Working remotely from home is quite common after the COVID-19 lockdown. The increasing demand for remote work requires a high-quality laptop.
Since the offices are expected to remain closed in the coming time, you must be equipped with a good laptop for enhanced productivity.
Finding the best laptops for remote work can be a daunting task. But, despite the complexities, it is essential to buy an advanced system as it’ll be the foundation for every work you do.
This article will explore a list of imperative criteria to consider when choosing a reliable device for enhanced productivity.
Thing to consider when Choosing Laptop for Remote work
1. Laptop Size and Weight
The size and weight of your laptop are essential to consider if you are working from a remote location. I prefer a small and lightweight device that easily fits in a bag and does not cause pain while lifting it on your shoulder.
Make sure the screen size is large enough to effortlessly work on documents and images. An 11-12 inches laptop weighing up to 1.6kg is perfect if you plan to travel.
2. Wireless Connectivity
Sending files becomes difficult while working remotely. So, having a highly compatible laptop that can easily share files, documents, and other data with another device is extremely important.
Purchasing additional adapters may cost extra charges, so you should probably look for a laptop with built-in ports.
An additional SD card helps in quickly transferring photos. According to setapp.com, several potential ways to transfer files between cross-platform devices, such as Android and Mac.
3. Budget
Another key characteristic to consider is price range. Both cheap and costly laptops are available in the market. But, to ensure long-lasting and efficient use, it’s essential to buy a system equipped with multiple capabilities and an array of advanced features.
Make sure that buying a new laptop for remote work will not burn a hole in your pocket. So, consider both quality and cost.
4. RAM and Storage
How much data your laptop can save depends on the RAM. 4GB-8GB RAM is enough for those engaged in sending emails, editing photos & videos, and browsing the internet.
However, it’s good to consider 16GB RAM if you tend to use graphic-intensive applications. When it comes to storage, SSD (solid-state drive) storage, usually 256GB, is highly recommended for enhanced usability and performance.
5. Keyboard
Considering a laptop with a comfortable keyboard is vital to ensure extreme comfort, especially for freelance content writers.
A flexible keyboard with an edge-to-edge design ensures a comfortable typing experience during presentations, spreadsheets, emails, and other work-related tasks.
You can buy a wireless keyboard for your remote workspace and reduce the mess of cables and wires on the desk.
6. Processor Speed
RAM and storage are not the only consideration for your laptop performance. A processor, also known as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), plays a crucial role.
To ensure effective operation, it is important to have a high-speed processor, including Intel Core i5 or i7. However, if you have a tight budget, you can choose an i3 processor with less processing speed.
7. Battery
Every professional wants a system that works for eight to nine hours without a charge. Battery life is not highly important if you’re working from home and can plug in the device whenever required.
It will be the most significant consideration if you’re working remotely at a location where finding a charging station becomes difficult.
8. GPU
A Graphics card (GPU) is essential in laptops as you would not be able to get display output without it.
Two graphics cards are available - Integrated or onboard graphics and discrete or dedicated graphics. Most of the laptops are equipped with integrated graphics. However, dedicated graphics need to be installed externally.
9. Web Camera
Social distancing and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic have changed almost everything.
Remote interaction with colleagues and clients via video call has become a vital aspect of professional life. With a built-in webcam on laptops, instant video calls or lively conference calls become easy without heavy investment.
But, remember that not all laptops come with in-built web cameras. So, look for this requirement to avoid extra money on an external webcam.
10. Screen and Audio Quality
Another aspect to look for while purchasing a laptop is the screen type with resolution and noise cancellation feature. Laptops with noise cancellation tools help avoid background noise during meetings while working from home.
While considering the screen type and display power, don’t forget that more brightness will juice up more battery.
Conclusion
So, these are some of the important things to consider before purchasing a laptop for remote working. But, before implementing these tips, analyze your personal and professional requirements to make informed decisions.
Once you grasp your laptop needs, finding the best one for your budget becomes quite easy. You’ll end up with more time to enjoy or focus on your work.
Hi, This is Damon. I am a technical content writer with eight years of experience. I am passionate about writing for gadgets and electronic products that arrive at the market every day. I get the opportunity to test them personally and write reviews about them. You can trust that all my articles are unbiased.