What to look for in your next business laptop
Read on to discover what you need to consider before buying your next business laptop.
When it comes to selecting a laptop, you can follow the same rules you’d apply when choosing a desktop PC: spec, storage, connectivity and so on. But you can’t stop there: for example, you wouldn’t just pick a laptop with SSD storage because it’s faster; it’s lighter and more robust too, both critical elements for something you’ll be carrying around. The physical specs Make your choice based on how you expect to use the laptop. If you’re frequently on the road – carrying it to and from meetings with clients, for example – then size and weight are critical. Larger screens are both bulky and heavy, so choose a 14-inch display – ASUSPRO models like the B9440UA are cleverly engineered to fit a 14-inch screen in a chassis generally associated with a smaller display. It’s perfectly designed to slip easily into your briefcase or carry bag, and also light enough – at barely a kilogram – to avoid weighing you down on long trips. Of course, travel can take its toll on both you and your devices, which is why a business laptop needs to be durable. ASUSPRO models are housed in an all-metal magnesium alloy chassis that’s graded to US military standards (MIL-STD 810G). Not only do they undergo rigorous testing, but they designed for more challenging environments and capable of surviving shocks, drops and spills. Your laptop also needs a decent battery – one that will enable you to work for hours without access to a power socket. ASUSPRO laptops can run for up to ten hours off a single charge, which should be ample. They also support fast charging, capable of restoring up to 50% of the battery in just 30 minutes. Handy for those times when you only have brief access to power – say during a presentation or lunch meeting.
Choose the right screen Just because you’re choosing a small screen for your laptop doesn’t mean you should make do with a cramped display. Make sure it’s full HD (1920x1080), so you can comfortably have two windows open side-by-side if necessary. Given you’ll be using the laptop in a range of lighting conditions, a wide viewing angle and anti-glare matte coating should be considered a must too. It’s also essential your laptop can be hooked up to external displays – for working at your desk or presenting in meetings, for example. If your chosen model doesn’t have the connections built-in, make sure it offers an optional dock that does, such as the ASUS SlimPro Dock. The importance of a good keyboard One overlooked fact when choosing a laptop is the keyboard. If you’re regularly typing away on the road, don’t ignore this vital consideration. Full-size keys are a must but look for extra details like those offered by ASUSPRO models like the B9448UA. It makes clever use of the laptop hinge to tilt the keyboard at a 7-degree angle when opened to provide a more natural and comfortable typing position. The ergonomic keyboard has also been carefully designed to offer a comfortable distance between each typing finger, while each key’s shape and travel gives you a satisfying typing experience. Backlit keys make it possible to type in the dark too during those transatlantic crossings. One final thing: what happens if your laptop falls into the wrong hands? Again, ASUSPRO laptops have you covered, but discover how to make sure your business laptop is secure with our dedicated article before you travel.
