Laptops are a vital part of most companies. This is especially true at smaller businesses, who according to this report by Spiceworks, continue to focus their IT spending on laptops and desktop computers. This is compared to larger firms, who are now prioritizing cloud and other new technologies.
Choosing a laptop with the right specifications and configuration for each employee can be a major hassle for small and mid-sized businesses. They often lack a team member with the skills (or time) to really dig into the details and make a wise choice. That’s why we created this laptop buying guide, to help business users looking for help.
There are many laptops marketed toward business audiences. Is all that separates consumer and business-grade laptops marketing lingo? There are some important differences between the two. Here are three reasons why businesses should embrace business laptops, as opposed to consumer ones.
Now that you know why business laptops are better for productivity than consumer ones, how do you find the right model for you? Start your search with these four models, each of which have earned the respect of Techmedics’ experts for their value, features, and dependability.
In 2019, Dell has chosen not to make any radical revisions to its flagship XPS business laptop. We understand why, as the XPS has been an extremely popular business laptop for several years that provides a well-rounded machine that’s light, powerful, and enjoyable to use.
CPU: Intel Core i7/i9
GPU: GeForce GTX 1650
RAM: 8GB/16GB/32GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB/ 1TB
Display: 15.6″, 1080p or 4K (OLED)
Size: 14.1 x 9.3 x 0.7 inches
Weight: 4.5 lbs.
While the latest version of the Dell XPS 15 has the same keyboard, touchpad, and port options as in the past, it’s received some significant upgrades. New 9th generation Intel i9 processors help the XPS 15 compete with the latest generation of business laptops. Enhanced graphics and three display options — matte full HD non-touch, 4K glossy LCD, and 4K glossy OLED — make the laptop perfect for employees working with graphics and video.
A “2-in-1” laptop is a style of computer that can be converted easily from a laptop to a tablet. Also known as a “convertible,” these computers have been growing in popularity in recent years, as more users are enticed by their novelty and flexibility.
While in theory you should be able to replace your laptop and tablet with a single 2-in-1 device, that’s not always the case. Most 2-in-1 devices function better as either a laptop or a tablet. But, that’s not true with the Microsoft Surface Pro 6, which provides close to ideal laptop and tablet functionality in one device, making it a true stand-out.
CPU: Intel Core i5/i7
GPU: Intel UHD 620
RAM: 8GB / 16GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
Display: 12.3″, 2736 x 1824 pixels
Size: 11.5 x 7 x 0.3 inches
Weight: 1.7 lbs. (tablet), 2.5 lbs. (keyboard)
Microsoft has provided a variety of interesting accessories to extend the capabilities of the Surface Pro 6. These include a backlit keyboard, trackpad, and the surface pen. The surface pen, combined with the ever-evolving hybrid functionality of Windows 10, makes the Surface Pro 6 an excellent choice for professionals who want to be able to take handwritten notes on the go.
Perfect for executives that want a sophisticated corporate look, ultralight mobility, and robust computing power, the Lenovo X1 series of Ultrabook laptops has been a super-star of the business world for several years in a row.
CPU: Intel Core i5/i7
GPU: Intel UHD 620
RAM: 8GB/16GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB/ 1TB SSD
Display: 14″, 1080p
Size: 12.7 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 2.49 lbs.
The X1 Carbon is considered an “Ultrabook,” because it offers a powerful processor and memory, a bright screen, and a long battery life in a very lightweight package. While these features make the X1 a bit more expensive than some competing laptops, it’s a superb option for traveling executives who need a lightweight but powerful mobile office.
Made from a composite magnesium and carbon fiber frame, the Lenovo X1 Carbon has placed well on durability tests. It also offers robust connectivity options, including:
One area of particular note is the X1’s keyboard, which is routinely considered one of the best laptop keyboards on the market today. Soft rubberized keys and satisfying, tactile key travel provides a luxurious typing experience that will appeal to anyone who frequently writes as part of their work.
Like the Microsoft Surface 6 Pro 2 listed above, the Dell Latitude 7400 2-in-1 can switch easily between laptop and tablet modes. Unlike many other 2-in-1 models, which are designed for media consumption or web applications, the Latitude 7400 has been designed from the ground up with the business power- user in mind.
CPU: Intel Core i7-8665U
GPU: Intel UHD 620
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB
Display: 14″, 1080p
Size: 12.6 x 7.9 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 3 lbs.
With a wide range of processor options, including both Intel i5 and i7 chips, the Latitude 7400 is a workhorse that provide strong computing performance in a very compact size. In fact. The slim, 9.3mm form-factor makes the Latitude 7400 2-in-1 one of the most portable of our picks. And, thanks to the Dell’s new “liquid crystal polymer” fan blades, the device stays nice and cool even during extended use, a rarity for a device this thin.
It’s worth noting that the Latitude 7400 has also passed 13 separate durability tests, earning a MIL-STD810G, military-grade certification. That makes it a great choice for presentations, trade shows, and other “on-the-go” use cases where drops are likely.
The Dell Precision 5540 is a seriously mobile business laptop. It is Dell’s thinnest and lightest mobile workstation and excels under demanding standards.
CPU: Intel Core i9-9980HK
GPU: Nvidia Quadro T1000 w/ 4GB GDDR5
RAM: 32GB / 64GB
Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Class 40 SSD
Display: 15.6″, 3840 x 2160
Size: 14.06 x 9.27 x 0.45 inches
Weight: 3.93 lbs.
The Precision 5540 provides a powerful graphics card, processing capability, and a high degree of configurability. The laptop’s raw power, combined with its huge number of connectivity and port options, will make it a great choice for engineers or creative professionals.
Dell seems to understand this target audience well, and has “ISV certified” the 5540, meaning that it’s tested it with a range of leading business applications, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, the Adobe Creative Suite, and others.
The number of different laptop models and configurations means that the buying process should start with a careful evaluation of each user’s needs and goals. Because most business laptops aren’t sold at stores like Best Buy or Office Depot, it’s crucial to have a partner like Techmedics to help guide you through the purchase decision.
Learn more about our Value Added Reseller (VAR) Services.
Experience the power of optimized IT solutions tailored to your business needs. Our team is ready to assess your current setup and provide valuable insights to propel your business forward. Don't miss out on this opportunity to revolutionize your IT infrastructure. Fill out the form to get started.
