Best Laptops for Work Travel and Personal Use

What laptops are recommended for a mix of work usage and personal?

I'm looking for something that is 1) capable of running large, complex models (i.e. infra models) and is 2) ergonomically for traveling (i.e. lightweight, decent keyboard, decent battery, etc.).

I've been using a late 2010s Dell XPS 13 that I got for college, which has overall been decent, but now it is too old and too small for work.

Any help with specific laptops and specs (i.e. 16 vs 32 GB of RAM, etc.) is appreciated. Thanks!

14 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some laptop recommendations that align with your needs for work and personal use:

  1. Lenovo ThinkPad Series:

    • Known for their excellent keyboards and durability.
    • Recommended specs: 16GB or 32GB RAM, SSD storage, and at least an i7 processor for handling large models.
    • Lightweight options like the X1 Carbon are great for travel, though they can be pricey.
  2. Dell XPS Series:

    • A solid upgrade from your current XPS 13.
    • Look for models with 16GB or 32GB RAM, 11th or 12th Gen Intel i7/i9 processors, and a good battery life.
    • The XPS 15 might be a better fit for work-related tasks requiring more screen real estate.
  3. MacBook Pro (M1/M2 Chip):

    • If you're open to macOS, the MacBook Pro offers excellent performance, battery life, and portability.
    • The M1/M2 chips are highly efficient and can handle complex tasks with ease.
    • Opt for 16GB or 32GB RAM depending on your workload.
  4. HP Spectre x360:

    • A versatile 2-in-1 option with a sleek design.
    • Recommended specs: 16GB RAM, Intel i7 processor, and SSD storage.
    • Lightweight and travel-friendly with a decent battery life.
  5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio:

    • A hybrid device with a unique design for work and creativity.
    • Recommended specs: 16GB or 32GB RAM, Intel i7 processor, and SSD storage.
    • Great for portability and ergonomic use.

For your specific needs (running large models and traveling), prioritize: - RAM: At least 16GB, but 32GB is ideal for heavy workloads. - Processor: Intel i7/i9 or Apple M1/M2 for high performance. - Storage: SSD (512GB or more) for speed and reliability. - Weight: Lightweight models under 3.5 lbs for travel convenience. - Battery Life: Aim for 8+ hours to ensure productivity on the go.

These options should provide a balance of power, portability, and ergonomic features for both work and personal use.

Sources: Best laptops for an MBA program, I Need Laptop Recommendations, What finance jobs can be done from a laptop at home or anywhere?, Best Laptop for Undergraduate Finance Major, Girl Investment Bankers - Any tips?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Don't. I've got a tower that I've been updating piece by piece since 2009. 16 cores, 5ghz is a lot more powerful than the AMD Phenom 1 X3 that I started with.  Yes my work laptop can handle what I need from it, but the desktop is much better, and handles my two 4k monitors with less lag.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

A desktop obviously has more grunt but OP is specifically asking about something portable for work travel. Unless he wants to learn to build a SFFPC and tote around a monitor and peripherals, a desktop isn't the right solution.

My vote is Lenovo. X1 Carbon or a P series (these are their workstation units with better internals and better warranties and support)

 
DinosaurJuice

A desktop obviously has more grunt but OP is specifically asking about something portable for work travel. Unless he wants to learn to build a SFFPC and tote around a monitor and peripherals, a desktop isn't the right solution.

My vote is Lenovo. X1 Carbon or a P series (these are their workstation units with better internals and better warranties and support)

I'll sit with a Surface.  My Go will run BBG in a pinch.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

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