Best Laptops for Travelers

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What’s the best laptop for travelers, and why would you need this type of laptop? Suppose you’re an occasional blogger, a professional digital nomad, or a Netflix-bingeing traveler. In that case, you will need a compact, light, thin, but a functional laptop with a battery life that’s more powerful than usual. 

Although all laptops are designed to be portable, some are more portable in design than others. Of course, smartphones or tablets can be useful while on the go. However, they can’t do what a laptop does. Your scope of work, entertainment needs, and your communication options can be expanded with a portable laptop.

We have reviewed the 10 best laptops for traveling currently on the market. Don’t have the time to check them all? Take a look at our favorite model, the Dell XPS 13, a flat, lightweight, touchscreen laptop. 

However, we have this, and nine others reviewed in-depth in the article. We will be completely honest with each review of the products so you can get the one that truly matches your need. We’ll also include a detailed buying guide which will consist of a list of features to consider while choosing. 

Review of the Best Laptops for Travelers

1. Editor’s Choice: Dell XPS 13

Key features 

• 2.8 pounds of weight
• Touchscreen laptop 
• 13.4-inch FHD+ screen 
• Intel Core i7 
• 16GB LPDDR4x RAM 
• 512GB solid-state drive 
• Windows 11 Pro

The XPS 13 9310 from Dell is extremely thin and light, weighing just 2.8 pounds. But the metal and carbon fiber construction gives an impression of exceptional strength and quality.

The XPS 13 9310 measures 295 x 199 x 14.8mm. However, the Dell is visibly smaller; it features a slightly smaller screen. 

Another aspect where the Dell laptop wins is the resolution: the XPS 13 9310 has a monstrous resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels. The extreme sharpness of the XPS is unbeatable (and most software now also supports screens with this resolution, apart from rare exceptions). 

The viewing angle, color fidelity, and brightness are great: both have 500 nit brightness and a huge viewing angle.

In terms of material quality, the latest version of the XPS 13 is even better than its predecessors, with an all-metal outer surface and carbon fiber inner surface.

The keyboard is, like the screen, almost borderless: it, therefore, makes the most of all the available surface, as well as the large touchpad. The power button also serves as a fingerprint reader to unlock the computer and is incredibly fast and accurate; a light touch is all it takes to unlock your PC instantly.

The XPS 13 9310 is one of the first laptops to use 11th generation Intel processors (10nm lithography): specifically the Intel i7-1185G7 processor. It is a quad-core 4.8 GHz: a monstrous power, which translates into an exceptional speed for any operation you go to do, including post-production of photos while on the go. 

Would you like to work with 180-megapixel photos? The XPS 13 9310 handles them without any difficulty. 

RAM is available in 8, 16, and 32GB configurations; in the product link, we have one of 16GB RAM. Also, the half-terabyte SSD offers remarkable speed and plenty of space – far more than you’ll ever use, especially if your files are in the cloud. 

The battery life is 3-4 hours but can vary widely depending on the programs you use, going down to two hours with particularly demanding software or exceeding six hours with very light use. 

The run-time of over 15 hours mentioned by some reviews is only possible with the FullHD version and with extremely light use; Dell itself declares a battery run-time of 14 hours on the version with FullHD screen but only 8 hours for the version with 4K screen. 

However, we think that the very high-resolution screen is worth sacrificing battery autonomy. Meanwhile, Dell supplies a 45W charger. The fingerprint reader, next to the Delete button, is exceptionally fast.

The built-in camera has 720p resolution and poor image quality, barely acceptable for video calls: most modern smartphones have a much higher quality front camera. And we think Dell could do better on that.

If you are looking for a top-of-the-range laptop with a Windows operating system, the Dell XPS 13 9310 is an exceptional choice, as are its “big brothers” XPS 15 and XPS 17.

Its excellent 13-inch XPS offers the ultimate in what to expect from an Ultrabook type PC today. Serious and neat design, finesse, and computing power at the rendezvous; there are so many points that make the American machine the best choice of laptop for travelers.

