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5 Of The Best Business Laptops For Professionals

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When you are a professional on the go, a laptop PC which appropriately serves your needs is a “must have” to ensure efficiency and productivity. At the same token, the number of laptop PCs on the market is enough to put your mind in a tailspin when it comes to finding the best PC.

Many commuting professionals find that choosing the right laptop PC can prove to be an overwhelming task. With the number of laptop PCs hitting the market, determining which one is the best can be like navigating the high seas without a compass. Therefore, in this article we will provide you with some insight on five of the best laptop PCs on the market for commuting professionals. These are laptops which have been carefully reviewed and tested to help you make an informed decision as to which one will best serve your needs.

Apple MacBook Pro 15-Inch

If you are a businessman or businesswoman seeking a high performance laptop PC with workstation-class capability and portability, the Apple Mac Book Pro 15-inch laptop PC is well worth your consideration. The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch is a step up from last year’s model which has continued with the Retina display upgrade from last year and the thin and sleek chassis. It is also equipped with the power and performance required to accomplish time-sensitive tasks.

The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch is equipped with a powerful Intel Core i7-4750HQ quad-core processor with 4GB SSDRAM and built-in AMD Iris Pro 5200 graphics with dual processing capability. The speedy processor is perfect for multitasking and meeting project deadlines. Plus, the Flash storage with 256GB of space is PCIe-based which provides for speedy loading of apps and fast file transfer, in addition to the generous 500GB 5400RPM hard drive. The power efficient processor provides you with a lot of mileage when it comes to battery life which lasts up to 9 hours before recharge is needed.

The exceptional Retina display with 1080p resolution HD screen has been carried over from the previous MacBook Pro model with an additional number of apps which are designed especially for use with the Retina display.  Additionally, there is a brand new Facetime webcam which is the first ever of its kind in high definition. There are also multiple screen options which cost a little extra but they are capable of offering 1440 x 900 or 1680 x 1050 display resolutions which is perfect if your profession is in graphic design.

The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch is designed with the same responsive and comfortable backlit keyboard with multi-touch track pad located in the center of the unit. The backlighting is also fully adjustable using the control keys located across the top of the keyboard. On either side of the keyboard are speaker grills which pump out a relatively decent sound quality thanks to the built-in subwoofers. The chassis is constructed of a study aluminum which can withstand the bumps and knocks associated with commuter activity.

The Apple MacBook Pro is designed for portability with its single block aluminum casing and slim build with dimensions of 14.35 x 9.82 x 0.95 inches (WxDxH) which makes for a highly mobile workstation for commuters on-the-go at a weight of 5.6 pounds.

In terms of connectivity, the Apple Mac Book Pro is equipped with the revolutionary high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology which delivers transfer speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second. The Thunderbolt ports allow you to easily connect peripherals which are Thunderbolt compatible, including faster USB and FireWire peripherals which provide for multiple device capability without having to install a hub. The Thunderbolt technology is also DisplayPort capable which allows you to connect a high resolution display using the same port.

The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch is also equipped with built in WiFi which is compatible with 802.11a/b/g standards and the 802.11n specification. You can also easily connect a separate keyboard, mouse, and your smartphone using the built-in Bluetooth 2.1+EDR connectivity.  Additionally, you will find 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 FireWire 800 port, and SDXC card slot.

When it comes to cost, the Apple MacBook Pro is on the higher end of the laptop price range with an approximate cost of $1999 depending upon where you make your purchase.  However, if it is extreme capability and portability is what you seek, the Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch will more than adequately serve your needs.

Pros

Cons

Overall, if it is high productivity and portability you seek while being able to collaborate with colleagues, the MacBook Pro 15-inch should more than adequately meet your requirements.

Visit the official website here.

Dell AX-3600GSL Adamo XPS 13.4-Inch Laptop

For the professional who is seeking the ultimate portable laptop without sacrificing performance and business productivity, it is worth your time to take a look at the Dell Adamo XPS.  The new exterior design and improved performance places the Adamo ahead of other Dell laptop computer models currently on the market.

The Dell Adamo XPS is equipped with a ULV (Ultra-Low Voltage) 1.4GHz Intel Core Duo SU9400 processor with 4GB of DDR3 RAM which provides for efficient multitasking.  Additionally, there is a 4500MHD Intel Graphics Media Accelerator with 256MB of memory and integrated video processing. The Adamo XPS is also equipped with a 128GB SSD (Solid State Drive) for improved durability during your commute and rapid read/write functionality for fast tasking.

This makes the drive last longer since it is free of moving parts plus, it performs twice as fast as a conventional hard drive. You can also easily monitor the lithium ion battery which has a life of up to 6 hours using the convenient indicator lights. There is also a higher capacity battery available at an extra cost.

The Adamo XPS display features a 720p resolution on a 13.4 HD widescreen display with 16:9 aspect ratio. This is less than other portable laptops on the market but still functional for the business professional on-the-go. The display also offers a convenient 100-degree viewing angle which assists with project collaboration.

