If you’re looking for the best laptops for digital nomads or remote workers, then you’ve come to the right place. Digital nomad laptops come in various shapes and sizes; each model has varying features. It can be overwhelming to choose a perfect one due to so many available options. With our own experiences and research, we’ve brought 13 of the best laptops for you. So, if you’re a digital nomad or remote worker seeking a laptop that fits your needs and preferences, this article will help you find one.
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ToggleChoosing a laptop for travel or remote working depends on many factors. It also depends on your job. If you are a video editor, you will need a laptop with a high configuration. In contrast, if your job requires limited usage of heavy software or multitasking, then a basic laptop may work for you.
However, laptops are a significant investment, so make sure to buy one wisely, considering all the pros and cons.
Our Top Picks for Best Laptops for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
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➤ Best for Visual Artists: Microsoft Surface Pro 9 - ➤ Best for Design, Photography and Video Editing: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
- ➤ Best for Battery Health: LG Gram 17
- ➤ Best for Connectivity: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10
- ➤ Best for Portability: Apple MacBook Air M2
- ➤ Best for Budget-friendly Option: Acer Aspire 5
- ➤ Best for 2-in-1 Convertible: Dell XPS 13
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[This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you decide to purchase some of these resources, I earn a small commission at no additional cost for you. I only recommend selected products that I’m convinced about and that I would buy (or already did buy) myself.]
13 Best Laptops for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
The Acer Aspire 5 is an absolute bang for your buck, providing great value for money. Its 12th-generation Intel Core processor makes this laptop a great option for multitasking. A 15.6-inch Full HD IPS LCD screen offers clear, crisp, and vibrant visuals for a better experience.
Besides, plenty of storage options are available to handle user’s various data needs. Despite a few disadvantages, this laptop is definitely one of the best laptops for digital nomads.
Specs:
- • Display: 15.6″ Full HD IPS LCD Display
- • Weight: 4.4 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 14.3 x 0.71 x 9.9 in.
- • Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i3, i5 or i7
- • RAM/Memory: Up to 16GB RAM
- • Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
- • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- • Battery Backup: Up to 8 hours of battery life
Pros:
- ➤ Versatile Ports: This laptop offers multiple ports like USB-C and HDMI which is good for diverse connectivity needs.
- ➤ Powerful Processor: Ample memory multitasking.
- ➤ Affordability: Digital nomads or remote workers looking for more budget-friendly options, often consider this laptop as it provides great value for money.
- ➤ Memory and Storage Options: Plenty of options available to handle various data needs.
- ➤ Display: 15.6-inch Full HD IPS LCD offers crisp and vibrant visuals for more enjoyable use.
Cons:
- ➤ Battery Life: 8 hours of battery life is below-average.
- ➤ Build Quality: The build quality of this laptop could be improved to enhance durability.
- ➤ Keyboard: The keyboard feels a little loose and could be improved for a better typing experience.
It is no surprise that MacBook Air M2 is on our top list of best laptops for digital nomads. This is one of the best laptops for portability and power. With a 13.6″ display and a weight of only 2.7 lbs, this laptop has a battery life of up to 18 hours, which is great for digital nomads who are always on the go.
Apple MacBook Air M2 is an absolute beast because of its powerful M2 chip, which is excellent for multitasking and editing tasks. Though it is compact and lightweight, some disadvantages, like occasional throttling, limited ports, and a lack of some features, can be a matter of concern for some people. Apart from this, MacBook Air M2 is considered the best all-around portable laptop for travel and work.
Specs:
- • Display: 13.6", 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina Display
- • Weight: 2.7 lbs
- • Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 in.
- • Processor: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU (configurable to 10-core GPU)
- • RAM/Memory: 8GB unified memory (configurable to 16GB or 24GB)
- • Storage: 256 GB SSD (configurable to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB)
- • Operating System: macOS
- • Battery Backup: Up to 18 hours of Apple TV playback/ Up to 15 hours of Wi-Fi usage
Pros:
- ➤ Lightweight: It weighs only around 2.7 lbs. which makes it easy to carry in your backpack and travel with.
- ➤ Powerful M2 Chip: This powerful M2 chip is great for performance like multitasking and editing tasks.
- ➤ Vibrant Visuals: Air's Liquid Retina Display.
- ➤ Good Battery Life: For a laptop, 18 hours of battery backup is quite good to work for a longer period.
- ➤ Fast Charging: Air M2 can be fully charged within a few hours.