Pros 

• Sober design and quality finishes 
• Ultralight and portable 
• Thundering processor
• Excellent operating speed 

Cons

• Poor image quality 
• Disappointing battery power 

2. Best Ultrathin Travel Laptop: Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop

Key features 

• 14″ Full HD 100% sRGB display with backlit keyboard
• AMD Ryzen 7 Octa-Core Processor 
• 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD 
• Amazon Alexa
• Windows 10 Home

Since its debut in 2016, Acer has been committed to developing thinner and lighter laptops equipped with advanced components through the Swift series. The 2020 Acer Swift 3 continues this proud lineup with its ultra-light magnesium-aluminum body.

The Acer Swift 3 SF314 comes with Intel’s tenth-generation Core-i processor. Therefore, its computing power is outstanding. The laptop remains pleasantly thin and light. 

Acer Swift has a high-quality impression both haptically and visually. The case of the Acer Swift 3 is made of a magnesium-aluminum alloy. The laptop is very light at 2.62 pounds and is still sufficiently stable. 

You’d expect a 13.3-inch display at this weight, but it’s a 14-inch display. It has a Full HD resolution (1920×1080 pixels) and is still sufficient at 252 cd/m², although not overly bright. 

A matte display surface at least helps to reduce annoying reflections. An IPS panel with stable viewing angles is installed, which means that you don’t always have to be perfectly centered in front of the device to get a good picture. Unfortunately, the color reproduction is not very vivid: A coverage of the sRGB color space of only 67 percent means pale colors.

Despite the low weight and the small case dimensions, there is no built-in mini battery. This offers 48-watt hours and can power the device for over 12 hours of light use and 4 hours of productive work. 

The Acer Swift 3 SF314 offers plenty of storage space in a lightweight case. While other laptops are equipped with 128 or 256 gigabytes of mass storage, the Acer Swift 3 SF314 has 512 gigabytes. 

The sheer size has another advantage. There is 8 gigabytes of RAM and a cutting-edge processor. Compared to older processor generations, the advantages are primarily in the graphics performance, the ax WLAN standard, and the simple support of USB-C. 

In addition to the USB-C port, the device also offers two classic Type-A sockets, one in the old 2.0 version and one with the faster 3.0 standard. The device still offers a fully-fledged HDMI port for the TV or monitor connection. Additional features are the fingerprint reader and the two-level, white keyboard illumination. 

The device lacks thunderbolt compatibility, an SD card reader, and RJ-45 (wired network connection). The bottom line is that the offered performance for the money is great for anyone who’ll need an on-the-go computer system. 

Pros 

• Smooth performance
• All-day battery life
• Excellent build quality
• Light in weight 
• Beautiful backlit keyboard
• Large and fast SSD
• Viewing stable angle display

Cons 

• Non-upgradable RAM
• Display with pale color reproduction

3. Best Budget Laptop for Travelers: Lenovo Chromebook C330

Key features

• USB-C and 3.0, jack, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1, SD card connectivity
• MediaTekTM MTK8173C 2.1GHz processor
• Hybrid convertible laptop
• 4 GB LPDDR3 RAM and 64 GB drive storage 
• 11.6 in IPS HD touch screen 
• 10-hour battery life 
• 2.65 lbs weight 

The essence of Chromebooks can be summed up in two words: intuitiveness and comfort. If there is a good model that seems to have followed these precepts perfectly, it is the Lenovo C330. 

What we like in the first place is the battery life of this model—rated at a maximum of 10 hours by the manufacturer, which is a little more limited but remains well above average.

We also appreciate the hybrid side of the machine. Thanks to the folding touch screen, you benefit from two modes of use: the computer mode, which is ideal when working on an office suite, and the tablet mode, which is much more comfortable for watching series on Netflix or videos on YouTube. In addition, the transition from laptop to tablet is seamless, which makes it an excellent convertible model. 

You have a 29.46 cm, or 11.6 in. IPS screen. It’s both large enough to provide good readability. Meanwhile, it’s small enough to make the Lenovo C330 compact and lightweight as it weighs just 2.64 pounds. It can be transported without difficulty to work.

It’s a pity that the resolution is a little lower than current standards, but you still enjoy high definition and good connectivity, including jack, USB-C, and USB 3.0 ports. WiFi is, of course, included, as is Bluetooth to connect accessories.  

You have 64 GB of internal storage, and with 100 GB of cloud storage with Google Drive: you shouldn’t be stuck!

