The business landscape has changed rapidly in recent years with firms looking to be more agile, proactive, and responsive to their customers’ needs. Moreover, with the increasing trend towards the digitalization of commerce and what has been dubbed the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it’s more important now than ever that your firm takes advantage of the considerable advances in tech and remains contactable 24/7/365.
Almost without exception, pretty much all companies can benefit from greater integration with tech – anything from just simple emailing contact lists right through to Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software or apps driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
However, no matter how much tech you try to bring into your company, you’re always going to need one crucial contact point. In today’s increasingly mobile internet world, that means having a good laptop that’s properly equipped for your work.
Choosing the Right Laptop: What to Look For
Choosing a laptop even just for normal use can often feel like a minefield. However, when it comes to selecting the right machine for work, it usually becomes considerably more complex and challenging.
If you’re in the market for a new desktop replacement, below are just a few criteria you should consider before taking the plunge:
Choose a machine that’s fit for purpose: As a starting point, you need to consider how you intend to use your machine – what your typical workload is, what you need the laptop to do, and how CPU-intensive your work is likely to be. There’s little point splurging thousands on a super powerful machine if all you normally do is send emails or browse the web. Equally, at the other end of the scale, don’t scrimp if you know you’re going to be doing technical work, like video editing, 3D editing, or photo editing.
Think about form factor, weight, and size: Today’s modern, high-end laptops make for great desktop replacements, but without the bulk. More advanced laptops can, in many cases, rival or even outperform their desk-based equivalents. However, you should be mindful of how you intend to use your machine, how much traveling you’re likely to do, and how you’re going to carry your machine. Paying that little bit for a more advanced but sleeker, lighter, and more attractive machine will likely pay huge dividends further down the line. Check out lenovo.com for ideas on advanced, lightweight laptops.
Consider screen resolution: As a general rule, a cheaper laptop will almost always have a lower screen resolution and quality. Of course, that’s all well and good if you’re just sending emails, but if you’re into illustrating, video production, or photo editing, it’s going to cause you significant problems. Again, think about how you’re going to use the machine and buy appropriately.
Pay extra for a bigger, longer-lasting battery: The whole point of a laptop is its portability. Sure, you’ll often find you can plug into an external supply in a coffee shop or bar, but this shouldn’t be a necessity. When manufacturers are producing cheaper laptops, one of the first areas they can make savings is with substandard batteries. Before buying your next business laptop, be sure to check the estimated battery life, plus look online for benchmark tests.