How A Good Travel Laptop Can Help You Increase Mobile Productivity
The enterprise world is now almost entirely run by computing devices, which means that computers are essential business tools for any modern-day entrepreneur. It’s therefore not surprising that professional PCs have held their place atop office desks worldwide since they first hit the market.
Recently, however, the business scene has seemingly been evolving from desktop machines to laptops. The trend is understandable, given that not only have business notebooks caught up with the performance and functionality that desktops offer, but they’ve also improved office organization by freeing up desk space.
Moreover, laptops allow professionals to take their work with them while on the go, which is great, because business activities can now be conducted anywhere and anytime, not just within the confines of the office.
That said, not all laptops are ideal for mobile professional use. To maximize productivity, you’ll need to know what to look for, when shopping for a business travel companion.
1. Portability
The current crop of ultrabooks has increasingly gained ground among executives, primarily because of portability. These notebooks are remarkably light, thin and compact, which makes them perfect for working while on the move.
However, some have keyboards and screens too small to use comfortably on a regular basis. To ensure you make the most use of your newly bought business ultrabook, go for one that’s just the right size for your needs.
HP’s cutting-edge EliteBook X360 and Lenovo’s award-winning ThinkPad X1 Carbon are among the lightest and thinnest business laptops around, and they offer enough screen and keyboard space for maximum productivity.
2. Durability
Laptops are inherently portable computers, but not all can withstand the strains that come with frequent traveling.
Taking a notebook out of the office means exposing it to a horde of potential hazards which you likely won’t see coming. You, therefore, want a travel laptop that will last a while. Luckily, there are business laptops that offer exceptional durability.
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon has an exceedingly sturdy and waterproof carbon fiber body, which keeps it well protected from the inevitable knocks, drops, and spills that come with regular travel.
3. Connectivity
The Internet is an entrepreneur’s biggest resource because it enables real-time communication and interaction with customers, advertisers, suppliers, partners, employees, and pretty much everyone else in a business environment.
Whether in or out of the office, therefore, executives need reliable network access. The best business laptops offer robust wireless technology, and although you’re unlikely to find a compact model with the traditional Ethernet port, many support USB dongles for direct LAN connections.
4. Performance
Just because you won’t have time for games doesn’t mean you should go for the travel notebook with the weakest performance. Like desktop PCs, business laptops are capable of running sophisticated enterprise-grade programs, which will help make everything run smoother.
If you’re likely to do more than just light document processing and email checking while on a long flight, it’s best to get a laptop that will get things done without breaking a sweat. While there’s no need for a dedicated graphics card, your travel laptop should at least have a Core “i” processor and 8GB of RAM.
5. Cloud Storage
Gone are the days when we kept our business data in rumbling computer hard disks. Many of today’s travel laptops come with access to cloud storage services which let you take all your files with you when you leave the office.
In addition to convenient real-time access to company data, cloud-based storage enables executives to collaborate much easier. With Google Drive, for example, you can be on a plane working on the same document as your colleagues back at the office.
6. Battery life
The battery might be coming in as the last tip, but it’s arguably the most important consideration you should make if you want maximum productivity from your travel laptop. A good business notebook should be able to last at least eight hours of normal use on a single charge.
However, some laptops can last twice as long. The Lenovo ThinkPad T450s, for example, is a compact 14-inch ultrabook that can serve up a whopping 19 hours of up-time, thanks to an onboard Power Bridge that lets you swap batteries without shutting down. You can, therefore, work all through your long trip without the worry of running out of juice.
The right laptop can play a crucial role in the success of your business. Use the pointers above to and compiled research lists such as those on sites like LaptopNinja and LaptopMag to find the perfect travel notebook that will help you maximize your productivity while on the move.
About the Author:
Vigilance Chari currently covers tech news and gadgets at LaptopNinja. She is an International presenter and published author. When not writing, she spends her time as an enthusiastic professional party planner and part-time painter.
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