With 4 GB of RAM and a 2.1 GHz processor, the Lenovo C330 is quite powerful and fast compared to Chromebooks offered in the same price range. Multitasking is, therefore, possible: you can work and listen to music or a video in the background without any problem.

The Lenovo C330 is the ideal and presentable gift for a student or a digital nomad. Indeed, it allows you to use office software easily while offering enough power for multimedia relaxation uses and is easily transportable.  

Pros

• Has an HD touch screen 
• Foldable for easy use in tablet mode
• Powerful enough to work and surf simultaneously
• Comes with 100 GB of additional storage on Google Drive
• Solid battery life, easy setup, built-in antivirus
• Great value for money

Cons 

• Limited screen resolution
• Low RAM and hard drive storage 

 Our #1 choice for a Chromebook for on the go

4. Best Chromebook for On-the-go Users: Google Pixelbook Go

Key features 

• Touch screen and two stereo speakers
• Backlit keyboard with silent keys
• Built-in Titan C security chip and antivirus 
• 8th Generation Intel Core m3
• 8 GB, SDRAM, and 64 GB eMMC hard drive 
• 2 pounds weight 

Not all laptops have the features and functionality needed to be effectively portable. On the other hand, it is possible to get a model with a practical design for your travels with the Google Pixelbook Go. 

The Google Pixelbook Go is a relatively inexpensive laptop. However, you can count on a reliable manufacturer and a product with fast and efficient performance.

Its touch screen of 13.3 inches, or 33.8 cm, offers a Full HD resolution, implying 1920 x 1080 pixels. Add to that its two stereo speakers, and your viewing will be of superior quality.

The Go in the name of this model refers to its portability. Indeed, with its lightweight and 13 mm thickness, it becomes the ideal companion on the go.

As for its battery, it has a run-time of 12 hours, which is very good. If it ever gets empty, but you need it quickly, you just have to charge it for about twenty minutes to have two hours of additional use.

Its 8th generation Intel Core M3 processor is the basis of this product’s long battery life. In terms of memory, you get 8 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage.

From the screen to the keyboard, including the speakers, everything meets the needs of most users perfectly. We also found a lot of users who mentioned that it’s great for travelers and is the best Chromebook. In addition, we appreciate its black finish.

The keyboard is comfortable when typing text. Its keys are quiet and backlit, which is advantageous when you use them at night.

When it comes to safety, you have nothing to worry about. The Google Pixelbook Go comes with a Titan C security chip and built-in antivirus. The antivirus updates automatically when you have a connection to the network.

Despite the Google Pixelbook Go’s price tag, you get fast performance and premium features. Its design greatly facilitates your travels, and its battery run-time is more than satisfactory.

Pros 

• 12-hour battery run-time 
• A 20-minute charge gives 2 hours of battery life 
• The antivirus automatically updates
• Ultra-light and thin, weighing just 2 lbs

Cons 

• The price seems a bit high for its features 

5. Best Convertible Laptop for Travelling: Lenovo Yoga 910

Key Features:

• 8GB and 256 SSD
• 13.9 inches full HD screen
• 7th gen i7-7500U
• Windows 10 Home

The Chinese did it again by launching a rather interesting convertible laptop, the Yoga 910. It is ideal for travelers who want to switch from laptops to tablets with outstanding ease. 

Lenovo’s high-end hybrid ultrabook reinvents itself with the Yoga 910. It’s a laptop improved enough to eclipse its predecessor, the Yoga 900, and approach perfection.

This laptop has more than 9 hours of battery life. It has an Intel Core i7 processor with 8 GB of RAM and an Intel HD Graphics 620 graphics card. 

One of the main differences with its predecessor is that it no longer carries a 13.3″ screen but a 13.9-inch non-touch IPS screen defined in 1920 x 1080 pixels. How is it possible? Quite simply by drastically reducing the size of the screen borders to enlarge the display surface. 

Storage is the work of a 256 GB SSD that is not expandable. The machine is installed under Windows 10 Home. 

The brand is right to cling to the chassis that we are starting to know well and which was notably at work on the Yoga 900. The high point here is the 360° metal hinge inspired by watchmaking. It is, therefore, a pleasure to find it on this Yoga 910. 

