The latest generation of convertible-hybrid laptops has grown in size. The Acer Aspire R 14 (R3-471T-77HT) ($769.99 as tested), for example, has a 14-inch screen and weighs close to five pounds. It has speed, thanks to a fifth-generation Intel Core i7 processor, and good battery life. However, a low screen resolution and other drawbacks, like scads of bloatware and a lack of 5GHz Wi-Fi, keep the system from being more competitive. The Aspire R14 may be a good choice if your eyesight isn't what it used to be, and you need larger letters to read; otherwise, there are more compelling convertible-hybrid systems on the market.

Design and Features
The Aspire R 14 (R3-471T-77HT) looks like a traditional laptop, particularly when closed. Its dual hinge lets you pivot the screen into Notebook, Tent, Pad, or Display mode. Display and Tent modes let you interact with the touch screen directly, and Pad mode lets you use the Aspire R 14 like a tablet. Because of its large size, we think that you'll mostly use the system in Notebook mode.

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The system measures about 0.9 by 13.5 by 9.75 inches (HWD) and weighs 4.9 pounds. It's larger and heavier than our current Editors' Choice midrange convertible-hybrid laptop, the HP Spectre x360 13t (13-4003) , and rivals like the Lenovo Yoga 3 14. A 14-inch LCD screen with 1,366-by-768 resolution contributes to the laptop's bulk. The display's large breadth and relatively low resolution has the effect of increasing text size and blowing up images on websites, which may be a boon for folks with aging eyesight. The main issue is that the relatively low resolution makes the large text seem fuzzier, especially if you're used to the crisp text on a higher-resolution screen. You'll also be able to see individual pixels on the display at a normal seating distance, particularly in solid blocks of color. That's called a screen-door effect, because it mimics viewing the world though a mesh-screen door. Systems with higher-quality In-Plane Switching (IPS) screens, like the Dell Inspiron 13 7000 Series 2-in-1, don't suffer from the same effect.

Interacting with the system is a mixed bag. Its touch screen is very responsive, and the hinges have enough friction to quell its bouncing around while you're interacting with the display. The chiclet-style keyboard is comfortable enough to use all day, but is a little mushy. On the other hand, the one-piece touchpad clicks are a bit louder than those of other laptops and could get annoying quickly.