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The 4 most important features to look for when buying a work laptop

Woman sits in front of laptop and open notebook, holding a pen
MSI

Working smarter (and not harder) can be largely attributed to the device you're using. Think about all the time you'd have saved in your work life if your laptop never faltered under pressure or froze inconveniently while you were on a deadline — it's likely thousands of glorious hours. 

This is why buying a device for work purposes does require a little research. Given the significant financial investment and the fact that it's the screen you'll be looking at for most of your day, you'll want to ensure it's serving your needs. 

What kind of work do you do?

The kind of work you do will ultimately determine what kind of device you settle on. 

If your work requires a lot of time spent in high-performing video editing and animation suites, prioritising a device with a high-quality CPU, GPU, and RAM is best. It might sound like a lofty idea, but considering a gaming laptop if you work in these fields could be a good option. For example, MSI's GE Raider series gaming laptop was designed with a 30% - 45% increase in CPU performance from previous models in mind — optimal for utilising data-heavy software like InDesign or Logic. In addition, the laptop also features 12th Gen Intel processors, which provide thermal cooling solutions to further assist the laptop's performance. 

On the other hand, if your time is mostly spent in number-heavy spreadsheets and responding to emails, prioritising a large screen size and battery life would be beneficial. 

Are you commuting these days?

While many jobs have shifted to a permanent work-from-home model, some workers are slowly but surely making their way back into CBDs and offices around the globe. If you're starting to make the transition back into a hybrid working model, you'll want to ensure your commute is as comfortable as possible — especially if you're travelling long distances on public transport. 

Considering the size of a new laptop is integral to this. If you're commuting long distances regularly, a compact, light device (which will likely have a smaller screen size) will probably suit best. Considering a laptop with a large battery life is also beneficial for commutes, if you're likely to sneak in a few emails and other bits and pieces while in transit. 

Are you working long hours?

Long hours are sometimes unavoidable. While it's important to maintain a work-life balance, sometimes extra hours are required. Finding a laptop with a blue-light filter and a high resolution will help take some of the strain off your eyes (along with wearing proper glasses, of course). 

Do you carry out personal tasks on the work laptop?

Working from home undeniably blurred our personal and professional lives. While it sounds grim, it's not all negative. If your laptop is also being used to store personal items like photos and side projects, seek out a laptop with high storage capacity — it'll be more convenient in the long-run.

 

This post was created by MSI with Insider Studios

 

Studios Enterprise Technology
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