Cons:
- ➤ Missing Features: Features like Touch bar, fingerprint reader, are missing.
- ➤ Comparatively High Price: The starting price is higher than the previous model.
- ➤ Throttling Issue: This laptop can cause overheating and throttling during heavy workloads.
- ➤ Limited Ports: There are no HDMI port, Ethernet port, SD card slot, or USB-C.
If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker looking for the best laptop that offers 2-in-1 value, which provides the benefits of both a laptop and a tablet, then Microsoft Surface Pro 9 can be your best fit. It is also one of the best options for visual artists. It comes with a Surface Pen and Surface Dial, which increase user interaction and help streamline work. Besides, if you are looking for a laptop that costs around $1,000, then this laptop can be a great option.
Due to its lightweight and compact design, this laptop is great for portability and definitely one of the best laptops for remote workers.
Specs:
- • Display: 13" PixelSense Flow Display with 2880 x 1920 resolution and 267 PPI
- • Weight: 1.94 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.2 x 0.32 in.
- • Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U or i7-1255U
- • RAM/Memory: 4GB, 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB LPDDR5 unified memory
- • Storage: 128GB, 256 GB, 512GB, or 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- • Battery Backup: Up to 16 hours of battery life
Pros:
- ➤ Portability: Surface Pro 9 is compact and weighs only around 2 lbs., which fits easily into your backpack and lets you travel with ease.
- ➤ Powerful Processor: Great for ample memory multitasking and high-performance tasks.
- ➤ Versatility: This laptop is one of the best 2-in-1 laptops in the market as it offers the benefits of both a laptop and a tablet.
- ➤ Multiple Storage Options: It provides a wide range of storage options up to 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD.
- ➤ Crisp Visuals: PixelSense Flow display offers a clear, crisp, and vibrant visual experience.
- ➤ Support for Surface Pen and Surface Dial: These two tools enhance user interaction and are useful for streamlining work.
Cons:
- ➤ Limited Ports: Micro-SD card slot and USB-A port are missing.
- ➤ High Starting Price: More expensive than other options.
- ➤ Some Missing Features: No headphone jack.
If you want to take things up a notch, go for the Air’s big brother the MacBook Pro. The Pro is the most powerful Apple laptop option on the market, with a super fast processor, plenty of RAM, and all the usual bells and whistles that come with a new laptop.
Another big advantage of the MacBook Pro is its mind-blowing battery life. It also has a 16-inch Liquid Retina display that offers crisp and vibrant visuals. Overall, the MacBook Pro is the best laptop for digital nomads who will be doing a lot of video or photo editing, and it is definitely a bang for the buck.
Specs:
- • Display: 16.2" Liquid Retina XDR Display with 3456 x 2234 resolution
- • Weight: 4.7 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 14 x 9.77 x 0.66 in.
- • Processor: M2 Pro or M2 Max Chip
- • RAM/Memory: 16GB or 32GB unified memory (configurable up to 96GB with M2 Max Chip)
- • Storage: 512GB or 1TB (configurable to 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB)
- • Operating System: macOS Ventura
- • Battery Backup: Up to 21 hours of battery backup
Pros:
- ➤ Powerful Processor: It offers M2 Pro or M2 Max chip which is great for demanding tasks and allows you to multitask without technical issues.
- ➤ Vibrant Visuals: Liquid Retina XDR display offers clear and vibrant visuals.
- ➤ Durability: Its build quality is top-notch and helps your laptop to be durable especially when you are on the move.
- ➤ Multiple Storage Options: Up to 1TB storage option (configurable to 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB) is quite impressive.
- ➤ High-quality Audio System: This laptop's six-speaker setup is just mind-blowing, it enhances pleasure.
- ➤ Powerful Battery: It's no joke that a laptop has a battery life up to 21 hours!
Cons:
- ➤ Lack of Touchscreen: It may disappoint some people especially those who are in the creative fields.
- ➤ Latest Upgrade: Few significant upgrades from 2021 model.
- ➤ Affordability: This laptop is a little more expensive which can be an issue for some people.
Within its price range, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon can be a solid option for working remotely. It is one of the best laptops for business and connectivity. This laptop is fully upgraded with the latest Intel processor. It provides 4G and 5G connectivity, which helps you access high internet speed with minimal latency issues.
Additionally, it meets the MIL-STD 810h standard, ensuring durability and portability. Overall, this model delivers top-level performance at the best possible price-quality ratio for digital nomads.
