Best Business Laptops

Choosing laptops for work environments is a continual challenge. Laptop requirements are constantly changing as technology evolves to meet new business challenges. Selecting the right business laptop requires a clear understanding of the workload each device must handle. The ideal device for general business use will differ from the best laptops for programming or the perfect laptops for CAD.

As an innovator in computers for the workplace, Dell has a portfolio of devices that makes it easy to find the business laptop that's best suited for any professional environment.

When choosing the best computer for business use, there are several essential features to consider.

A CPU to power your productivity
For the average office user, a dual-core processor will provide plenty of power for tasks like editing documents, creating presentations, and accessing websites. But if you're planning to run compute-intensive applications in photography, video, or 3D rendering, you'll need a CPU with more powerful processors. The most powerful professional laptops will have the fastest CPU speeds. It's ideal to choose a CPU based on the requirements of the applications you want to run. Some platforms will perform better with CPUs with a single core that cycles at a faster rate. Others will offer better performance with multiple cores with multithreading capabilities.

Convenient screen size and resolution
14-inch screens are considered the sweet spot for work laptops today. On-the-go or field-based workers may prefer laptops with 13-inch screens that are lighter and more portable. 17-inch screens can be a bonus for creative professionals or those who need more expansive views for multitasking. Every laptop user can benefit from a screen with a higher resolution. 4K laptops, for instance, provide an immersive visual experience.

The right form factor
The best professional laptops are built with durability in mind. Still, certain users will want even more durable devices. For workers in harsh and hazardous conditions, the right laptop will have protective casings that ensure optimal performance despite extreme temperatures, strong vibration, and the presence of dust and dirt.

Enough RAM for the apps you run
8GB of RAM will deliver acceptable performance for basic office productivity applications. Users working with large databases, complex photo editing, and high-definition video will want a minimum of 16GB of RAM. Users multitasking with large files or running highly demanding, processing-intensive workloads will see much better performance with 32GB of RAM or more.

The right graphics card for your applications
An integrated graphics card, built directly into the CPU, is suitable for most business applications. For users working with photos, high-definition video, or 3D graphic visualizations, a dedicated GPU is essential. Computers with integrated GPUs have the graphics and central processors in the same unit. By having a dedicated GPU, graphics related data can be processed separately, and more efficiently without slowing down the rest of the system. These applications will also benefit from the latest and fastest graphics cards.

A faster storage drive
While hard disk drives (HDDs) are less expensive and offer more storage, the more powerful laptops today are built with solid-state drives (SSDs). SSDs deliver much faster performance and are quicker to boot up and resume after sleep. With no moving parts, they offer greater stability and reliability, especially for mobile users who take their laptops on the go.

Backlit keyboard
The best business laptops have keyboards that are backlit for increased visibility. These keyboards allow users to work in situations with decreased lighting situations, such as air travel.

Longer battery life
To keep up with the pace of your business, Dell’s laptops offer batteries that can go for a full day between charges. But because certain features on laptops like touchscreen displays can significantly reduce battery life, you may need to consider which features are the highest priority.

What is the best business laptop?
Selecting the best professional laptop depends on the type of work the user will perform. Everyday business activities like editing documents, sending emails, managing finances, or reading presentations can be accomplished on a mid-level laptop. Users working with compute-intensive applications for photos, high-definition video, architectural drawings, or 3D models for engineering will require laptops with more power. Users who are constantly on the go may want a lighter laptop with longer battery life.

What's a business laptop vs. a mobile workstation?
A mobile workstation typically has more powerful processing capability as they are built to run CAD programs. Business laptops come with a more complete set of features for increased workflow and easy setup in a range of workspaces.