When handling the Yoga 910, you immediately notice the great care taken in the finishes, highlighting the beautiful design. All aluminum abandons the soft-touch coating of the Yoga 900 without making much difference, except on fingerprints that are less visible on this new model. 

It has a hinge which, we repeat, opens 360°. This allows the Yoga 910 to be used as a classic laptop PC and as a tablet by folding the screen completely onto the back of the computer. You can even use it in tent mode when just watching a video. 

This laptop is therefore ideal for use on the train or plane. Thin and light, the Yoga 910 is an ultra-mobile laptop designed to accompany users on the go. Its 3-in-1 functionality affirms it even more for nomadic use. 

In addition, it comes with a small USB-C mains charger, which takes up little space in a bag and does not weigh it down.

Pros 

• A beautiful and well-finished frame
• Has dimensions that remain ready for mobility
• Solid and reassuring 360° hinge
• A quality touch screen.
• Really good battery life
• Handy biometric reader

Cons 

• SSD not expandable 

6. Best MacBook for Travelers: Apple Macbook Air M1

Key features

• 30W USB-C charger 
• Apple M1 chip
• 18-hour battery life
• Fanless design 

In 2018, Apple finally upgraded its MacBook Air, which had not seen any cosmetic changes since 2011. The ultraportable then came with two USB-C ports and a Retina screen. It, therefore, got much closer to that of the 13-inch MacBook Pro. 

The MacBook Air M1 has the same chassis and Retina True Tone screen covering the DCI-P3. But it still has some changes, such as the new, more comfortable Magic Keyboard, an ultra-fast SSD, and the Apple M1 processor integration. This makes it possible to increase the performance of the MacBook Air tenfold. 

Apple’s ultraportable laptop still measures 11.97 x 0.63 x 8.36 inches for 2.8 lbs. The screen-to-body ratio of the 13.3-inch screen is lagging behind the best on the market. It’s limited to 80% against more than 90% for similar models such as the Huawei Matebook X Pro (92%) or the Asus Zenbook S13 UX392F (94%).

It has a Touch ID fingerprint sensor that allows you to unlock the computer and make purchases and identify yourself online. It also has a FaceTime HD webcam that offers a 720p definition (1280 x 720 px). The MacBook Air M1 has two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports on the left. Fortunately, it retains a 3.5mm mini-jack headphone output on the right.

This device comes with the same 30W USB-C charger as the Intel model. The MacBook Air M1 is simply inaudible. Unlike the MacBook Air, which is equipped with an Intel processor, the M1 version does not have a fan. It, therefore, makes absolutely no noise in operation.

The MacBook Air M1 has the same 13.3-inch screen as its predecessors (33.8 cm diagonal for a definition of 2560 x 1600 px). The True Tone technology allows dynamic management of its color temperature depending on the ambient light. 

Pros 

• Noiseless operation 
• Ultralight and portable
• Up to 18 hours of battery run-time
• Easy to use 
• Made from recycled aluminum

Cons 

• Not suitable for gaming
• The camera can be better 

7. Best Windows Laptop: Microsoft Surface Go 3

Key features 

• 1920×1200 screen definition
• Intel Core i3-10100Y processor
• 8 GB RAM and 128 GB flash memory 
• 1.18 pounds weight 

The Surface Go 3 is Microsoft’s hybrid tablet computer. It comes with a new, more efficient processor and the latest Windows 11. The Surface Go is an entry-level 2-in-1 PC that rounds out a now beefed-up Surface family. 

For this 2021 edition, the Surface Go is not full of new features, except for the transition from an 8th generation Intel processor to a 10th generation model. 

It’s equipped with an Intel Core i3, 8 GB of RAM, and a 128 GB SSD. For more powerful PC-tablets, it will be necessary to turn to the top of the range of the brand: the Surface Pro 8.

The design of the Surface Go 2 has not changed. The Surface Go Type keyboard cover – which also serves as a screen protector – is included with the PC. A small touchpad is also present, and the keys are adorned with an adjustable backlight on 4 levels.

The Surface Go features an Intel Core i3-10100Y processor, logically much faster than the previous generation Core m3. The base frequency of the processor peaks at 1.3 GHz and its TDP (Thermal Design Power) at 5 W. So, you should not expect to be able to use heavy processing software or games.