Specs:
- • Display: 14" (1920 x 1200)
- • Weight: 2.48 lbs
- • Dimensions: 0.60 x 12.43 x 8.76 in.
- • Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240P/ i5-1250P/ i7-1260P/ i7-1270P/ i7-1280P
- • RAM/Memory: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB
- • Storage: 256GB to 2TB (NVMe SSD)
- • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- • Battery Backup: Up to 16 hours
Pros:
- ➤ High Memory and Storage: This laptop has up to 32 GB of RAM as well as up to 2TB storage.
- ➤ Thin and Portable: This ThinkPad X1 is thin and weighs only around 2.48 lbs. So, it's a great option for portability for travelers.
- ➤ Extremely durable: It's a great news for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers.
- ➤ 4G and 5G Connectivity: Due to this connectivity, you can access high internet speed on this laptop. Minimal latency issues were shown when we connected multiple devices.
- ➤ Good Battery Health: This laptop has a battery backup up to 16 hours which is quite good for long working hours.
Cons:
- ➤ Overheating Issues: It might get overheated occasionally. Might take more time to cool down.
- ➤ Design is Pretty Basic: If you like simple design then it's quite okay. But prefer more artistic design, then it might not be the best one for you
- ➤ Relatively High Price: This laptop can be slighter expensive than others in the price range.
This latest Asus addition brings a large premium 16-inch display and top-notch performance to the Chromebook series. This laptop offers robust performance and connectivity, making it great for entertainment and productivity. On top of its excellent versatility and performance, Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 offers a premium visual experience with a three-sided Nano Edge design for a modern, slim bezel look.
The CX5 might feel heavy, at around 4.74 lbs. However, this laptop is an excellent choice for digital nomads due to several benefits.
Specs:
- • Display: 16" Touch Screen, WUXGA 16:10, Wide View, Glossy Display, LED Backlit, 300nits, With
- • Weight: 4.74 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 14.10 x 10.30 x 0.75 in.
- • Processor: Intel Core i3-1215U, i5-1235U, i5-1245U and vPro i7-1265U vPro
- • RAM/Memory: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4X
- • Storage: 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- • Operating System: Chrome OS
- • Battery Backup: Up to 12 hours of battery life
Pros:
- ➤ Stylish Design: Eye-catching, aesthetic design is more appealing.
- ➤ Good Battery Life: Up to 12 hours of battery life is sufficient for longer use.
- ➤ Connectivity Option: Various versatile port options increases connectivity.
- ➤ Bright Display: Wide view, Glossy display enhances user experience.
- ➤ Touch Screen: 16-inch wide touch screen is a great option for smooth navigation.
Cons:
- ➤ Build Quality: Can be improved.
- ➤ Portability: This laptop weighs around 4.74 lbs. or 2.15 kg which can feel heavier while on the go.
- ➤ Affordability: Though it's a little bit expensive, performance justifies the price.
- ➤ Audio Performance: Inconsistent audio performance hinders user experience.
If you are a digital nomad looking for the best 2-in-1 convertible laptop, the Dell XPS 13 has your back. This powerful Intel Core i7 processor laptop can also function as a tablet. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry while on the go. Because of its superb functionality, this laptop can also be an alternative to an Apple laptop. Dell XPS 13 is considered one of the best laptops for digital nomads as it offers various benefits.
Specs:
- • Display: 13"
- • Weight: 1.6- 1.8 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 11.69 x 8.15 x 0.51 in.
- • Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7
- • RAM/Memory: Up to 16GB
- • Storage: 256GB to 1TB USD
- • Operating System: Windows 11
- • Battery Backup: Up to 12 hours of battery life
Pros:
- ➤ Compact and Portable: It's very lightweight and compact which enhances portability
- ➤ Great Build: This aluminum made laptop provides better durability.
- ➤ Powerful Device: It can be an alternative to Apple device
- ➤ Great Battery Life: 12 hours of battery life is good for productive work.
- ➤ Fast Charger: It can be fully charged within a few hours.
- ➤ Anti-glare Screen: Great for eyes as it doesn't cause eye strain.
Cons:
- ➤ Lack of Ports: No ethernet port that may cause connectivity issues.
- ➤ Storage Issue: The base model comes with 256 GB of storage, and upgrading the storage makes it pricier.
- ➤ Adding specs can get pricey: Apart from storage, upgrading the base model can get pricey.
