Q: What Laptop Specs Do I Need For Remote Work
If you are working from home, you won’t need to worry too much about battery life, weight, or dimensions. However, if you are on the go, then these factors can be important.
Also, your laptop should have a good enough processor for your type of job. Intel Core i3, AMD 8, AMD Ryzen 3, and 5 are suitable for average intensity work. Intel Core i5, i7, i9, Xeon, and Apple’s M1 chips are better for high-intensity work.
Mac Vspc: Which One Is Best
When considering the best laptops for working from home, youll ultimately face the Mac vs. PC dilemma. Both devices have great qualities and performance and can accomplish the same tasks in terms of photo, video, and image editing as well as writing.
The main benefit of buying a PC is that they are more affordable than Macs and far more modifiable. They offer better hardware and configuration options. Gamers, for instance, prefer PCs as they offer better graphic cards and hardware.
Mac, on the other hand, offers user-friendliness and approachability. Often, graphic designers and professionals who use the computer visual elements prefer Macs because of their built-in retina.
Not sure what desk is best to support these computers? Check out our suggestions in this blog post.
The Best Keyboard: Microsoft Surface Keyboard
The Surface Keyboard is a clean and responsive keyboard. Its a full-size wireless model that effortlessly connects to your PC through Bluetooth. You couldnt ask for better build quality, with plastic keys resting on a super-slim aluminum deck.
The Surface Keyboard runs on two AAA batteries instead of an internal battery, but can last for as long as a full year on a pair.
It should be noted the Microsoft Surface Keyboard is not a mechanical keyboard, meaning it uses traditional rubber dome switches rather than mechanical ones. Plenty of fantastic mechanical keyboards are available just know they tend to be a bit more expensive, and will fill your house with the lovely clatter of typing.
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How We Test Computers
The review process for laptops, desktops, tablets and other computer-like devices consists of two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in the CNET Labs and extensive hands-on use by our expert reviewers. This includes evaluating a device’s aesthetics, ergonomics and features. A final review verdict is a combination of both those objective and subjective judgments.
The list of benchmarking software we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. The most important core tests we’re currently running on every compatible computer include: Primate Labs Geekbench 5, Cinebench R23, PCMark 10 and 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra.
A more detailed description of each benchmark and how we use it can be found in our How We Test Computers page.
Laptop Recommendations For Other Remote Jobs
Digital marketers and developers arent the only two remote job groups in need of high-quality, affordable laptops. Here are a few more professions that need a reliable device to do remote work.
1) Teachers and online coaches
If youre teaching online, you dont necessarily need an expensive laptop, but it should have a few essential features to support numerous Zoom calls and help you edit content for your online classes. Here are the basic laptop specifications teachers and online couches should be looking for:
- At least 8 GB RAM.
- A minimum of 256 GB SSD.
- A 13 screen minimum.
- Low- to average-intensity CPU.
- High-quality webcam and keyboard.
On top of that, look for a laptop with decent battery life. It should be able to get you through at least 11 hours of work without a power cord in case you experience a power outage in your area.
2) Travel agents
If you work as a travel agent, you can choose any affordable laptop on the market. Since your job doesnt involve a lot of data processing, you can opt for the most basic features, including:
- A low-intensity CPU.
- A 13 screen.
- A minimum of 8 hours battery life.
What you definitely need in a laptop is a good-quality webcam. Since youll have to connect with your clients remotely, you will most likely have several Zoom meetings a day, making an advanced webcam that can transmit a high-quality image your top requirement.
3) Real estate agents
Here are the specs you might want to consider:
4) Insurance agents
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Which Is The Best Laptop For Work From Home
The best laptop for work from home depends on your specific needs and budget. However, there are a few features that are important to consider if you’ll be spending most of your time working from home. First, make sure the laptop has a fast processor, plenty of RAM, and a large hard drive. These will ensure that your laptop can handle any work-related tasks you throw at it. Second, choose a laptop with a comfortable keyboard and trackpad. If you’ll be spending hours typing or clicking away, you’ll want a model that won’t strain your hands or wrists. Finally, pick a laptop with good battery life. Even if you’re working from home, you don’t want to be tethered to an outlet all day long. If you keep these factors in mind, you’ll be sure to find the best laptop for work from home.
Which Laptops Have The Best Battery Life
Most modern laptops offer at least 10 hours of battery life, but if you need more than that, then there are some amazing options available today.
Most of Apple’s new M1 MacBooks offer 20+ hours battery life, with the 2020 MacBook Air M1 offering some of the best battery life of any laptop available today. Alternatively, Windows users can find up to 17 hours of battery life in the Acer Swift 3, or in Microsoft’s excellent Surface Laptop 4. There are also some Dell Latitude laptops which can get close to those numbers if you keep the screen brightness down, too.
