How to choose the best laptop for business

Making sure you have the best laptop for business seems simple, doesn’t it? You basically require a machine that will do the job you need it to do, and do it well. However, it isn’t quite as straightforward as it seems at first glance!

Different industries depend on unique applications and software, making widely differing demands on a laptop for work. Consequently, manufacturers produce a steady supply of new laptops to keep pace with those requirements.

For instance, some of the best company laptops are designed to facilitate excellent video conferencing. Laptops that need to run multiple programs simultaneously need to have the extra RAM to cope with it. Laptop users that type a lot or do hours and hours of coding require special ergonomic keyboards to avoid strain to their hands and wrists.

As is the case with so many devices these days, the best laptops for business change rapidly. This makes it vital that you consider the specs which meet your specific needs most closely. In short – the best laptop for work is the one you won’t have to replace for some time.

We’ll help you find the best laptop for your purposes right here!

Which points should you consider when selecting the best laptop for small business?

Answering the following questions will highlight the best hardware to invest in by emphasising the functions your work laptop needs to perform.

1. Mobility – is a laptop even the right choice for your business?
   If you spend a lot of time on the move, or you enjoy putting new functionalities like voice typing to the test, then a tablet or iPad may actually suit you better than a laptop. There’s a plethora of choices open to you! You are even able to add ‘laptop-like’ functionality to your iPad or tablet with a drawing stylus and a detachable keyboard.
2. Which operating system (OS) do you need to run?
   Most of the best laptops for business run on either Windows 10 or the MacOS, i.e. MacBooks. Most users have a personal preference that will determine their choice. If you don’t have a personal preference, it makes logical sense to buy a business laptop that runs on the same OS as most of your colleagues to ensure easy compatibility.
   Chromebooks offer you a 3rd and very affordable option, namely ChromeOS. However, bear in mind that these machines don’t work well without an Internet connection.
3. What size screen do you need?
   Bigger may not be better – remember, the larger your business laptop is, the less portable it will be. Particularly if you travel a lot, a device with a smaller screen -so you can check emails on a plane, for instance- may suit you better. However, if your job involves doing intricate graphic design, you will definitely need a large, high-resolution screen.
4. What processor or CPU do you require?
   The CPU determines the ‘brain power’ of your laptop. The bigger and stronger it is, the more complex the applications you can run on it. Choosing the right CPU is normally a toss-up between the level of performance you need, and what you can afford to spend!
   The processors for business laptops usually range between the i3 and the i9 levels. An i5 normally has enough muscle to run most programmes, so tends to provide the best value for money. However, should you intend to do video editing or gaming on your work laptop, an i7 or even an i9 will give you the high-level performance you need.
   
5. What battery life do you need your laptop to have?
   Having a laptop with a powerful battery is great, but is more expensive. At Hire Intelligence, we regard about 9 hours of battery power as adequate for a good business laptop. You’ll be able to take your laptop from home to a client or off to the boardroom without worrying whether it will need to be charged.
   
6. How much RAM do the best company laptops need?
   The temporary data generated while you’re running applications or browsing the Web is or stored in the Random Access Memory of your laptop. The more RAM your laptop has, the more programmes (or tabs) you can have open simultaneously.
   While 4GB of RAM is adequate for pretty basic laptop usage, the best laptops for small businesses need at least 8GB of RAM. Really heavy-duty usage will require at least 16GB, possibly even 32GB.
   
7. What long-term storage will you need?
   A 256 gigabyte hard drive will actually suffice if you run most of your programmes through the cloud. Fortunately, because solid state drives, or SSDs, have become significantly less expensive, most good business laptops already have 512GB, 1TB, or more storage space on their hard drives these days.
8. What quality webcam do you need?
   Almost every laptop these days is equipped with some webcam or other. Entry-level laptops generally come with a 720p webcam. However, since the way we work has changed, these run-of-the-mill ones are often no longer adequate. If your business relies on apps like Skype or Zoom, you’ll probably need something better. We find the best business laptops for video conferencing and presentations are equipped with webcams of at least 1080p or higher.

Comparison Table for Business Use and Office Laptop

Feature	Laptop specifications for Business Use	Laptop specifications for Office Use
Processor (CPU)	Intel Core i5/i7, AMD Ryzen 5/7	Intel Core i5/i7, AMD Ryzen 5/7
Memory (RAM)	8GB (minimum), 16GB (recommended)	8GB (minimum), 16GB (recommended)
Storage	256GB SSD (minimum)	256GB SSD (minimum)
Display	13 to 15 inches, Full HD (1080p)	13 to 15 inches, Full HD (1080p)
Battery Life	8+ hours (longer preferred)	8+ hours
Portability	Lightweight, durable design	Slim, lightweight for easy carry
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 6, ample USB ports, HDMI	Wi-Fi 6, sufficient USB ports, HDMI
Operating System	Windows 10/11 Pro, macOS	Windows 10/11 Pro, macOS
Security Features	TPM, fingerprint reader, facial recognition	Basic security features (TPM, fingerprint reader)
Durability & Warranty	High durability, extended warranty options	Standard durability, 1-year warranty

This table offers a general guideline. Specific needs might lead you to prioritize one feature over another. For instance, if you’re often on the road, battery life and durability might trump screen size. Conversely, if the laptop will mostly be docked at a desk, you might opt for a larger display and prioritize processor speed and RAM for heavy multitasking over portability.