It comes with Windows S, which only allows you to download applications via the Microsoft Store. However, the computer will offer to exit S mode in a few clicks when you try to install a third-party application.

Don’t expect magic from the speakers of a tablet. Located on either side of the screen, they make it possible to play videos from time to time, but we can only advise you to use an external speaker or headphones.

Needless to say that with its small dimensions, the Surface Go 3 can be taken everywhere, especially since it weighs only 1.18 pounds or 535 g. Even after adding the Surface Go Type Cover keyboard, it remains efficient to use at the office, while standing or while in transit. 

Its block charger remains small and light, and you can change the main connector for US or UK-compatible pins as needed (sold separately).

The laptop is said to have a battery life of around 11 hours. However, many users say its response is quite slow, and it’s the fault of an inefficient Intel processor. 

Pros

• Good build quality
• Versatile and ideal for on-the-go use
• Excellent screen
• 1080p webcam with Windows Hello.

Cons

• Quite thick borders
• A bit slow in performance

8. Best Budget Chromebook for Travelers: Lenovo Duet 2-in-1 

Key features 

• WiFi connectivity
• MediaTek Helio P60T processor 
• ARM G72 MP3 graphics card 
• 4 GB DDR4 RAM and 64 GB SSD storage 

The Lenovo Duet offered here is a quality computer sold at a low price. This model is a 2-in-1 product. You can use it as a laptop thanks to its fast keyboard. It is also possible to remove the keyboard to make a tablet. Support is located behind the screen for more stability.

For its low price, you may be surprised at the performance of this device. Its processor and graphics card are of high quality. Moreover, its lightweight and slim design allow you to carry it easily.

The 10.1 inch or 25.7 cm touch screen uses IPS technology for better color rendering. It offers a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, which is significant.

It uses a fast 64 GB SSD hard drive at the flash memory level, so you have enough space for storing many files. The RAM, on the other hand, is 4 GB.

However, the keyboard is small for an adult or someone with very large hands, but it is a matter of adjusting. 

The only problem a few users had was that Zoom could not be installed in Chrome OS as an application, so the web version was used. 

Note that it only has a C connector, and it doesn’t have a USB. So we highly recommend that you get a multi-connector hub if you would like to use a mouse, webcam, keyboard, etc.

Pros 

• Hybrid model: can be used as a computer or a tablet
• Has support behind the screen for more stability
• High performing
• Ultraportable and multifunctional 

Cons 

• Small keyboard

9. Best for On-the-go Graphic Designers: Samsung XE510C24-K01US Chromebook Pro

Key features 

• Jack, USB-C, microSD, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity
• Intel Core M3 0.9GHz processor
• Intel HD 515 graphic card
• 4GB RAM with 32 GB hard drive
• 9 hours battery life
• 1.08 kg / 2.38 lbs weight

With the Samsung Chromebook Pro, the Korean manufacturer has decided to push the concept of a computer-tablet hybrid as far as possible. For this, they used a clever technique by simply selling the product with a stylus.

Thanks to the stylus, you can take notes, sketch, or draw diagrams. Samsung has pulled out all the stops by offering a screen of truly rare quality on this type of product. It’s not so much the diagonal, 31.24 cm or 12.3 in, that impresses us, but rather the QHD resolution, which is very pleasant when watching series on video-on-demand services.

To make it all work well, it needed a bit of power. The Samsung Chromebook Pro is equipped with an Intel Core M3 processor and 4 GB of RAM, making it ready for multitasking. Although, there could be more. You can open several applications simultaneously without being confronted with disabling slowdowns.

If you sometimes need to work offline, you can take advantage of Google’s offline office solution. 32 GB of storage is provided on the machine, which is the average for Chromebooks.

We should also note that this is a device with a great metallic finish. On the other hand, it is a little more expensive than some competitors. In addition, its power implies a maximum battery life of 9 hours. 

Pros

• Best for small graphic design jobs
• 360° rotating touch screen
• Comes with a pleasant stylus
• Great metallic style and professional appearance
• Ability to multitask allows to work and relax

Cons 

• Battery life slightly behind 

10. Best On-the-go Gaming Laptop: Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Laptop

Key features 

• Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and USB-A connectivity
• Windows Hello infrared camera
• 4K touch screen
• Quad-core 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor

Razer is a brand specializing in computers for gamers. That said, the American giant has not forgotten the nomads and potential travelers, who can count on the excellent Blade Stealth and its disproportionate capacities, to play a few games of Call of Duty or Uncharted 4.