There are a lot of Chromebooks with amazing battery life, too, taking full advantage of their lean operating system and lightweight hardware to last for up to 20 hours on a single charge in some cases.
The laptops with the best battery life tend to be those with lower resolution, smaller screens, without a dedicated GPU, and with the option of turning off any extraneous lighting. Gaming laptops tend to have poor battery life, but there are somelike the Asus G14which can manage close to 10 hours of gaming time.
The laptops with the best battery life may offer around 15-20 hours, though the more common battery life in premium laptops is around 10-12 hours. More affordable laptops will offer more like eight hours, and gaming laptops can be anywhere from 2-5 hours at best.
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Whether Youre Travelling Or Staying At Home Make Sure Youre Prepared With The One Of These Devices
Choosing a new laptop can be an exciting time, yet you always want to make sure you get the best device for your needs.
This is especially true if youre looking for the best remote work laptop to work comfortably from your home, or even the best laptop for so-called digital nomads, if youre looking to work on the move around the world.
To help you make your choice, weve put together a list of some of the best laptops around for remote workers and digital nomads, looking at things like design, flexibility, and functionality.
Ports: Hdmi Audio And Usb
The best laptop for home office should provide you with a wide selection of ports to meet all your needs. I recommend to check if a laptop is equipped with these ports:
-One or two USB-A ports for an external keyboard and thumb drives
-One or two USB-C ports
-An HDMI port for an external display
-An audio jack for earphones and a microphone
-A SD card slot.
Anyway, if the size is your priority, you can choose a compact and light computer with only one or two USB-C ports. In such a case you will need a USB-C hub to provide you with the necessary ports.
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Hp 15 Notebook Work From Home & Travel Pick
In terms of power and price, this laptop is balanced in both, powerful performance at a reasonable price tag.
The HP 15 Notebook is fitted with the latest 10th generation Core i3 processor that claims to beat older generation i5 processors and is backed by 8GB of RAM, ensuring you have plenty of power for multitasking.
While there is no dedicated GPU, the integrated Intel UHD graphics renders any graphics without problem so you can continue working on the screen without any hassle, it is also capable of providing entertainment for light gamers and everyday users.
The keyboard is meant for daily use as it has very nice and responsive keys and the spacing is just right while the key travel is modest, the keys are not too clicky which sometimes leads to distraction.
If you happen to travel a lot or just a regular professional who works from home then HP 15 Notebook is best for you.
Recommended Configuration For HP 15 Notebook
CPU: Intel Core i3-1005G1 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics| RAM: 8GB | Screen: 15.6-inch 1366×768 Full HD display | Storage: 128GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: up to 6 hours | Weight: 3.75 lbs
Pcs And Accessories For Staying Connected
Docking Adapter
Connect your laptop to your PC accessories through a compact Dell docking adapter for easy access to your keyboard and mouse and seamless video and internet connectivity.
Monitor
A monitor is easy on the eyes and increases productivity, letting you quickly view entire documents and access multiple apps at once. Youll also enjoy more comfort with an adjustable viewing angle.
Keyboard and Mouse
Type and navigate quickly and accurately by pairing your PC with a full-size wireless keyboard and mouse. Enhanced comfort is at your fingertips with accessories that support your hand and wrist posture.
Headset
Upgrade to better sound, call quality and comfort with a noise-canceling headset. Youll want to look for ones that have easy-to-use call management features for a seamless connection to your PC or smartphone.
Dell Mobile Connect
For seamless wireless integration between smartphones and PCs, unite your devices with Dell Mobile Connect. Make calls, send texts and get notifications on your PC so you can stay focused.
Complete Support Services
For the best protection and peace of mind, upgrade to Premium Support Plus with SupportAssist for real-time, real-person support 24×7, the ability to detect and fix issues before they cause problems and coverage for accidental drops, spills or electrical surges.
Docking Adapter
Monitor
Keyboard and Mouse
Headset
Dell Mobile Connect
Complete Support Services
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The Best Laptop Stand: Boyata Laptop Stand
Buying a laptop stand should be simple, right? A stack of books could do the trick in a pinch, after all. However, many laptop stands cut corners to hit a lower price. The result is a flimsy piece of plastic or metal that wobbles like Jell-o.
Your best option is the BoYata multi-angle laptop stand, which features complete customization of the angle and height of the stand. It fits just about every laptop imaginable, but is a particularly good fit for large 15-inch laptops. It even folds down completely if you want to transport it or store it for later.
What Are The Things To Think About Before Purchasing A Laptop To Work From Home
There are three things you should consider. These are – the monitor display quality, performance and WiFi connectivity. Having a nice monitor display helps reduce eye strain when working long hours on your computer.