When you first open the Adamo XPS which is accomplished with one swipe of your finger across a capacitive strip, the durable aluminum chassis is raised up to allow to allow the keyboard to be positioned at an angle for improving cooling. When you swipe you finger across the unit, the backlit keyboard with metal keycaps and touch pad appears from beneath the display as you open the laptop.

The keyboard includes backlighting on the multimedia keys, contoured side port detailing, and aluminum accenting throughout the design.  If business security is essential, the Facial recognition software allows you to easily scan your face to log on to the Adamo XPS.  Additionally, the laptop can be configured to automatically lock when you are not near your PC and then unlock as soon as you return.

The Dell Adamo XPS is equipped with 802.11b/g/n WiFi networking for improved range and connection speeds. The Bluetooth 2.1 connection allows you to easily connect your smartphone as well as any peripherals which are Bluetooth capable. There are two USB 2.0 ports for connecting USB devices along with a DisplayPort video output which is capable of video resolutions of 2560 x 1600. When you use an external adapter you can achieve a VGA and HDMI connection. You can also establish an Ethernet connection using an optional external dongle.

The extremely thin design makes the Adamo XPS one of the slimmest portable laptops on the market with a thickness of just 0.39 inches. The dimensions are 13.39 x 10.78 x .39 inches (WxDxH) and the Adamo XPS weighs in at just over 3 pounds. This makes for an extremely portable unit which can conveniently fit into your briefcase.

If budget is an issue, the Dell Adamo XPS is affordable in the price range of approximately $499 depending upon where you purchase it.

Pros

Cons

Overall, if you are looking for a functional and cost effective laptop PC which can withstand the commute, the Adamo XPS will serve your requirements. For those that are in the graphics or gaming industries, you may want to review some of the other PCs we mention in this article.

Visit the official website here.

Thanks to our IT guys in London for providing us with the review hardware.

Acer Aspire S7-392-6411

For business professionals that are looking for an impressive looking laptop that allows you to complete any time-sensitive task on-the-go, the Acer Aspire S7-392-6411 fits the bill when it comes to style, functionality, portability, and speed. The Acer Aspire S7 is Acer’s newest ultrabook which has received rave reviews from reputable online reviewing sources. It is designed for corporate commuting professionals as well as any PC user who is looking for high end functionality.

The Acer Aspire S7-392-6411 is designed to offer premium performance with an Intel Core i5 4200U 1.6GHz dual-core processor, Intel HD Graphics 4400 chipset and 8GB DDR3L SDRAM. It is equipped with a 128GB SSD (Solid State Drive) hard drive which can withstand the trials and tribulations of daily commutes and offers a memory card reader and Secure Digital (SD) Card. The Aspire S7 is also built for productivity thanks to a 4-cell lithium-polymer battery with a life of up to 8.5 hours before recharge is necessary with the included AC adapter.

The display screen is designed with high tech tough Gorilla Glass 2 which can withstand knocks and bumps and a full high definition touchscreen/multi-touchscreen LED 1920 x 1080 resolution 13.3-inch display. The display is equipped with backlighting and in-plane switching (IPS) technology which provides for a spectacular display which looks great in any type of lighting environment.

The Acer Aspire S7 is known for its sleek design which is deceptive in terms of its extreme durability thanks to the all-aluminum unibody. The lid is also equipped with a dual friction hinge which requires more strength to move the lid. This is to provide added support when using the touchscreen functionality without problems with lid movement. The Aspire S7 is also designed with an innovative quiet cooling system which channels heat away from the central processing unit as well as the backlit keyboard, palm rest and bottom of the unit. You can also keep in touch with colleagues using the built-in webcam and microphone.

In terms of connectivity, the Acer Aspire S7 is rather versatile with two USB 3.0 ports for connecting peripherals as well as a convenient HDMI port, Mini DisplayPort/Acer Converter port combo, and Headphone/Microphone input combo. The laptop is also equipped to handle 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.0 or, you can opt to use the Ethernet port using a separate Ethernet cable.

Acer topped the charts with the Aspire S7 in terms of portability with device dimensions of 12.72 x 8.78 x 0.51 in which makes the Aspire S7 one of the thinnest laptops currently on the market.  The Aspire S7 is also very lightweight at just 2.87 pounds.

You pay a little more for the Acer Aspire S7 which is in the ballpark of about $1400 depending upon where you purchase it. However, customer reviews point to the fact that the investment is well worth it when it comes to staying on task during your commute.

Pros

Cons

Overall, if you do not mind the slightly higher price tag and seek the ultimate business productivity and multitasking device, the Acer Aspire S7-392-6411 will provide you with the power you need without sacrificing portability and convenience.

Visit the official website here.

Asus VivoBook V551LB-DB71T

For commuting professionals in the graphics industry, the Asus VivoBook V551LB-DB71T is well worth considering. Designed for power, speed and productivity, the VivoBook has received kudos by both graphics and business professionals alike.