With dimensions and weight of 321 x 206 x 13.1 mm and 1.3 kg, respectively, and 7 hours of battery life (in mixed-use) and 5 hours of play, this is a decent laptop for gamers on the go. 

The laptop comes with an Intel Core i7 processor with 16 GB of RAM and an Intel HD Graphics 620 graphics card. It has a 12.5-inch IGZO touch screen defined in 2560 x 1440 pixels. Finally, storage is the responsibility of a 256 GB SSD, which is not expandable. The machine is installed under Windows 10 Pro. 

Pros 

• An elegant design
• Well-made screen
• Excellent battery life
• Versatile connectivity
• Ultra-powerful processor

Cons 

• Tends to overheat
• No SD card port

Buying Guide

There are many things to watch out for in a traveling laptop, as far as features are concerned. These include portability (in dimensions, weight, and overall design), the processor and RAM for smooth performance, and plenty of hard drive space. These are essentials; suppose you want to watch some movies during a train ride or install some heavy games. The chief of it is battery run-time (as you often wouldn’t have a place to charge while on the go). We’ll explain these and more in-depth in the following guide. 

Types of laptops for travelers 

You don’t need an office laptop while traveling. Below are some laptop designs that work best for travelers.  

Convertibles

Convertibles are likened to cabriolets; you transform a closed car into a chic open vehicle by folding back the roof. Convertible laptops are beautifully designed hybrid touchscreen laptops that can be used in three ways: in laptop mode, tablet mode, and tent mode for watching movies. 

If the display is folded back so far that it rests on the back of the keyboard, the laptop turns into a handy tablet. In such a case, the operating system switches directly to finger operation. 

Netbooks

Netbooks are very compact laptops that focus on long battery life and low weight. It’s perfect for use in small spaces, web surfing, chatting, emails, and other web services. Netbooks are comparatively cheap because of their limited performance.

Ultrabooks

Ultrabooks are laptops that are extremely flat and compact. In contrast to netbooks, these devices have more powerful features.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are laptops with Google Chrome operating system. Flat, light, and fast, Chromebooks are great for those who want to stream videos, listen to music, and work or play on the go. They’re often much cheaper than conventional laptops. 

Operating system: Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS?

The operating system is the primary management program of the computer. Among other things, it determines how data is stored and found, which programs can be installed, and the logic that the user uses to interact with the computer via the user interface. 

But it also determines which external hardware can be connected. The most common system is Microsoft Windows. In terms of hardware and software, hardly anything does not also run on Windows systems. 

Apple’s macOS follows a particularly user-friendly operating philosophy and has particular strengths in creative work with the image, video, and audio software. If you already have an iPhone or iPad, you can seamlessly integrate a laptop with macOS into your Apple environment. 

The ChromeOS follows a different concept. What happens locally on the laptop with Windows and macOS is outsourced to the network in ChromeOS: installed programs, stored data, and services take place in the cloud. Advantage: The laptops with ChromeOS are extremely energy-efficient and last for many hours on battery power. The laptop, however, only works to a limited extent without an Internet connection.

If you want to work with Apple’s macOS, you can’t avoid a MacBook. Especially compared to Windows laptops, Apple MacBooks have a significantly higher price. The laptops are of high quality and designed especially for creative applications such as Photoshop, Premiere, or Davinci Resolve.

An alternative to macOS and Windows laptops are models equipped with Google’s Chrome OS. These laptops are referred to as Chromebooks. Chromebooks are usually inexpensive and primarily designed for surfing the Internet and using Google programs. If you primarily use Google services such as Google Drive, Maps, Office, or Hangout, you will find the right hardware in a Chromebook.

Display size

The larger the display, the heavier the laptop is. The smallest size is a screen diagonal of 13 inches or 33 centimeters. The area is sufficient for office tasks, email, and Internet surfing and is practical if the laptop is mainly used on the go. 

