How to Choose a Travel Laptop

When traveling with technology, my rule of thumb is simple: pack light. I understand that you want the best functionality with your travel laptop but sometimes it pays to go with the minimal option. I always look at multiple choices when I’m contemplating buying technology and laptops are no different.   I look at cost, battery life, storage, functionality and portability.

It’s smart to weigh your options and figure out what exactly you plan on using the laptop.

Do you want to watch movies?

Are you trying to surf the web?

What programs will you need to run?

Will you need internet accessibility?

How much are you trying to spend?

Just how portable do you need your travel laptop to be?

These questions and many more may arise in your decision process and I’m here to help.

There are 3 main types of lightweight travel laptops: 2-n-1s, ultra books and Chromebooks.

2-n-1s

These are versatile laptops and tablets in one, hence the catchy and practical name. These are very functional and convenient for travel since they have multi-functionality. They convert from a laptop to tablet easily and extremely portable. Sometimes you just want to watch a movie and other times you need the capability to access Microsoft office, so a 2-n-1 may be for you.

Microsoft really owns this market with their functional Surface Pro 2-n-1. The highlight is obviously their transformative properties and touch screen capabilities.

You will enjoy how easily they change from full laptop to e-reader or tablet.

The Surface Pro starts at around $800 USD and can be upgraded easily. The baseline model weighs less than 2 pounds and the battery lasts on average for 9 hours. That’s plenty of time for a long flight and layover.

Surfaces can be used with or without a keyboard, which adds to its portability.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are your budget friendly option but are cheap for a reason. These computers don’t run a full operating system like Apple OX or Windows; instead they run off a basic OS that uses the Chrome browser. Now that the name makes sense, lets discuss these laptops.

Chromebooks are hampered by their weak operating system, which doesn’t allow Adobe products or Microsoft. Their simple functionality allows users to browse the internet, watch movies or back up files like your travel photos. If all you need are these basic functions, then a Chromebook may be for you. Without internet connection however, you may not be able to perform basic word processing.

Check out the Acer Chromebook for only $225 USD, which is really cheap for all that it does. With an 11-inch screen and extreme portability these guys are great picks.

Ultra books

These bad boys are your traditional laptops but made smaller and lighter for your travel needs. They blend high performance speed and functional portability to create the high-end travel technology you may need. These are best for people who actually have to get work done while traveling. They can do all the normal functions of a laptop but with less weight and bulk. 

The Apple Macbook Air is my clear pick; especially since I’m an Apple man myself. These slick powerhouses pack all the frill with half the weight. They start at around $850 USD and pack the same processor as their bigger brothers the Macbook.

Do your own research and figure out what your digital needs may be, and purchase your travel laptop.