The Best Business Laptops Have These 4 Features

Find the right combination of performance & portability

With so many models of varying specifications, operating systems and manufacturers on the market, choosing the best business laptop for your team can feel more like a guessing game than a strategy. We’ve put together a list of key features to help you find the ideal solution for your business needs. 

4 key features of the best business laptops 

1. The power to multitask with ease

The best business laptop is the one that most closely suits your specific needs. If you only need a laptop to check your email or review spreadsheets, you won’t need the same model as someone who does graphic design. You can best gauge a laptop’s capabilities by understanding the main components that determine speed and power:

• Processor: Think of the CPU, or central processing unit, as the brain of the laptop. You can evaluate processing power using its speed (expressed in gigahertz, or GHz) and the number of cores; generally speaking, the higher the speed and greater number of cores, the more power you’re dealing with.

• RAM: Short for random access memory, RAM is temporary storage that determines how quickly data can be accessed and read. RAM plays a significant role in loading times as you switch from app to app or wait for a response to a command.

• Graphics: Some computers have integrated graphics processing units (GPUs) that work alongside the processor, while others have dedicated graphics cards. The latter option will be more expensive and is typically reserved for apps with heavy visual requirements, like video editing software.

For general office use, a mid-tier processor and about 16GB of RAM should be sufficient; however, more demanding jobs will require higher specs. Keep in mind that what’s considered powerful now won’t be in five years, so when in doubt, go with the higher numbers—it may cost more now, but this strategy can make your laptop investment last longer.

2. Enough storage for essential work files

These days, when it comes to the best business laptops, the type of storage is just as important as the capacity. Look for models with solid-state drives (SSDs), which manage files significantly faster than legacy hard drives (HDDs). Some computers also have both types of storage drives, so employees can use the SSD for frequently accessed files and the HDD for long-term storage; that’s often the best compromise if your team has varying requirements.

3. A vivid display that’s just the right size

How much you enjoy using your work computer depends a lot on the kind of monitor you’re using, so here are two things you’ll want to keep in mind: 

• Size: The smallest laptop displays start at 11" (measured diagonally) with most maxing out at 17". The larger the screen, the heavier and bulkier the laptop is going to be. 13" to 15" is the sweet spot where productivity meets portability.

• Resolution: Resolution refers to how crisply images and text can be displayed on the screen. Top-of-the-line 4K displays are gorgeous, but for most everyday work, a high-definition screen is more than enough. 

4. Effortless portability

One of the best things about laptops is that you can take them anywhere, but that means you’ll also have to think about battery life. 

Generally speaking, longer battery life comes at the expense of power. A business laptop that can edit video files won’t have a long a battery life as one designed for word processing or internet surfing. To find the best balance between portability and power, consider the kinds of apps they’ll be using and how long they’ll really need to be away from an electrical outlet. 

Power up with Walmart Business

When you’ve homed in on the best business laptop for your team, turn to Walmart Business. Our varied selection of business laptops and other office supplies helps owners and managers equip their employees and set them up for success.

If you already have an account, upgrade to a Walmart Business+ membership to get even more benefits and stretch your budget further. You’ll get free shipping with no order minimum,¹ free delivery from local stores on orders over $35² and 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards on orders of $250 or more.³ That could add up to over $500 in savings every year,⁴ allowing you to reinvest more money in your business. Click here to learn more.

¹ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

² Restrictions apply. 

³ Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply.

⁴ Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business Rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).