptop experience or those who need extensive battery life without frequent charging.
Our verdict“This ultralight dual-screen laptop offers excellent performance and display quality for creative professionals on the move, despite some uncertainties about battery life.”
GPD Pocket 4 AI 370-32GB+2TB Modular Handheld Laptop 8.8″ 2560×1600 Rotating Screen Windows 11
The GPD Pocket 4 stands out for its impressive combination of portability and performance, featuring an 8.8-inch 2.5K display with a 144Hz refresh rate that rivals larger models like the ASUS ProArt PZ13 in visual quality. Its AMD Ryzen A1 9 HX processor and AMD Radeon 890M graphics deliver solid performance for gaming and productivity on the go. The modular I/O system offers versatile connectivity, but it comes with the caveat that additional modules must be purchased separately, increasing overall cost. Battery life varies significantly based on use, which can be a concern for extended sessions away from power sources. Compared to the ASUS ProArt PZ13, this model sacrifices some creative features for a smaller form factor, making it ideal for mobile users who need power in a tiny package.
Pros:- Compact and highly portable with a high-resolution 8.8-inch display
- Powerful AMD Ryzen processor and Radeon graphics for versatile use
- Modular I/O options for flexible connectivity
Cons:- Additional modules require separate purchase, adding cost
- Battery life can be inconsistent depending on workload
- Limited information on build quality and keyboard ergonomics
Best for: Power users who need a highly portable device with robust performance and modular expandability for travel or field work
Not ideal for: Creative professionals seeking a larger screen and dedicated creative tools, as the small form factor limits detailed work and ergonomic comfort
- Processor:AMD Ryzen A1 9 HX-370, 12 Cores/24 Threads
- Graphics:AMD Radeon 890M RNDA3, 16 cores, 2900 MHz
- Display:8.8-inch LTPS, 2560×1600, 144Hz
- Brightness:500 nits
- RAM:32GB
- Storage:2TB SSD
- Battery:44.8Wh, 2-10 hours depending on use
- Ports:USB4, HDMI 2.1, USB-C 3.2 Gen2, USB-A 3.2 Gen2, USB-A 2.0, RJ45, 3.5mm audio
- Modular I/O:MicroSD, 4G LTE, RS-232, KVM (additional modules sold separately)
Our verdict“This pick is best for mobile professionals who prioritize performance and expandability in a tiny footprint.”
GPD Pocket 4 AI 370-32GB+2TB Modular Handheld Laptop 8.8″ 2560×1600 Rotating Screen Windows 11
This version of the GPD Pocket 4 emphasizes long battery life and high performance, with a similar high-res, 144Hz display as the other GPD model but with a focus on portability and connectivity. Its AMD Ryzen A1 9 HX processor and AMD Radeon 890M graphics enable smooth multitasking and light gaming, comparable to the ASUS Zenbook Duo’s creative capabilities but in a more compact form. The modular I/O system allows customization, yet it requires separate purchases, which can inflate total costs. Battery life, rated up to 10 hours, makes it a strong candidate for remote work or fieldwork, although hardware-intensive tasks may drain it faster. Compared with the ASUS ProArt PZ13, this model sacrifices some creative features in favor of mobility, making it suitable for users needing a balance of power and portability.
Pros:- Long battery life with fast charging capability
- Compact, lightweight design for portability
- Versatile modular I/O for on-demand connectivity
Cons:- Full functionality depends on purchasing additional modules
- Hardware-intensive use may reduce battery longevity
- Potentially limited software support for modular components
Best for: Travelers and field workers who need a lightweight, high-performance device with flexible connectivity options
Not ideal for: Creative professionals who require a larger screen or dedicated creative software support, as the small size limits detailed editing
- Processor:AMD Ryzen A1 9 HX-370, 12 Cores/24 Threads
- Graphics:AMD Radeon 890M RNDA3, 16 cores, 2900 MHz
- Display:8.8-inch LTPS, 2560×1600, 144Hz
- Battery:44.8Wh, 2-10 hours depending on use
- Storage:32GB RAM + 2TB SSD
- Ports:USB4, HDMI 2.1, USB-C 3.2 Gen2, USB-A 3.2 Gen2, USB-A 2.0, RJ45, 3.5mm audio
- Additional Modules:MicroSD, 4G LTE, RS-232, KVM (sold separately)
Our verdict“Ideal for mobile professionals who need reliable performance and flexible ports without sacrificing portability.”
ASUS ProArt PZ13 2-in-1 AI Laptop 13.3″ Touch OLED 3K Detachable Display
The ASUS ProArt PZ13 excels as a creative tool, featuring a stunning 13.3-inch OLED 3K display with deep blacks and vivid colors that surpass the GPD models’ screens in visual fidelity. Its detachable design offers flexibility, functioning as both a tablet and a laptop, ideal for artists and designers. Powered by a Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 octa-core processor, it handles multitasking and creative software efficiently, yet its high-end hardware and OLED screen come with limitations—particularly in battery life, which is often shorter in high-performance modes. While the modular I/O system is less prominent here, ASUS’s build quality and display clarity make this a premium choice for those prioritizing creative work over raw power or expandability, unlike the more gaming-oriented GPD models.
