As organizations around the world adjust to new circumstances, working remotely has swept the globe. With offices likely to remain closed for the foreseeable future, the ability to work from home has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for many people. This also includes playing online casino games.
But, are you ready for it? Having a nice laptop is vital for productivity, whether you are working at home, in a coworking space, in a coffee shop, or on a beach somewhere exotic. This handy guide collects the best laptops for remote working in 2021 to assist you in selecting the ideal computer for your needs and budget.
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What to Consider when Choosing a Laptop for Working Remotely
Perhaps you have been working remotely for a while and are looking to replace your old computer. Perhaps you’re new to this and need to prepare yourself for your newfound freedom from the office, or for a planned workcation.
Whatever the case may be, there are a few factors to keep in mind while selecting a laptop for remote working in 2021.
Weight and size
A lightweight laptop that isn’t too heavy will make your life a lot easier if your remote-working lifestyle involves a lot of travelling and moving around between workspaces.
Consider Battery Life
You may not always be in close proximity to a power source when working remotely. Whether it’s a long bus ride, a plugless waiting room, or a day at the beach, you’ll almost certainly find yourself in a position where you’ll need a lot of battery life to get some work done. A least eight hours of battery life is a fair benchmark to aim for.
Functionality & Speed
When it comes to how we utilize a laptop for work, we all have various requirements. Consider the essential features you will need to get the task done and be sure the laptop you buy can handle them. Perform you do a lot of video conferencing, for example?
If you use design software and work with large files, you will need a quicker processor than if you only edit documents or deal with spreadsheets.
RAM and storage
The processor is not the only thing that you should consider when it comes to the power and performance of your laptop.
4GB should suffice if you are just browsing the web and sending emails. However, if you are working with design software or editing films and photographs, 8GB is better. You might want to consider 16GB for more intense workloads.
Best Laptops for Working from Home
Dell XPS 17 (2022)
The Dell XPS 17 (2022) is a powerhouse of a laptop, designed for professionals who demand high performance and reliability. Featuring the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors and up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, it delivers exceptional speed and efficiency for a wide range of demanding tasks. The stunning 17-inch 4K UHD+ display provides vibrant, crisp visuals, making it perfect for creative work such as video editing, graphic design, and CAD applications.
Specifications
- CPU: Up to 12th Gen Intel Core i9
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- RAM: Up to 64GB
- Screen: 17-inch, UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge display
- Storage: Up to 4TB SSD
- Ports:
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1
- Battery Life: Up to 14 hours
- Weight: 4.87 lbs (2.21 kg)
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023)
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) is the epitome of power and elegance, tailored for creative professionals and those with demanding workloads. It boasts the latest M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, delivering unmatched performance and energy efficiency. This makes it perfect for tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software development.
Specifications
- Display: 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR, 3456 x 2234 resolution
- Processor: Apple M2 Pro or M2 Max chip
- Graphics: Integrated 16-core GPU (M2 Pro) or up to 38-core GPU (M2 Max)
- RAM: Up to 96GB unified memory
- Storage: Up to 8TB SSD
- Battery Life: Up to 21 hours of video playback
Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1
The Lenovo ThinkPad T16 Gen 1 is designed for business professionals who need a reliable and high-performance laptop. With a large 16-inch display, powerful 12th Gen Intel processors, and ample RAM and storage options, this laptop can handle a variety of demanding tasks. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, with an optional NVIDIA GeForce MX550, ensure smooth visuals whether you’re working on presentations or enjoying media.
Specifications:
- 16-inch display
- Resolution options: FHD (1920 x 1200) or WQXGA (2560 x 1600)
- 16:10 aspect ratio
- 12th Gen Intel Core i7
- Integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Optional NVIDIA GeForce MX550
- 32GB DDR4
- 2TB PCIe SSD
- Up to 15 hours, depending on configuration and usage
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook is a top-tier enterprise laptop designed for professionals who prioritize security, performance, and mobility. Powered by 12th Gen Intel Core processors and equipped with Intel Iris Xe Graphics, it delivers robust performance for demanding tasks. Its lightweight, sleek design ensures easy portability, making it ideal for on-the-go work.
Specifications:
- 12th Gen Intel Core i3 – i7
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 8GB – 32GB
- 13.5in, 1920×1280
- Storage: 128GB – 512GB
- Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, 1 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1 x Stereo headphone/microphone combo jack, 1 x HDMI 2.0
- Connectivity: Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2×2), Bluetooth 5.3
Asus ROG Strix SCAR G834JY
The Asus ROG Strix SCAR G834JY features high-end specs, making it ideal for gamers, 3D designers, and video editors. It boasts a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. With up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM and 2 TB of PCIe storage, it handles heavy-duty apps with ease.
The 18-inch QHD+ screen offers excellent resolution and color accuracy, covering 100% of the DCI gamut. Although it has fewer ports, including one Thunderbolt 4 and one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, it remains a top choice for high-performance needs.
While it is heavy, weighing over 9 lbs with the power brick, its performance justifies its weight for those working on demanding creative projects.
Specifications:
- CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i9
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
- RAM: 32 GB
- Screen: 18in, 16:10, 2560 x 1600
- Storage: 1TB
- Ports: 1 x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1 x 2.5G LAN port, 1 x Thunderbolt 4
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax), 2×2 + Bluetooth 5.2
MacBook Pro 13-inch
The MacBook Pro 13-inch is a compact yet powerful laptop designed for professionals and creative individuals who need a reliable and efficient machine. Featuring Apple’s M2 chip, it offers exceptional performance and energy efficiency, making it ideal for tasks ranging from everyday computing to intensive creative work.
- CPU: Apple M2 chip
- Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU
- RAM: Up to 24GB of unified memory
- Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
- Screen: 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology, 2560×1600 resolution
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours of video playback
- Keyboard: Magic Keyboard with backlit keys and Touch Bar
- Operating System: macOS
- Weight: 3.0 pounds (1.4 kg)
- Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56 cm)
FAQs
What Makes the Best Laptop for Working Remotely?
The best laptop for working from home depends on your work type. Consider CPU, graphics card, RAM, screen size, and storage based on your needs. Also, think about connectivity options for peripherals.
Are There Other Operating System Options Besides Windows?
Yes, there are alternatives like Mac OS, Chrome OS, and Linux. Check if your required software supports these systems.
Are business laptops suitable for remote work from home?
Absolutely. Business laptops are often used for various jobs from home. Ensure your laptop can connect to secure networks if needed.
What Makes a Great Setup for Working from Home?
Choose a suitable workspace, consider lighting, and ensure good internet connectivity. Adding extra monitors or ergonomic furniture can enhance your setup.
How to Choose the Best Work from Home Laptops for You
Consider your operating system preference, work type, screen size, portability, and budget. Test the laptop’s performance, battery life, and connectivity options.
You will find the following information useful: