Goodness, I can't tell you how many times folks ask me about a certain laptop they're shopping for.  The conversation always goes along the lines of, "Hey, I'm looking for a new laptop and I saw brand X laptop for $349 with a ton of storage and RAM.  Is it a good deal?"  When I look at the price I can already tell two things:

  1. It is not a good laptop
  2. They're not going to be happy with me

The Problem

Everyone loves a deal but, as a professional, I cannot endorse something I know isn't going to meet someone's needs.  The old adage, "You get what you pay for", is true in this and every case.  Let's consider a few things:

  • Low-end processor with high-end branding.  Despite perhaps being an Intel i7 Quad-Core processor, but it is not going to be the fast types.  Intel puts out several lines of i7 processors, and the inexpensive ones are just slow.  If it's not at least an i-series processor, stay away - it will not perform!
  • The chipset and memory are inadequate for long-term use.  Remember, the laptop is priced to sell, not perform.  This laptop will fail prematurely.
  • The motherboard is low-end.  Solder points are cold, loose, or not complete.  These are precision devices and corners just can't be cut.
  • Power, USB, and other connectors are not properly supported.  Most times, they're not supported at all!  The only way these connectors are in place are via the solder joints so they fail quickly, leaving you with a laptop that won't charge or won't get USB.
  • Wireless adapters are generic, with poor driver support.  Often times, a wireless device with a poor driver will end up wreaking havoc on an otherwise high-quality wireless network.  Since wireless is already prone to interference and performance challenges within a saturated environment, a low-end laptop could end up bringing an entire network down.  Even more frustrating is frequent inability to maintain a connection to the wireless network - leading one to blame the network.
  • The hard drive is TERRIBLE.  Low-end hard drives are notorious for failure because of cheap bearings, motors, and build quality.  Also, most low-end laptop hard drives run at 5400 rpm.  The bare minimum I recommend these days is 7200rpm.  Back up often, the cheap hard drives are going to fail.  Also, take into account that these laptops will likely not have a motion sensor to shut down the hard drive and prevent a head strike (when the read/write needle hits the disk and damages it permanently).
  • Screens are low quality.  Plagued with dead pixels, glossy finish (awful in any kind of light but pretty to look at), plastic hinges mounted on plastic, low resolution, and prone to failure.
  • Cheap fans and inadequate cooling.  If you block one vent, you could end up damaging the laptop.  The vent is almost always on the bottom, and will no doubt be blocked when you use the laptop on your lap.
  • Overall Fit & Finish.  The system feels flimsy, loose, and otherwise cheap.
  • Software.  Low-end laptops will typically come with a Home version of Windows, which is not appropriate for business use.  In addition, it will come pre-loaded with lots of annoying and potentially harmful software.

The Need

All that said, when I make laptop recommendations I generally ask questions to determine what the needs are:

  • Reliability.  In business, we need computers that work anytime we need to work.
  • Speed. Systems can't be slow - when an idea comes or an order needs to be fulfilled, technology can't stand in the way.
  • Security. We hear so much about security these days and it all starts with our hardware - encryption, screen privacy, and simplicity of protection are paramount.
  • Flexibility.  A laptop used in business must be able to connect to any wireless network quickly and be able to connect to VGA and HDMI projectors.
  • Support.  Business laptops typically come with next-business-day warranties so that downtime is minimized in case of failure or damage.  Yes, you heard correctly - damage - we do not recommend purchasing a business laptop without a damage protection plan.
  • Longevity.  Not only does it need to last long, but the manufacturer needs to support it with replacement parts and upgrades for an extended period of time - my rule of thumb is 5-6 years.

The Answer

When selecting a quality business laptop, the manufacturer is not as important.  They all essentially use the same parts, technologies, components, and sometimes even assemblers to put together their systems.  Pay special attention to the model laptop that you're buying.  Also, just because a system has the word, "Pro" or "Professional", in its model name, does not make it so.  These systems are also rarely found, if ever, on a store shelf.  You'll have to special order online or from a trusted advisor since the options available are numerous and can affect price by as much as several thousand dollars if not properly spec'ed.

The Price

Expect to pay, at the bare minimum, $1,250 for a well-equipped system (including productivity software like Microsoft Office and Anti-Virus).  Any systems below that mark should be scrutinized carefully to ensure they're not pro-sumer systems (high-end consumer system).