A powerful laptop allows you to multitask and handle heavy workloads. In addition to this, a decent WiFi card will guarantee you can connect to wireless networks at high rates.
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Q: Is A Bigger Laptop Screen Better
A bigger screen is undoubtedly better if you are only required to use the laptop at home. You will be able to view documents and attend meetings or hold classes more efficiently on a bigger screen.
However, digital nomads may want to consider the screen size solely for transportation purposes.
We hope you like the items we recommend and discuss! MUO has affiliate and sponsored partnerships, so we receive a share of the revenue from some of your purchases. This wonât affect the price you pay and helps us offer the best product recommendations.
Dell Inspiron 14 Budget I7 Option
If you dont mind getting a renewed laptop to lessen the price then this laptop could actually give you the power and budget.
The Dell Inspiron 14 is powered by a powerful Core i7 processor together with 8GB of RAM, this hardware configuration can easily execute any demanding tasks with ease.
This laptop can bend its monitor 80 degrees for you to be able to use it in tablet mode for better portability, its quite lightweight and thin so you wont have any problem carrying it around.
In terms of connectivity, this laptop is laced with everything you need including HDMI port, USB Type C, USB 2.0, two USB 3.1, headphone jack, and Wedge-shaped lock.
The touchscreen display does not compromise the quality as it has 1080p resolution and an IPS display to give some vivid images for a more immersive viewing experience.
Recommended Configuration For Dell Inspiron 14
CPU: Intel Core i7-8565U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics| RAM: 8GB | Screen: 14-inch 1920×1080 IPS LED-Backlit Touch display | Storage: 256GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: up to 5 hours | Weight: 3.87 lbs
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Best For Windows Users: Dell Xps 13
What the MacBook Pro is for macOS, the new XPS 13-inch is for PCs. It combines a slim form-factor with the power you need to get work done. It’s a little pricier than a few of the options on this list , but if you’re a Windows user and you want the very best laptop you can get, dollar for dollar, this is it. The 4K touch-display, though more expensive, also happens to be very nice.
The Best Laptops For Home Use Are Versatile
When youre working from home on a laptop, versatility wins. Thats why we recommend solid mid-range features like Intel U-class CPUs and generous servings of RAM, storage, and ports. Shop wisely, dont be dazzled by things you dont need, and enjoy a laptop that can serve you well, day in and day out.
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Best Business Clamshell: Lenovo Thinkpad X13
Unsurprisingly, business laptops are great for working, and the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 is a fantastic example of that. It has the iconic ThinkPad design with some modern touches that make this one of the best laptops you can buy to work from home.
The latest generation of the Lenovo ThinkPad X13 comes with Intels 28W processors from the P series, up to a Core i7-1280P. Thats a 14-core, 20-thread CPU with boost speeds up to 4.8GHz, and its one of the fastest processors you can fit in a chassis like this. It also includes integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, making some light GPU workloads more viable. Aside from the CPU, you can count on up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage .
The display on the ThinkPad X13 is a 13.3-inch panel and it comes in the 16:10 aspect ratio. The base model comes in Full HD+ resolution, and you can configure it with a touchscreen or a Privacy Guard display. There will also be an option for a Quad HD+ display if you want the extra detail. Depending on the model you choose, the maximum brightness can go up to 500 nits, so this should be an easy laptop to use outdoors, too.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X13 comes with a 1080p webcam in most models, and that means you should get pretty good image quality by default, which is great if youre in a lot of meetings and calls for work. Theres also going to be an option for Windows Hello facial recognition support, though at the time of writing, none of the configurations available offer that option.
Screen And Display Quality
The screen size is one of the most important factors in choosing the right laptop for your needs. You should consider how big you need your screen to be able to work from home. If youre working from home, youll need a high-end laptop with a high-resolution screen. You need a laptop with an FHD IPS panel to enjoy clarity and use the laptop for watching movies.
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Which Brand Of Laptop Is The Most Reliable
Most modern laptops from brands like Lenovo, Dell, Apple and HP are reliable, especially if you opt for the more expensive models. However, some lines of laptops from these manufacturers have a particular pedigree for reliability and durability.
Lenovo’s Thinkpad range of professionally-targeted laptops are particularly lauded for their build quality, lengthy battery life and durability. They don’t always look as sleek as other designs, and the hardware isn’t always cutting-edge, but they are some of the most popular business workstations for professional use.
Apple’s MacBooksparticularly the new-generation MacBook Pro M1 modelsoffer a combination of fantastic build quality, amazing performance and incredible efficiency leading to great battery life. That combination means they’ll have great longevity and its the most hassle-free platform for creatives. Dell’s XPS model laptops are also very reliable, with excellent build quality and battery life, though HP’s Spectre range of convertible laptops are also well worth considering.