Best Laptops for Your Online Business?

Laptops have become thinner and lighter. Their batteries last longer. While their physical appearance has become slim, their capabilities have not. Today’s laptops are powerful, robust, and versatile machines capable of handling business demands. These durable devices make it possible for business owners to work from anywhere, making it easier to keep an eye on your business even when you’re away from the office.

The laptop market is flooded with choices, but three well-established companies offer laptops that can work for online businesses. Whether you’re looking for an ultraportable or a desktop replacement, the following laptops have something for everyone.

Dell XPS Series

Dell’s XPS series has held a top position in the laptop market for years. The XPS 13 and 15 are two models that have consistently ranked in the top portable laptops. The XPS 17, with its large screen, operates as a true desktop replacement.

XPS 13

The latest XPS 13 comes with Intel’s 11th Generation (Tiger Lake) CPUs that offer speed, performance, and long battery life. For an ultraportable, the laptop weighs less than three pounds with a 13.4-inch display. It may not be the lightest ultraportable, but its slim chassis makes the XPS 13 a durable machine.

The updated design includes anodized edges to prevent scratching, and the palm rest incorporates UV- and stain-resistant coating. The laptop comes in silver with black palm rests or white with an off-white rest. The upgraded CPU ensures laptop longevity. With the added performance, the machine should support productivity solutions for at least five years. It does come in a combination touch and keyboard configuration that weighs slightly more than the standard model.

XPS 15

XPS 15, like the 13, has been redesigned with a trimmer chassis. A reduced width makes it easier to fit into laptop bags. A base configuration includes:

CPU: 1.3GHz Intel Core i7
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Ti
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Screen: 15.6-inch 4K touch
Storage: 512GB SSD

With its multiple configuration options, this list is just a place to start. The laptop is made of aluminum with a soft-touch carbon fiber keyboard. These features give it a solid feel. Dell has also updated its 16:9 aspect ratio to 16:10 for a more current image.  It is still heavier than its counterparts at 4.5 pounds and relies on USB-C ports, although adapters are included.

XPS17

The XPS17 is a workstation replacement, sharing many features of the XPS series of laptops. However, its size can be a deterrent. At 5.5 pounds, it is heavier than most laptops and doesn’t fit into standard carriers. The base configuration does provide more power than most laptops, giving it more of a desktop feel. It boasts a 2.30GHz Intel Core i7 processor with 32GB DDR4 ram.

HP Laptops

HP has ten laptops to choose from, although not all are designed as business replacements. Two productivity models include the Elite Dragonfly G2 and Spectre x360.

Elite Dragonfly G2

The Dragonfly G2 is designed for business use. Although it targets a business user, it does not scream “corporate.” It is a 2-in-1 device that operates like a laptop or a tablet. It has enough power with Intel’s 11th-generation processors to run Windows 10 efficiently. Most daily tasks can be handled with the G2’s ample RAM and fast SSD storage.

Dragonfly G2 has a long-lasting battery life. Under normal working conditions, it can operate an entire workday on a single charge. However, video calls do decrease the battery life. With no dedicated GPU, graphics-heavy workloads do not perform well. It is also one of the most expensive laptops on the market.

Spectre x360

The Spectre is Evo-certified making it a leaner and more portable device. Using Intel’s 11th-generation CPU, the laptop supports Windows 10 with fast boot times and powerful responsiveness. Its battery life can extend to 13 hours, so making it through a workday should not be a problem. It provides the features needed for day-to-day work, although its tablet feature could use some refinements.

Lenovo Laptops

Lenovo acquired IBM’s personal computer division in 2005, which gave it control of the IBM ThinkPad. Although Lenovo offers other laptop solutions, the ThinkPad retains much of the business feel of the IBM product.

Yoga 9i

The Lenovo Yoga 9i is also an Evo-certified laptop. It has an 11th-generation i7 core processor with an expected battery life of just under 15 hours. It is a 2-in-1 device with attractive styling elements, including an updated pen.

The laptop delivers an impressive audio experience, and its display, once calibrated, delivers quality video. Some of its enhanced features, such as a glass touchpad, are only available on certain chassis. The 2-in-1 device is one of the most functional; however, it is expensive, especially when upgrades are added.

ThinkPad X1 Extreme

ThinkPads are known for their black color scheme and business styling. They are designed for a working environment with a four-layer carbon-fiber surface and an aluminum alloy chassis. Its casing is intended to withstand the wear and tear of the workplace. Although its price is higher, its durability means fewer replacements.

Everything about the ThinkPad is familiar. There are no surprises. Connectors are on the sides, and components are labeled for easy identification. It is made for businesses where new devices cannot impede productivity. With a large and responsive keyboard and touchpad, the user can be back at work in no time.

The ThinkPad X1 Extreme continues the pattern of rapid user acceptance with little loss of productivity. The battery life is about 15 hours, and it recharges to 80% in a few hours. It’s designed for limited downtime and maximum productivity.

Choosing the Best Laptop

More laptops come to market every year—each featuring different processors, increased RAM, and more productivity capabilities. Trying to find the right balance between price and functionality can be time-consuming. Aside from the physical features, buyers have to consider the operating system and software that will run on the device. Technijian can help balance price, performance, and productivity. With its extensive knowledge of the Microsoft environment, the company knows what is needed to achieve optimum performance.