- ➤ Poor quality Webcam: May be an issue for some people.
The HP Spectre x360 16″ is a powerful laptop suitable for digital nomads, especially those dealing with complex data and data analysis. This laptop comes with NVIDIA RTX 4050. So, you still have the same awesome haptic touchpad and great speakers. Not the best number of ports, but you do have that beautiful OLED display. You’ve got also Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer which enhances connectivity.
Specs:
- • Display: 16" OLED Display
- • Weight: 4.7 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 14.1 x 9.6 x 0.8 in.
- • Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H or i7-1260P
- • RAM/Memory: Up to 32GB
- • Storage: Up to 2TB
- • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- • Battery Backup: Up to 10 hours of battery life
Pros:
- ➤ Powerful Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i7 with up to 32GB of memory and up to 2TB of storage can handle complex data models.
- ➤ Vibrant Display: OLED touch screen offers 400 nits brightness and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. Additionally, it is ideal for data visualization.
- ➤ Sleek Design and Comfort: This laptop has a sleek design, a comfortable keyboard, and a large touchpad for efficient data input.
- ➤ Advanced Security: Fingerprint reader and Windows Hello for secure and convenient access.
- ➤ Enhanced Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast data transfer with large data sets.
Cons:
- ➤ Battery Life: 10 hours of battery life isn't quite enough for prolonged use.
- ➤ Affordability: This laptop can be pricey as the starting price is around $1,300, but it justifies the investment.
- ➤ Portability: 4.7 lbs. weight along with the size can be uncomfortable for some users.
- ➤ Lack of Webcam Privacy: The HP Spectre x360 16" doesn't come with a webcam privacy shutter, which causes privacy issues.
Whenever we talk about the best gaming laptop, Razer always ranks high on the list. Over the years, it has provided top-notch performance for heavy tasks like gaming. This thicker-designed laptop, Razer Blade Stealth 14 offers upgradable memory, which is very important to many people these days. One of the best things about this laptop is that when you open it, the hinge feels nice and tight, and it’s very secure.
The Razer Blade Stealth 14 boasts a spacious touchpad, excellent build quality, and an OLED display that delivers an immersive visual experience. While the speakers may not be the loudest, they still provide a satisfactory audio experience. If you’re in the market for a laptop that combines beastly performance with a host of enriched features, the Razer Blade Stealth 14 should be your top choice.
Specs:
- • Display: 14" 165Hz QHD OLED Display
- • Weight: 3.92 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 0.6 x 12.5 x 8.6 in.
- • Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
- • RAM/Memory: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz (Fixed Onboard)
- • Storage: 1TB SSD (M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 x 4)
- • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- • Battery Backup: Up to 12 hours of battery life
Pros:
- ➤ Stunning OLED Display: It offers immersive gaming experience.
- ➤ Durability: Build quality is great that can withstand the rigors of travel.
- ➤ Powerful Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 is a beast of the processor which is efficient for a smooth gaming experience with minimal latency issues.
- ➤ Fast Data Transfer: Thunderbolt 4 ports are available for fast data transfer which can help to run data-intensive software.
- ➤ Comfort: A comfortable keyboard and large touchpad are helpful for easy control and easy navigation.
Cons:
- ➤ Weight: Around 4 lbs. of weight is slightly heavier than other travel laptops.
- ➤ Audio System: Built-in speakers are not that loud.
- ➤ Battery Life: 12 hours of battery life could be improved.
If you’re a digital nomad who works on a laptop for a a more period and needs better battery life, then the LG Gram 17 should be at the top of your list. Besides, it weighs only around 2.76 pounds that too with a 17-inch display, making it easier to carry while on the go. Powerful Intel Core i7 processor allows multitasking without lagging issues.
The LG Gram 17 is clad in magnesium alloy, which is lighter than aluminum. Sadly, it’s no match for aluminum in terms of heat dissipation, but it’s also much more flexible than aluminum. Despite some demerits, this laptop is hands down one of the best laptops for digital nomads in terms of battery backup, portability, and performance.
Specs:
- • Display: 17" IPS LCD WQXGA
- • Weight: 2.76 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 19.5 X 12.3 X 2.4 in.
- • Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core i7-8565U
- • RAM/Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
- • Storage: 512GB or 1TB NVMe SSD
- • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- • Battery Backup: Up to 20 hours and 9 minutes of battery life
Pros:
- ➤ Great Performance: The Intel Core i7 processor is an absolute beast that helps you to multitask without experiencing lagging issues or overheating.
