From the Galápagos Islands to your couch, if your remote working laptop works, you have nothing to worry about.
These days, a blurred background on Zoom could mean that you are just as easily sitting on your couch or on an island in the Maldives. COVID may have indeed disrupted many things, but the flexibility of work arrangements is something that the global pandemic has given us, and it appears to be a lasting change. Now, while working from an off-grid hut in the heart of the Amazonian jungle, a question arises: what is the best laptop for remote working?
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023)
Apple has long been synonymous with innovation and quality, and the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) continues to uphold that reputation. Packed with the latest Apple M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, this laptop delivers exceptional performance. What’s truly impressive is the battery life—lasting up to 20 hours on a single charge, allowing you to work without interruptions. For this reason it stands as possibly the best laptop for remote workers, where electricity could be a precious premium.
The laptop retains the sleek design of its predecessor, offering the stunning Liquid Retina XDR display with adaptive refresh rates. With USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port supporting 8K at 60 Hz, and an SDXC card slot, connectivity options are abundant. While the base model offers solid power, upgrading for extra horsepower comes at a price.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio
Breaking away from its predecessors’ limitations, the Surface Laptop Studio impresses on all fronts. Its innovative fabric double-hinge display enables versatile usage modes, making it ideal for both work and creativity. With Laptop Mode, Stage Mode, and Studio Mode, this laptop adapts seamlessly to various tasks. The stylus and touchpad combination offers exceptional haptic feedback, making it a powerful creative tool. Though it’s an investment, the Surface Laptop Studio is a top-tier Windows laptop that excels in both productivity and creativity.
Dell XPS 17 (2022)
Combining elegance and power, the Dell XPS 17 (2022) is an excellent choice for remote workers. Featuring 12th and 13th Gen Intel Core processors and up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM, this laptop ensures a seamless work experience. Its 17-inch InfinityEdge display and impressive battery life of over 10 hours make it a reliable companion for your tasks.
Despite limited port options, the XPS 17’s aluminum chassis, slim bezels, and carbon fiber palm rest provide a premium feel. The large trackpad enhances usability, and the laptop’s sleek design makes it a standout choice for professionals who value aesthetics and performance.
HP ZBook Studio G9
For users seeking processing power similar to top-spec MacBook Pros, the HP ZBook Studio G9 presents an attractive alternative. Armed with 12th-Gen Intel CPUs and an NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti GPU, the Studio G9 tackles demanding tasks effortlessly. While its price tag reflects its performance capabilities, this laptop is well-equipped for handling almost anything a remote worker requires. With a balance of power and price, the HP ZBook Studio G9 is a strong contender for those seeking exceptional performance without opting for Apple’s flagship.
HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook
Stepping into the realm of enterprise-grade laptops, the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook offers a compelling option. With 12th Gen Intel vPro processing options, this laptop emphasizes security. It combines solid performance with a sleek design and a vibrant display, making it suitable for business professionals.
While it might be pricier for a Chromebook, the Dragonfly’s capability to run Windows apps via Parallels and its powerful specifications justify its place in the remote worker’s toolkit.