How to Choose a Laptop for Your Work

When the time comes to find a laptop for your work, there are plenty of things to consider. The endless options out there do not make things any easier. Not to mention, there are many laptops that share similar characteristics, so even if you have some of an idea about what you need, this can still be a challenge. 

If you want to find the perfect laptop for work, you should stop looking at those top 10 choices list. Instead, learn what to pay attention to and base your decision on the features of the laptops you can afford. In the end, do some research to learn about the disadvantages of each of your options. For example, there are some problems of new Macs that might prompt you to avoid these models because they will affect your work. Or, a Lenovo laptop you were considering might not have the CPU you need. 

To help you make this decision, we’ve listed the key features you should consider. 

The Operating System

There are 3 primary operating systems that you can choose from. If your budget is low, you can instantly narrow this down to two, provided that you want to buy a brand new computer. The OS operating system devices cost over $1300 while Chrome and Windows tend to be much cheaper, often even half this price. 

Let’s discuss these options a bit:

• Apple OS

As we mentioned, computers with Apple’s OS X system have high price tags. However, this is a premium machine that boasts with a well-designed interface. If you have the budget for it, know that many creative professionals favor Apple laptops because of their function keys, high screen quality, as well as durability. 

At this point, it’s important to consider which programs you need to use for your business. Some businesses use software products that only run on Mac devices.

• Windows OS

Windows is a standard operating system for most work laptops. If you go for this operating system, your options will be far more numerous compared to Apple or Chrome. There are laptops that use Windows available in every possible configuration, and you can choose your price from a wide range depending on your budget. 

Windows has a handful of new features now that can help you be more productive in your work, and many find it easier to use. 

• Chrome OS

Finally, you have Google’s OS. If you go for this system, know that your options are limited, similarly to Apple laptops. Even so, Chromebooks have achieved great popularity with certain groups of users, including students and those on a lower budget. 

If you use the cloud frequently for work and don’t mind using it all the time, this is a good choice. Know that you cannot download programs on Chromebook. This might sound as a big disadvantage, but it also means that there are no updates to worry about. 

Size

Since you’ll be using this device for work, you probably have an idea of how big it should be. Do you need to carry it around or will you only be using it in your office – or at home? If you plan to move the laptop, it’s best to look for lightweight, smaller screen laptops that you can transport with ease. 

On the other hand, if you need to work on important projects and focus on the details in your work, you’ll probably want to get a laptop with a larger screen. 

Design

It’s not just about the size or the price of the laptop you’ll use for work – it’s also about its design. Ask yourself questions like:

• Am I looking for a comfortable keyboard or a high-resolution screen?
• Do I want a more traditional laptop that opens on a hinge, or should I get a hybrid (convertible) laptop instead?
• Do I need a touch screen?
• Do I need a stylus support?
• Should my laptop be rugged?

At this point, the decision should be based on your personal preference. 

RAM

RAM or Random Access Memory is a very important feature that can determine your laptop performance. If you do a lot of work on your computer at the same time i.e. write documents, edit multimedia, browse the web, attend meetings, etc., then you need a laptop with more RAM. 

A device with more RAM is faster and can support many actions at the same time. If you need something stronger, consider getting a laptop with at least 8GB RAM. 

Some Other Factors to Consider

Don’t stop there! If you want to make the smartest choice for your business, there’s a lot more you can learn about the laptops before you buy one, including:

• Screen quality 
• CPU (Central Processing Unit): low-end CPU, midrange CPU, or high-end CPUs. Most businesses use an Intel Core i5 or i7 CPU
• Memory/ storage
• Battery life

No, choosing a laptop for work is not easy, but if you take the time to check your options, you can pick a device that best meets your needs. 

Andrej Fedek

Andrej Fedek is a digital marketer. He recently started his own blog about digital marketing called InterCool Studio. His passion is to help startups grow and thrive in a competitive environment.