- ➤ Excellent Battery Backup: No wonder why this laptop is considered the best laptop for travel if you are thinking about battery backup.
- ➤ Vibrant Visuals: The 17-inch high-resolution IPS LCD monitor offers vibrant visuals.
- ➤ Wide Range of Connectivity Options: This laptop comes with USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt 4, microSD card reader, HDMI, and a headphone jack. These options help to connect all your devices.
- ➤ Durability: The laptop's durable build quality ensures its high lifespan, thus it attracts digital nomads to use.
- ➤ Portability: At nearly 3 pounds, LG Gram 17 is also easy to carry while traveling.
- ➤ Storage options: Ample memory and storage options.
Cons:
- ➤ Audio System: Built-in speakers are not that loud.
- ➤ Affordability: Comes with higher prices than some competitors.
- ➤ No Ethernet Port: Limits connectivity options.
- ➤ Build-Quality: As this laptop is constructed with magnesium, it doesn't feel as premium as aluminum though it's durable.
This 2-in-1 computer is similar to the previously discussed Dell XPS 13, but it’s less expensive. If you’re looking for a good entry-level model that can do it all, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 is an excellent choice. It is one of the most affordable laptops for digital nomads, but it justifies the investment. You get powerful performance, multiple port options, and security features like a camera shutter.
Although it may struggle to run a large amount of advanced software simultaneously, this is a solid option for basic digital nomad work.
Specs:
- • Display: 14" FHD IBS Touchscreen
- • Weight: 3.6 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 12.66 x 8.56 x 0.82 in.
- • Processor: AMD Ryzen 4500U
- • RAM/Memory: Up to 16GB
- • Storage: Up to 512GB
- • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- • Battery Backup: Up to 10 hours of battery life
Pros:
- ➤ Budget-Friendly: One of the most affordable laptops, especially for digital nomads on our list.
- ➤ Performance: AMD Ryzen 4500U processor along with 16 GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD offers good performance, so you won't have to stress about performance here.
- ➤ Versatility: This laptop can be converted into a tablet, making it a 2-in-1 device. It also provides a touch screen and stylus for added functionality.
- ➤ Security Features: A privacy shutter is available for the camera as well as an ID fingerprint that enhances security.
- ➤ More Port options: Ports like USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and SSD card reader are available.
Cons:
- ➤ Screen Brightness: Not the brightest screen which can be an issue if you work outdoor most of the time.
- ➤ Portability: Might have to face portable issue because of its weight.
- ➤ Limited High-End Use: Great for basic tasks which justifies the investment. But if you are looking for a laptop with more high-end s, consider other options.
- ➤ Battery Backup: Up to 10 hours of battery life is good, but not ideal for prolonged use.
Acer Swift 5 is a lightweight powerhouse that combines portability and performance for professionals on the move. For a digital nomad, it is important to have a laptop that can keep up with the fast-paced nomad lifestyle. This laptop not only meets but also exceeds many expectations in every aspect. It is incredibly light as it weighs only around 2.3 pounds and is easy to carry around whether you’re running to meetings or traveling.
Apart from some issues, like the quiet audio system, the Acer Swift 5 is one of the best laptops for remote workers.
Specs:
- • Display: 14" Full HD IPS LCD Display
- • Weight: 2.29lbs.
- • Dimensions: 0.59 x 12.6 x 8.1 in.
- • Processor: Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad-core or i7-1260P Dodeca-core
- • RAM/Memory: 16GB LPDDR4X or LPDDR5 unified memory
- • Storage: 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD
- • Operating System: Windows 11 Home
- • Battery Backup: Up to 11 hours
Pros:
- ➤ Good Performance: The Intel Core i7 processor delivers smooth performance comparable to high-end models like the Dell Inspiron 15 7000.
- ➤ Crisp Visuals: The 14-inch vivid and crisp display with 300 nits brightness provides an excellent visual experience
- ➤ Beautiful Design: Makes it more attractive
- ➤ Budget-Friendly: It's a bang for your buck!
- ➤ Great Portability: Acer Swift 5 is compact and lightweight which makes it ideal for digital nomads and remote workers.
- ➤ Fast Data Transfer: Thunderbolt 4 ports are ideal for fast data transfer.
Cons:
- ➤ Audio System: Built-in speakers aren't that loud.
- ➤ Screen Glare: Might be an issue for some people.
