I am fairly certain that the 2-in-1 devices we see today are a consequence of Windows 8, which is an operating system with two user modes. Windows 8's two modes didn't translate well to one-mode personal computers, be they desktops, notebooks, or tablets, but make sense in a device with multiple modes. #

I think ASUS was one of the first companies to sell 2-in-1s, followed closely be the likes of Lenovo and HP, until it was embraced by Microsoft when it released the Surface Pro. The big two, Apple and Google, have recently got on board with the iPad Pro and the Pixel C, although neither company calls these devices 2-in-1s. In my opinion, these companies strongly promoting a keyboard accessory effectively makes these devices 2-in-1s. #

These recent announcements put Apple and Google in the follower position to Microsoft's lead in the real personal computer dance. (How many articles about the iPad Pro and the Pixel compare the device to the Surface Pro?) Further, fate might be turning the table for Microsoft as Apple and Google are now trying to move their mobile operating systems, which were originally designed for smartphones, to the productivity space in which Windows reigns. #

Windows 10 works better for 2-in-1s because it was designed from the beginning for productivity due to its windows user interface. Split screens, easy app switching, and mice are not add-ons as they are for iOS and Android. In fact, Android still doesn't natively provide any type of dual-screen functionality and neither iOS nor Android devices come with mice or touchpads. #

Reports are that the tablet market is stagnating, which is driving Apple and Google to add new functionality such as the "2-in-1" mode, to their tablet solutions. Part of the problem may be that Steve Job's claim that tablets (he was speaking specifically about the iPad) are the new personal computer is proving to be true and with that comes longer refresh cycles. For many people, the iPad they bought last year is still good and will be good enough next year, which does not bode well for Apple. #

If people truly adopt tablets, particularly 2-in-1s, as their personal computer, then they are going to use them as more than content devices, and that provides an opportunity for Windows and Microsoft. It is critical that Microsoft continues improving on Surface and Windows 10 so that it provides the reliability of the mobile operating systems along with the traditional productivity capabilities of Windows.#