The Asus VivoBook is designed for high-end performance thanks to the powerful 1.8GHz Intel Core i7-4600U processor with Nvidia GeForce GT740 graphics chipset which offers 2GB of dedicated memory. To add to the high-end performance is 8 GB SO-DIMM RAM with a generous 1TB (terabyte) 5400 RPM hard drive. You can also get back to work faster following hibernation thanks to the Super Hybrid Engine II which allows the unit to wake up within 2 seconds. The VivoBook also keeps your data secure by automatically performing backup whenever the battery level is below 5 percent. The lithium-ion battery is also equipped to handle the powerful performance with a life of up to 8 hours to ensure you get through your workday.

The Asus VivoBook display provides touchscreen functionality on a 15.6-inch LED backlit screen with 1366×768 high definition resolution. For a device equipped with high performance technology, this is somewhat subpar but still okay for on-the-go tasking. The display also provides edge-to-edge glass which offers a very responsive touchscreen.

For the high-end performance technology included in the VivoBook, the design is reasonably sleek while still managing to accommodate a DVD drive, as well as dedicated Nvidia graphics. The chassis is comprised of durable brushed aluminum metal with a textured plastic bottom which is made of durable material. The VivoBook offers a roomy keyboard which includes a number pad and a touchpad which is capable of multi-touch gestures as well. The keyboard is very comfortable with well-spaced keys and ample traveling range for registering keystrokes.

In terms of connectivity, Asus removed the previous VGA ports however, they installed two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port. Additionally, there is an SD card slot, HDMI port, and Ethernet connectivity port which requires an optional Ethernet cable. On the side of the unit is an optical DVD tray and headphone/microphone jack. The VivoBook also offers 802.11b/g/n WiFi connectivity in addition to Bluetooth 4.0 for connecting Bluetooth capable peripherals.

When it comes to portability, the Asus VivoBook V551LB-DB71T is not bad considering the powerful technology which is under the hood. The VivoBook weighs in at 5.3 pounds with dimensions of 15 x 10.20 x 0.80 inches which is pretty decent for performance of this caliber.

In terms of cost, you will find the Asus VivoBook V551LB-DB71T rather reasonably priced in the area of around $1000 depending upon where you purchase it.

Pros

Cons

Overall, for gaming and graphics capability you cannot beat the price and functionality of the Asus VivoBook V551LB-DB71T.  It can also be used as a premium functional laptop PC for business professionals that desire high end performance.

See the official website here

Razor Blade 2013

For professionals in the gaming or graphics industry, the Razor Blade 2013 laptop PC offers the maximum performance you need to accomplish daily tasks on-the-go. Originally known for manufacturing mice and keyboards, Razor Blade recently entered the PC marketplace with a vengeance by offering a high performance PC with a portable design.

When it comes to game creation and testing or graphics production, the Razor Blade 2013 has you covered with a powerful fourth generation Intel Core i7-4702MQ 2.2 GHz Intel Haswell processor and optional 3.2GHz turbo with the latest Nvidia GeForce GTX 765M graphics chipset and 8 GB of DDR3L SDRAM. There is also a generous 256 GB 1 RPM SSD (Solid State Drive) hard drive which is capable of standing up to the stress of commuting. The lithium ion battery is built to handle the performance with more than 6 hours of life before recharge is needed.

The 14-inch screen provides ample viewing space, however you may be confused by the fact that the Razor Blade only offers a resolution of 1600 by 900. This was a conscious decision by Razor designers since a smaller resolution is high enough to provide sharp graphics on a laptop, but low enough to offer seamless graphics performance which can usually be only achieved with a higher frame rate. When it comes down to a choice, Razor designers decided on the frame rate.

Considering the powerful technology under the hood, the Razor Blade 2013 offers a sleek design with a durable aluminum chassis and comfortable keyboard and responsive touchpad that supports multi-touch gestures. The keys offer enough resistance to prevent accidental presses however, they are also light enough to support agility. The slim design also has been achieved with a few drawbacks such as lack of a touchscreen display and optical DVD drive. However, this may not be an issue if you do not require these features.

Although the Razor Blade is built for portability it still has connectivity features which make a difference. There are three USB 3.0 ports for connecting peripherals, a combination headphone/microphone jack and an HDMI port with surround sound output of 7.1. On the top of the screen is a 1.3 megapixel webcam plus, the Razor Blade is equipped with a wireless n 1202 network card which offers 802.11n WiFi connectivity as well as Bluetooth 4.0.

In terms of portability, the Razor Blade 2013 is surprisingly slim and lightweight considering the high powered technology under the hood. The Razor Blade weighs in at 4.1 pounds with dimensions of 13.6 x 9.3 x 0.7 inches which makes for a very portable design.

The Razor Blade cost is on the higher end of the spectrum with a price tag starting at around $1800 depending upon where you purchase it and what options you have installed.

Pros

Cons

Overall, if it is performance and speed you require and you can live without the optical drive, the Razor Blade 2013 is the ultimate laptop PC. It can also serve as a multi-purpose PC for business professionals that seek to combine personal and business activities in one unit.

Visit the official website here.

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License: Royalty Free or iStock

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David has worked in the technology procurement sector for over ten years. During this time he has served the small business sector, offering technology advise to small business owners and professionals.