- ➤ Keyboard Feel: Might feel uncomfortable due to being a little slippery.
- ➤ Availability: Limited outside the US.
The ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-slim is an ultra-thin laptop with unique features, a beautiful OLED display and a variety of port options. This 14-inch laptop is compact and lightweight and easily fits inside your backpack. ASUS has applied a plasma ceramic finish, which has increased wear resistance. Though the brightness levels of this laptop aren’t the greatest, other features like the trackpad offer a smooth navigating experience, and the built-in numpad feature has made the device more user-friendly.
It’s truly remarkable to find a laptop with such high-end features at a sub-1000 price point! If you’re a digital nomad in need of a laptop with powerful CPU capabilities, the ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-slim could be the perfect choice for you.
Specs:
- • Display: 14" OLED Display
- • Weight: 2.6 lbs.
- • Dimensions: 14.2 x 9.3 x 0.8 in.
- • Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
- • RAM/Memory: 8GB to 16GB
- • Storage: Up to 1TB
- • Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- • Battery Backup: Up to 13 hours of battery life
Pros:
- ➤ Lightweight: This laptop weighs around 2.6 lbs., making it ideal for digital nomads and remote workers.
- ➤ Display Options: Variants like standard and anti-glare are available and you can choose any of them as per your preferences.
- ➤ Various Port Options: HDMI port, 2 USB ports, an audio jack, 2 USB ports, USB-C, and a microSD card reader are available.
- ➤ Good Battery Life: 13 hours of battery life is sufficient for most users.
Cons:
- ➤ Occasional Throttle: Some users have experienced occasional throttling and overheating while running heavy applications like video games.
- ➤ Weight depends on Screen: The anti-glare screen is slightly heavier than the standard one.
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What to check before buying laptops for digital nomads?
When purchasing a laptop for a specific purpose, there are certain things you need to consider. We tried to help you with 10 of the best laptops for digital nomads and remote workers. Still, you need to check out the following properties before closing the deal.
1. Size and Weight
Before buying a laptop, you must check out the actual size and weight of any model you’re thinking of purchasing. As a digital nomad or remote worker, this is crucial as you are usually on the move. A heavy, bulky laptop can cause portability issues. Also, a laptop with a wider screen might not fit in your backpack or be uncomfortable while traveling often.
So, make sure you choose a laptop that isn’t super heavy or too big. Additionally, always use anti-blue light glasses to protect your eyes from the screen, especially if you’re using the laptop for extended periods.
2. Performance
Another major thing to keep in mind while purchasing a laptop is the performance. A well-performed laptop can enhance your productivity by a big margin. So, to ensure good performance, look into the following before buying a laptop:
- • Processor: A powerful processor allows you to multitask and use multiple software applications simultaneously without latency issues. If you are a video editor or a gamer, you must consider a powerful processor for better workflow.
- • RAM/ Memory: RAM refers to the space needed to store working data and the processing power needed to retrieve information. So, to make your laptop work faster and smoother, higher RAM, like 16 GB or 32 GB, is advisable.
- • Storage Options: There are mainly two types of storage available in the market—HDD and SSD. Always look for a laptop with an SSD (Solid-State Drive) instead of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), as SSDs are faster and more durable than HDDs. If you work in video editing or other visual work sectors, you will need more space to store your data. Otherwise, a 256 GB SSD will work just as fine.
3. Durability
As a digital nomad, you will be traveling a lot. So, make sure that the laptop is durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel.
Check out the build quality, such as the materials used to make the laptop. For example, a Metal body is more durable than plastic. So, longevity is an important factor before making any investment.
4. Operating System
An Operating System (OS) is software that manages computer hardware, software, and resources and provides general services for computer programs. The three most dominant OSs are Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
You’ll need Windows OS to use Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). MacOS is another popular operating system that comes with Apple laptops. For basic functions, Linux works well.
5. Connectivity
For digital nomads, having a laptop with Wi-Fi and 4G or 5G connectivity is essential. Check the connectivity options of any laptop you’re considering for better web browsing.
6. Battery Life
You need to purchase a laptop with a decent battery life to work for longer periods. Since you might not find a power outlet everywhere you go, as a digital nomad, invest in a laptop that has sufficient battery life for prolonged use.
7. Price
Another key consideration while purchasing a laptop is the price tag. You have to find the best laptop that offers excellent value for money. If you need a computer with top-notch specs that serve you well, be prepared to spend more money. Otherwise, there are tons of budget-friendly laptops with great specs for digital nomads. In our list, there are many budget-friendly laptops, such as the Acer Aspire 5.