A good compromise between the work surface and mobility is 15 inches. However, if you want to work productively on the laptop or even do graphic work, you should consider a 17-inch display. 

For those who have little idea of ​​the inch unit of measurement, multiply the information in inches by 2.5 and get the value in centimeters. 

Storage space

As always, it all depends on your usage. If you opt for an SSD, your computer will certainly be faster but not take advantage of as much space as a hard drive. Clouds can be an alternative, but you still need an internet connection.

If you need large storage space for backing up your videos or simply your favorite albums or series, opt for a 512 GB, 1 to 2 TB hard drive.

RAM or random access memory is the space used by your programs to run. In summary, the more RAM you have, the faster the performance. 

8GB RAM should be a minimum unless it’s a Chromebook (usually limited to 4GB). However, 8-16GB is the sweet spot.

Battery life

Remember, there’s not usually a place or way to charge while on the move, on a bus, train, or airplane (at least not with your regular charger). The laptop needs to have a fast charger and a powerful battery. 

A look at the current models in retail shows that a running time of nine and 18 hours is the standard for traveling laptops. 

The processor

If you use demanding software or video games, you will need a high-performance processor. If you’re ready to break the bank, you can aim for the latest generation Intel Core processor. Core i3, Celeron, Pentium, or AMD processors are sufficient to perform everyday tasks or surf the Internet. The Core i5/i7 model is, in our opinion, a happy medium.

If you don’t know which generation your processor belongs to, its first 4 digits will tell you. For example, “i7-7500U” is the seventh generation.

The letter placed at the end is also important. It indicates the series and power consumption of the processor.

The letters “Y” and “U” mean that the chip is of less power, therefore insufficient for video games, for example, but its battery will last longer.

The letter H designates high graphics performance, and the letter Q: quad-core (four cores, in other words, allows your computer to process several instructions simultaneously).

Most laptops have Intel processors, but you can find some with AMD processors.

Graphics card and graphics performance

The graphics processor (GPU) in a laptop calculates the images and forwards them to the monitor. The more powerful the GPU, the faster the image information can be calculated. 

There are two types of these graphics chips: one, less powerful, is integrated into the main processor (CPU), the other, much more powerful, is outside the processor because it is larger and needs special cooling. 

The integrated GPU is more than enough for On-the-go applications, Internet surfing, and watching Full HD videos. These chips are labeled “HD Graphics” on Intel processors, followed by a code number. AMD processors call them “Vega.” However, when graphics-intensive programs are supposed to run smoothly on the laptop, the integrated graphics chips quickly reach their limits. 

Connections

If other devices are to be connected to the laptop, additional connections are required. These include USB ports for cameras, external keyboards, mice, printers or gamepads, large monitors, and beamers connected via HDMI, and a LAN can be connected via the RJ45 connector. 

Cable and headphones can be connected via a 3.5 mm jack socket. However: USB is not just USB. USB 2.0 transmits data at 480 megabits per second (Mbps), USB 3.1 Gen 1 at 5 gigabits per second, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 at 10 gigabits per second. USB 3.1 is, therefore, the most important connection for external hard drives or video cameras.

Conclusion

Check your emails, take stock of expenses from your bank’s online space, start post-production of the project you just went to shoot, book a hotel or use the Internet on-site – many tasks will require using a laptop during your trip.  

Ultra-portable computers are the only option for traveling with a laptop. We cannot imagine carrying a laptop with a 15.6″ screen and a weight of 2 kg, no matter how cheap it may be. However, these laptops are designed for different tastes and needs. Once again, here’s our verdict on the best traveling laptops. 

1. Editor’s Choice: Dell XPS 13
2. Best Ultrathin Travel Laptop: Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop
3. Best Budget Laptop for Travelers: Lenovo Chromebook C330
4. Best Chromebook for On-the-go Users: Google Pixelbook Go
5. Best Convertible Laptop for Travelling: Lenovo Yoga 910
6. Best MacBook for Travelers: Apple Macbook Air M1
7. Best Windows Laptop: Microsoft Surface Go 3
8. Best Budget Chromebook for Travelers: Lenovo Duet 2-in-1 
9. Best for On-the-go Graphic Designers: Samsung XE510C24-K01US Chromebook Pro
10. Best On-the-go Gaming Laptop: Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Laptop

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