Pros:- Stunning 3K OLED display with excellent contrast and color
- Detachable design for versatile use as a tablet or laptop
- Powerful octa-core Snapdragon processor for multitasking
Cons:- Battery life can be limited during intensive creative tasks
- High price may be prohibitive for casual users
- Limited expandability compared to other modular options
Best for: Creative professionals and artists seeking a high-quality display with versatile form factors
Not ideal for: Power users needing extensive I/O options or gaming performance, as the modular I/O is limited and the hardware is optimized for visuals and creative workflows
- Display:13.3″ OLED 3K (2880×1800) Touchscreen
- Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100, 3.20GHz (up to 3.4 GHz)
- RAM:16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage:1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno Shared Integrated Graphics
- Battery:70 WHr, 3-Cell
- Connectivity:WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4
Our verdict“Best suited for creatives who want a premium display and flexible form factor, and who are less concerned about modular expandability.”
Dell 15 DC15250 Touch Laptop with Intel i7-1355U, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Pro
The Dell 15 DC15250 combines power and size, featuring a 15.6-inch FHD touchscreen, an 13th Gen Intel i7 processor, and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, making it well-suited for demanding multitasking and remote work. Its large screen and responsive touch interface make it stand out over smaller compact models like the GPD or ASUS ProArt when productivity on a bigger display is prioritized. However, its weight and bulkier chassis make it less ideal for frequent travelers or those seeking ultraportable devices. The inclusion of Windows 11 Pro supports advanced workflows, but the price point can be steep for casual or budget-conscious buyers, especially since it lacks the ultra-light portability of smaller models.
Pros:- Powerful 13th Gen i7 CPU with 10 cores for demanding tasks
- Ample 32GB DDR5 RAM supports multitasking
- Large 15.6-inch touchscreen with responsive performance
Cons:- Heavy and less portable compared to smaller models
- Premium price may be a barrier for budget users
- Battery life may not match smaller, more efficient devices
Best for: Business users and students needing a powerful, large-screen device for multitasking and remote collaboration
Not ideal for: Frequent travelers or mobile users needing a lightweight, compact device, as the laptop is relatively heavy and bulky
- Processor:Intel i7-1355U (10-Core)
- RAM:32GB DDR5
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Display:15.6-inch FHD Touchscreen
- Operating System:Windows 11 Pro
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI
Our verdict“Ideal for business professionals who need a large, powerful touchscreen device for multitasking and productivity.”
ASUS ProArt 13″ OLED 3K Detachable Laptop with Snapdragon X Plus Processor
The ASUS ProArt 13″ OLED combines a vivid 3K OLED display with a lightweight, detachable design, making it a versatile choice for professionals who value visual quality and portability. Its Snapdragon X Plus processor delivers efficient multitasking, comparable to the GPD models but in a more polished, premium package. The inclusion of a docking station with extra storage extends its capabilities, though its lightweight construction at under 2 pounds may affect durability and robustness. Unlike the more gaming-focused GPD models, this device emphasizes creative clarity and mobility, making it a strong contender for artists and designers who need a high-quality display in a portable form factor.
Pros:- Vivid 3K OLED display with rich contrast and deep blacks
- Detachable, convertible design for versatile use
- Lightweight and portable for on-the-move workflows
Cons:- Battery life may be limited during intensive creative tasks
- Premium price point may limit accessibility for some users
- Limited expandability compared to bulkier workstations
Best for: Creative professionals and digital artists who need a portable device with a stunning display and detachable flexibility
Not ideal for: Power users requiring extensive I/O or gaming performance, as the hardware prioritizes visuals and portability over raw expandability
- Display:13″ OLED 3K (2880×1800)
- Processor:Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100
- RAM:16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage:2TB (1TB SSD + 1TB Docking Station)
- Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno
- Weight:1.94 lbs
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Our verdict“Best suited for creatives who prioritize high-quality visuals and portability over extensive modular expandability.”
How We Picked
These laptops were evaluated based on their modularity and upgradeability features, overall performance, build quality, and user flexibility. I prioritized models that clearly allow component swaps or upgrades without voiding warranties, as well as those with innovative design elements that enhance usability. Performance benchmarks, user reviews, and value for money also influenced the ranking, ensuring that each option offers a distinct advantage for different types of users. The list aims to balance technical features with practical considerations like portability, price, and future-proofing.| modular laptop | Processor |
|---|---|
| Dell 16 Plus Touchscreen Lapto | — |
| GPD Pocket 4 Mini Laptop with | — |
| ASUS Zenbook Duo Laptop with D | — |
| HP OmniBook 7 Flip 16 2-in-1 B | — |
| ASUS Zenbook Duo 14" OLED Touc | — |
| GPD Pocket 4 AI 370-32GB+2TB M | AMD Ryzen A1 9 HX-370, 12 Cores/24 Threads |
| GPD Pocket 4 AI 370-32GB+2TB M | AMD Ryzen A1 9 HX-370, 12 Cores/24 Threads |
| ASUS ProArt PZ13 2-in-1 AI Lap | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100, 3.20GHz (up to 3.4 GHz) |
| Dell 15 DC15250 Touch Laptop w | Intel i7-1355U (10-Core) |
| ASUS ProArt 13" OLED 3K Detach | Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 |