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Additional Laptop Accessories for Working Remotely
As a digital nomad, while a laptop is the main machine from which to work, a few essential laptop accessories can enhance your productivity and make the remote working experience smoother. Here are some of the most useful laptop accessories for digital nomads to purchase:
Laptop Backpack
While traveling, it is important to keep your laptop in a safe place. It’s not always possible to keep your laptop in the suitcase, as you’ll be working through it most of the time. So, invest in a laptop backpack that comes with padded compartments and a better locking system. Also, it needs to be waterproof.
You can check out the LOVEVOOK Travel Laptop Backpack (Waterproof) which offers an anti-theft design, large capacity, and multiple pockets and is suitable for digital nomads.
Portable Laptop Stand
A portable laptop stand has many benefits. It raises your laptop to eye level to reduce eye strain and neck discomfort. It can also help improve posture and minimize fatigue.
The Roost Laptop Stand is one of the best laptop accessories for making your digital workspace more ergonomic.
Portable Keyboard
Portable keyboards are lightweight and foldable, allowing for a more ergonomic setup. You can buy the ProtoArc Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard, which has multiple features and is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Wireless Mouse
A wireless mouse is one of the most essential laptop accessories for digital nomads and remote workers. It allows you to work more freely without getting tangled in cables. Logitech MX Anywhere 3 is one of the best travel mice for remote workers because of its comfort, smoothness, and button customization features. You can also check out the Apple Magic Mouse 2 if you’re looking for a mouse, especially for Macs.
External Hard Drive
An external hard drive gives you more storage to keep your data. It’s wise to carry an external hard drive, especially if your field needs more storage options. Samsung T7 Portable SSD is an absolute option due to its various features. Users have shared positive reviews after using it.
Portable Power Bank
A power bank is a lifesaver for digital nomads. Even if you buy the best laptop with a great battery life, at some point, the battery power begins to drain. So, having a portable power bank keeps you tension-free even if you don’t find a power socket while on the go.
Check out the Anker PowerCore 20,000mAh for a compact power bank. It’s an ultra-high cell-capacity power bank that has versatile recharging options.
Portable Monitor
If your work requires two displays, then having a portable monitor is a must. ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is a 15.6-inch anti-glare slim monitor designed primarily for portability.
Headphones (Noise Cancelling)
As a digital nomad, you often have to work from co-working spaces, cafes, or unusual places. These places sometimes get noisy, which can make it difficult to focus. So, investing in a noise-canceling headphone like the Sony WH-1000XM4 can be an excellent option for staying focused in a noisy environment. If you are a Mac user, you can also buy Apple Airpods Pro.
Speaker
A portable speaker can be a good purchase if you want to listen to music or podcasts without using headphones. Also, we found that some laptops don’t have loud built-in speakers. To fulfill your purpose, you can use JBL Go 3 a small, portable speaker that is louder!
Tripod (for Digital Nomad Content Creator)
If you are a digital nomad content creator or vlogger, having a tripod is a must add-on to grow in your vlogging career. It brings stability to the videos and photographs by ensuring sharper photos and smoother videos. Besides, it works great in low-light conditions by allowing longer exposure times without blurring the capture. You can check out TONEOF 60-inch Cell Phone Selfie Stick Tripod that is compatible with most of the mobile brands including iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel and so on. It is lightweight, telescopic, remote controlled, and foldable. The holder is a perfect combination of a selfie-stick and a tripod.
Tripod is a crucial accessory that can make your content or video creation journey more professional and smooth.
Laptop Stickers (Make it more attractive!)
If you wanna make your laptop more eye-catching, then you can buy stickers and put it on your laptop. This one is not mandatory, but it will definitely make your laptop more attractive.
So, that’s it for today! In this article, we picked some of the best laptops for digital nomads and remote workers. We discussed the specs, both the pros and cons, to show both sides of the coin. Also, we talked about the parameters you should consider checking out to make your investment worthy. We also discussed some of the essential laptop accessories you should buy to make your nomad or remote work life more comfortable and efficient.
You may also like this- Digital Nomad Gear: 21 Must-Have Items (2024)
So, what do you think? Let us know your thoughts on the best laptops for digital nomads and remote workers in the comment section, and share this article with your friends and family. Until then, keep reading, keep nomading!
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