Best Laptops for Professionals Leave a comment

When it comes to choosing a laptop, you don’t have to be a business owner to benefit from a business laptop. These laptops are not only easier to repair and upgrade but also built with sturdy materials that can withstand travel and frequent use. Over the years, we have tested numerous business laptops, and we have found that the Dell Latitude 5430 is the best option for most professionals. It offers plenty of ports, all-day battery life, and a comfortable keyboard and trackpad. However, if you don’t prioritize upgradeability or repairability, a good ultrabook might be a more affordable choice.

Dell Latitude 5430

• Processor: Intel Core i5-1235U
• Storage: 256 GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel Xe
• Screen: 1080p IPS
• Memory: 16 GB
• Weight: 3.03 pounds
• Tested battery life: 9 hours

The Dell Latitude 5430 ticks all the boxes for what we look for in a business laptop. It performs well for basic tasks, offers a wide range of ports, and its battery can last an entire workday. The 14-inch 1080p screen provides a pleasant viewing experience, and the keyboard and trackpad are comfortable to use. Moreover, the laptop is easy to repair and upgrade, ensuring its longevity even if certain parts fail or break. It is worth noting that the Dell Latitude 5430 is a bit bulky, so if weight is your priority, consider our upgrade pick.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11

• Processor: Intel Core i5-1335U
• Storage: 512 GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel Xe
• Screen: 14-inch 1920×1200 (touch optional)
• Memory: 16 GB
• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Tested battery life: 11 hours

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 is a versatile Windows laptop that excels in various areas. It boasts a great screen, fast processor options, a comfortable keyboard, and an impressive 11-hour battery life. While it does come at a slightly higher price point compared to our top pick, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 offers top-quality hardware and reliability that is hard to match. Additionally, most components of this laptop are easy to repair, with the exception of the processor and RAM.

Framework Laptop 13

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7640U or Intel Core i5-1340P
• Storage: 256 GB SSD
• Graphics: Intel Xe
• Screen: 13.5-inch 2256×1504 non-touch (touch optional)
• Memory: 8 GB or 16 GB
• Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Tested battery life: 10.5 hours (AMD)

The Framework Laptop 13 stands out in this guide as the most repairable option. Framework itself is focused on creating laptops that are easily upgradeable and repairable. The Framework Laptop 13 is fast, equipped with a powerful processor and a great screen. It is built with similar quality to laptops from major manufacturers. However, it is important to note that if Framework were to cease operations and parts become unavailable, the upgradability and repairability of this laptop would be significantly compromised.

In conclusion, when it comes to finding the best laptops for professionals, the Dell Latitude 5430, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11, and Framework Laptop 13 are all excellent choices. Each laptop offers its own unique features, and depending on your specific needs and preferences, any of these options can be a reliable companion for your professional endeavors.