Business laptops are built to withstand the rigors of travel and often include additional security features important for protecting sensitive data. Office laptops, while potentially less rugged, still offer the performance and ergonomics needed for productivity in a more stationary work environment. Always review the latest models and specifications to find a laptop that best suits your specific business or office needs.

Top Tip!

If your business uses specific software, always check the provider’s recommended specs on their website. Let’s take a look at MS Teams, Salesforce, and Zoom as examples:

Microsoft Teams:
You will find the system requirements for MS teams here. Microsoft gives you the minimum hardware specs you’ll require to use Teams successfully.

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent for smooth video calls.
• RAM: At least 8GB, but 16GB is recommended for better multitasking.
• Storage: A 256GB SSD minimum for quick start-up and file access.
• Display: Full HD (1080p) screen; 13 to 15 inches for a balance between size and visibility.
• Battery Life: 8+ hours to ensure participation in meetings throughout the day without needing to recharge.
• Portability: Lightweight and slim for ease of transport if you’re frequently on the move.
• Connectivity: Ensure it has good Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6 is a bonus) and enough USB ports for your peripherals.

Best Laptop for Salesforce, focus on these key features::
If you go to Salesforce’s Help Forum, you’ll see they recommend at least.

• Processor: Get at least an Intel Core i5 or its AMD equivalent for fast performance.
• RAM: 8GB minimum, but 16GB is better for handling many tasks at once.
• Storage: Choose an SSD with at least 256GB for quick access and boot times.
• Display: A Full HD (1080p) screen, around 13 to 15 inches, offers clarity and comfort.
• Battery Life: Look for 8+ hours to last through a workday without charging.
• Portability: Light and thin models are great if you move around a lot.
• Connectivity: Ensure it has enough USB ports and reliable Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6 is a plus.

Best Laptop for Zoom Meeting, focus on these key features:
Zoom requires laptops to have at least 4GB of RAM and a quad-core processor for optimum screen-sharing performance.

• Camera Quality: Look for at least a 720p webcam. Better yet, go for 1080p if available.
• Microphone and Speakers: Good built-in microphone and speakers for clear audio.
• Processing Power: A modern processor (like Intel Core i5 or i7) for smooth performance.
• RAM: Minimum 4GB to 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking.
• Display: A large screen with at least 1080p resolution for clear visuals.
• Internet Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 support is ideal for stable wireless connections.
• Battery Life: Longer battery life is beneficial for meetings not near a power source.
• Portability: If you need to move around, a lighter and compact laptop is preferable.

Finding out belatedly that your laptop isn’t compatible with a programme you rely on for work is not good! So always make sure the laptop you’re considering will match, or better still, exceed, the recommended system requirements and hardware specs.

Not sure what to do? Get in touch – we can help!

Rent a laptop for your business from Hire Intelligence

To show you how the above process works, we’ll take a look at two of our best laptops for business that are available for hire, one MacOS and one Windows. Both meet or exceed the specs we sourced above for Salesforce, Zoom and MS Teams.

Apple MacBook Pro 2.6GHz i7 with Touch Bar

The new touch bar makes it easy to browse content, control volume and brightness, and access apps.

Why this is one of the best laptops for work:

• Updated keyboard and trackpad offer intelligent typing features
• Intel Core i7, 3.5GHz Quad Core – this meets the recommended spec for Zoom
• 16GB RAM – exceeds the recommended specs for Salesforce and MS Teams
• 256GB onboard steady-state hard drive (SSD)
• Radeon Pro 450 graphics card
• More than 10-hour battery life

HP ProBook 450 G5

Thin, light, and packed with features, the HP ProBook 450 lets you stay productive on the go and in the office. Runs on Microsoft Windows 10, with MS Office available.

Why this is one of the best business laptops:

• 8GB of RAM – meets the recommended spec for Salesforce, and exceeds the requirement for Zoom and MS Teams. Can also be upgraded to 32GB for power users.
• Intel i5 and i7 processor option available, so you can choose the right amount of power to fit your needs and budget. Quad Core feature meets the recommended spec for Zoom.
• Option to have MS Office apps preloaded for you.

Why choose Hire Intelligence?

Ready for a sobering truth about business laptops? The very latest and greatest top-notch model doesn’t stay that way for long! Therein lies one of the best reasons renting a good business laptop makes more business sense. This is especially true if you need high-performance (and consequently expensive) units.

When you hire a laptop for your business through Hire Intelligence you won’t just save money – you’ll get a host of additional benefits too:

• Affordable and flexible contracts
• The latest top-of-the-line tech literally at your fingertips
• A comprehensive range of models to choose from
• Expert advice to help you choose the best model for your requirements
• Ongoing technical support

Don’t mortgage the manor for a work laptop that will be obsolete this time next year.

Get in touch with Hire Intelligence, and let us supply you with the best laptop for your business needs today.