Whether you are on a business trip, or want to do a little work on a personal vacation, there are times where you need to travel with your laptop computer. However, not all laptops are easy to travel with. So, with dozens and dozens of different laptops out there on the market, how do you know which would make a good travel companion?
This guide is going to look at some of the best travel laptops and go over what makes them a good option for you.
Contents
Quick Summary
- If you want a portable laptop that doubles as a tablet, consider the Microsoft Surface Book 2. It is light, efficient and powerful. The great screen, solid audio, and ridiculously awesome battery life round out a great device.
- If you’re a fan of an incredibly simple and elegant design, the New Apple MacBook Air deserves your consideration. In addition to looking great, the computer functions well, can last for a full half of a day, and has a beautiful sound and visuals.
- If you’re after a light computer that still provides great durability and performance, the Asus Zenbook 13 might be right for you. From top to bottom it’s specs and features are top of the line, all jam-packed into a 2.6-pound device with great battery life.
Who Should Get This?
A travel laptop is a good option for those who travel frequently for work or pleasure and still need to be able to work. While our phones can keep us connected on the go, they aren’t often as good at getting work done our computers are.
Because of their inherent portability and solid battery life, many travel laptops are also great for freelancers and those who frequently work in coffee shops. Many of these computers pack a lot of high-quality components into their small size, as well.
Of course, if you rarely ever travel and need to bring your laptop with you, you probably don’t need a travel laptop. Also, if you travel with your tablet and/or phone and that is all you need, it may not make sense to buy a travel laptop.
Best Travel Laptop: What to Consider in 2022
Size and Weight
If you plan on putting this laptop in a bag or your luggage, you likely want it to be light and relatively small. It will be easier to carry around and use in smaller spaces. Thankfully, there are many high-quality laptops in smaller sizes today, so it shouldn’t be too tough to find a size that works for you.
Battery Life
When traveling, you can’t always be right next to a power outlet. As a result, a good travel laptop should have good battery life. It should be able to last most of your day and not require charging for many hours of moderate use.
Features and Specs
Like any computer, you want to make sure your travel laptop includes high-quality specs. You need to look at storage space, processor speeds, graphics and more. Think of which specs and features are important to you, and ensure the laptop you choose checks them off.
Design
While everything else I have mentioned is important, so is the design of the laptop. You want something that you enjoy and are proud of. So while it shouldn’t be your main consideration when choosing the best travel laptop for your needs, it is certainly something worth thinking about.
The Best Travel Laptops: Our Picks for 2022
1. Microsoft Surface Book 2
If you want a laptop that can also be used as a tablet, the Surface Book 2 is a good option for you. Traveling with the computer as a whole will be a breeze too, as it weighs just over 3 pounds and is relatively compact. It also offers 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage for your files, and a blazing fast 3.5 GHz processor. Add on the 17 hours of battery life and you have a great option for travelers everywhere.
Pros
- Can be used as a laptop or a tablet
- Incredible battery life for all-day use
- Very lightweight, while still offering great speeds
Cons
- Have been some overheating issues
- The fan can be quite loud at times
2. New Apple MacBook Air
If you are looking for high-quality and extreme usability, the MacBook Air is a good choice. Incredible sound, suitable storage, and a world-famous look make the MacBook Air a popular choice for business travelers and students alike.
The 12 hours of battery life doesn’t hurt either. The stunning display, great sound and additional features like Touch ID make the Macbook an option you should certainly consider.
Pros
- A sleek and sexy designs
- Quality battery life and screen
- Great security with the use of Touch ID
Cons
- Some don’t like the lack of traditional ports
- The processor could be a little bit faster
3. ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Durable Laptop
If you’re looking for something with both power and portability in mind, let me introduce you to the Asus Zenbook 13. Weighing in at just over 2.5 pounds, you won’t have a problem carrying this device throughout your travels.
However, don’t let that lightweight fool you, as this computer packs a punch in terms of power and performance. 16 GB of RAM, 512 GB SSD and the potential for 4.6 GHz of processing power round out the impressive specs of this device. It includes any other features you may be surprised to see on such a light device.
Pros
- Great blend of speed and power
- Very light and easy to carry
- Solid and durable construction
Cons
- Some complain the computer is noisy
- People complain about the keyboard and trackpad
Useful Tips and Resources
When traveling with your laptop, it is important to keep security in mind. Never leave it unattended or open, as that could leave you vulnerable to theft or someone accessing your private information. Always use a passcode on your laptop, and keep it within your view at all times.
You also need to be careful when joining wifi networks you are unfamiliar with. Some cybercriminals will create fake wifi networks or hotspots that look legitimate, in hopes that unsuspecting people to join them. Always be sure that the wifi you’re joining is legitimate and is the right one you were aiming to join.
Of course, when traveling with your laptop it is incredibly important to protect it and keep it safe. The last thing you want is for this expensive piece of equipment to be dropped or succumb to the elements. Thankfully, there are many different things you can do and tips you can follow to keep it safe, including the ones mentioned in this video.
Final Words
If you plan to travel or be on the go a lot, getting a travel laptop is a good idea. The laptop you go with should be portable, have a decent battery life, workable specs and a design that interests you. Hopefully this guide has been able to help you make a decision.
Do you know about or have a laptop that is perfect for travel, but not included on this list? If so, we’d love to hear about it in the comments!
