Shopping for Work Laptops

The best work laptops balance portability and power. They're fast and powerful mobile computers capable of running demanding productivity software and enterprise applications. Business users often prefer models with long battery life and slim, attractive designs. These laptops usually have high-end features such as ultra high-definition displays, precision trackpads, and ergonomic keyboards.

Operating Systems for Business Notebooks

Pick a preferred operating system before considering device design and hardware features. Windows is a popular operating system in offices, and has a huge library of productivity and enterprise apps. Business laptops and notebooks usually come with professional versions of Windows. Mac laptops run macOS and have sleek builds and gorgeous, industrial designs. These machines are common among creative professionals such as graphic designers.

Chrome OS is the third desktop operating system commonly used in business offices. Offered by Google, this cloud-based OS doesn't require powerful hardware. Devices that run this lightweight operating system are Chromebooks. Choose these computers if your office relies heavily on Google productivity apps and has a reliable internet connection.

What Are 2-in-1 Business Laptops?

A 2-in-1 laptop is a hybrid computer that's more flexible than a traditional clamshell notebook. It transforms into a tablet computer when needed. There are two types of 2-in-1 laptops: convertible and detachable PCs. A convertible model has a 360-degree hinge that allows the keyboard to fold out of the way, while a detachable unit has a removable keyboard. Some PC manufacturers offer both styles. For example, you can find convertible and detachable HP laptops under the brand's Envy series.

What Is the Ideal Screen Size for a Work Laptop?

Work notebooks come in screen sizes ranging from 10 to 17 inches. Compact models with screen sizes between 10 and 12 inches are small and light enough to carry everywhere. On the other hand, 15 and 17-inch units are desktop PC replacements. The wider displays on these large notebooks make multitasking easier as users can open multiple windows side by side. Business laptops with 13 or 14-inch displays offer the best of both worlds. They're portable like compact models and full-featured like bigger notebooks.

Key Features to Look for in Office Laptops

Manufacturers mostly use Intel Core and AMD Ryzen processors in these notebooks. For a fast and powerful mobile PC, look for a model equipped with the latest Intel Core or Ryzen processors. Their AMD equivalents are Ryzen 5 and 7. Choose mobile workstations if you want devices that have the fastest chips and you need machines that boast server-class CPUs.

The minimum RAM size to pick for work laptops is 4GB; however, opt for at least 8GB of RAM to avoid slowdowns when opening multiple windows and browser tabs. To smoothly run graphics-intensive software, get a laptop with 16GB of RAM or more. Consider a solid-state drive (SSD) for data storage. It's faster, quieter, and more durable than a hard disk drive. An SSD is a more energy-efficient option and it improves laptop battery life, as well.

Consider operating system, form factor, and hardware components when shopping for work laptops. Check the varied selection of mobile computers at B&H Photo and Video to find the right model for your needs.