Whether you’re answering emails, beating a deadline, or looking for even more freelance gigs, many professionals simply can’t imagine their career without a laptop. It has become the ultimate work gadget of the 21st century, which many laptops now powerful enough to be used like a PC. However, not all freelancers are the same—and as such, require different tools to get the job done.
That being said, here are some of the best laptops for every kind of freelancer imaginable.
Best CPU: Apple MacBook Pro
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If you're in the tech field and often deal with multiple programs (such as CAD and CAE for engineering professionals), then you'll need a laptop that can withstand running such applications. The Apple MacBook Pro’s 2.9-GHz Intel Core i9 processor is a great option. According to Business Insider, a higher number means a more powerful chip—and i9 is currently the highest number in the CPU market. The MacBook Pro also has a feature called a Touch Bar, which you can program to facilitate quick access to functions and applications. For a base price of $3,000, this is perfect for programmers who want to work as efficiently as possible.
Best Price: HP Chromebook G6
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While some might argue that it falls into its own category outside of laptops, Chromebooks are an equally fantastic option for freelancers. Because they have a simpler OS, Chromebooks are typically more affordable than most laptops. Moreover, they're faster and more lightweight. The 11-inch HP Chromebook G6 is a budget-friendly model from HP that’s great for freelance writers who use browsers and word documents more than computer programs. For just a little over $200, it already has an Intel Celeron processor with HD Graphics 500 (the basics for any good laptop) and 16GB of internal memory. Another bonus is it’s ENERGY STAR certified, so it uses up less power than the average computer.
Best Battery: Lenovo ThinkPad X1
(Image Credit: Laptop Mag)
If you value battery power above anything else, then no laptop will last longer than the Lenovo ThinkPad. In fact, Lenovo claims the ThinkPad can run for more than 18 hours without charging. The only downside is that they aren’t as light or as thin as the typical modern laptop. However, the ThinkPad models from the X1 series are definitely less bulky than their predecessors. For around $1,500, this model is especially useful for freelancers, like video editors and graphic artists, who run battery-draining programs.
Best Display: Dell XPS
(Image Credit: PCMag Asia)
Speaking of graphic artists, if you want the best display possible, then you will want a laptop with a graphics card that’s up to the challenge. For this, any model from the Dell XPS line will show you images down to the smallest of pixels. Equipped with the latest Intel UHD Graphics 630, it’s one of the few non-gaming laptops that’s capable of true, 4K resolution. The Dell XPS models also don’t have heavy processors that most HD computers have, making them a good option to take with you to work. Prices start at $950.
All laptops have their advantages, but it’s up to you to decide which one has all the specifications you need. Do you work remotely? Does your work require a lot of heavy programs running in the background? How much is your budget? It's best to do your research so you end up with the perfect machine for your freelancing needs.
