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The best computers for work combine power, portability, and durability. But with all these features that make them unique, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose! To help you out, we have put together all the best computers in terms of hardware and performance.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Computers for Work
- OUR TOP PICK: Dell XPS Desktop 8940
- RUNNER-UP: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9)
- Dell Precision 5820 Tower
Comparison of the Best Computers for Work
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Runner-Up
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Review of the Best Computers For Work
Best Overall:
Dell XPS Desktop 8940
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers say that the Dell XPS 8940 is a small desktop computer, but it holds a lot of power. You can have gazillion tabs and playbacks open without exerting too much stress on the CPU. The only drawback is that it lacks USB-C ports.
Why It Stands Out to Us
One good thing about Dell XPS 8940 is that it's customizable and leaves room for expansion. You can build a powerful desktop computer if you have the budget! The most expensive model you could build can reach a whopping $3,000, may include: 10th-Gen Intel Core i9-10900K, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070, 128 GB, and 2TB SSD + 2TB HDD.
The mid-range may consist of 10th-Gen Intel Core i7-10700, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti discrete graphics card, 16GB, 512GB + 1 TB HDD. This will take your work and creative projects seriously. And with the new Wi-Fi 6 technology, it has three times faster internet speed than other computers!
Dell XPS 8940 has plenty of USB-A ports but lacks USB-C for connecting up devices with Type C connectors. However, there are still other options available, like the HDMI and DVI ports.
Who Will Use This Most
This is highly recommended for those who need computers that can handle all their small business or home office demands. With Dell XPS 8940, you can get more things done in no time.
Bottom Line
If performance matters more than the price, we recommend the high-range Dell XPS 8940 computer. It has more power and speed to meet all your demands.
Runner-Up:
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 9)
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The carbon fiber chassis and tall display give the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 a sleek look that some customers find appealing. The keyboard provides convenience with its red track point that you can use for scrolling through web browsers or zooming in on pages, but some say the keys feel shallower than other notebooks available today.
Why It Stands Out to Us
X1 Carbon (Gen 9) is a business laptop with military-grade durability. The carbon-fiber-magnesium alloy is used for weight reduction and strength enhancement of the chassis, ensuring that it can withstand shock and pressure under demanding circumstances.
Designed for maximum performance, you can load more than 25 tabs with video streaming and transfer 250GB files within 50 seconds! That is made possible with 11th Gen Intel Core i5 up to i7 processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 8GB up to 32 GB RAM, and 256GB up to 1TB SSD storage.
Moreover, the 4K resolution screen has low blue light technology to reduce eye strain for users who spend all day at their computers. With a bigger and more responsive touchpad, it is easier and smoother to navigate in any program or website. Lastly, it’s generous with ports. It comes with (2) USB 3.2 Type-A ports, (2) Thunderbolt 4, Kensington lock slot, HDMI port, and a headphone jack.
Who Will Use This Most
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 (Gen 9) is a light and fast-performing business laptop perfect for professionals or executives on the go. You can carry it anywhere and rely on it to tackle your business needs throughout your journey.
Bottom Line
It has a military-grade carbon fiber chassis to withstand anything thrown at it. Equipped with the 11th generation i7 processor and 5G LTE connectivity, you can handle all the computing needs while traveling.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Dell Precision 5820 belongs to the elite Dell's workstation. Because of its premium and industrious style, no one would mistake it for a home or a gaming PC. The PC tower is made of steel with sturdy metal handles on the top edge and rear. You can easily open it to upgrade the graphics cards, memory, and SSD.
Why It Stands Out to Us
It has similarities with the Dell Precision 7920 PC tower, but it only has a single CPU. It comes with Intel Xeon W-2133, NVIDIA Quadro P2000 5 GB GDDR5, 32 GB, and 1TB NVMe PCIe SSD + 2TB. But it can hold up to 256 GB of RAM and 68 TB of SSD. It all depends on your preferences, though you whatever best suits your workflow.
Motherboards come with plenty of ports; on the front, you’ll have (2) USB 3 Type-A, (2) USB 3.1 Type C, (1) Universal Headphone Jack, and (2) PCIe slots (future 4) in PCIe enabled chassis for M.2 and U.2. In the rear, there are several ports: (6) USB 3.1 Type A, (1) Serial, (1) RJ45 Network, (2) PS2, (1) Audio Line out, and (1) Audio Line in.
Who Will Use This Most
This desktop PC is no slouch and a perfect fit for any intensive project such as virtual reality and AI workflow. That said, this is compatible with power users or entrepreneurs looking for the best business PC with lots of computing power.
Bottom Line
The Dell Precision 5820 Tower is a high-powered workstation with business-class features and lots of room for graphics cards, RAM, or SSD expansion. Indeed, it’s one of the best all-in-one PCs out there!
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Microsoft Surface Studio is an excellent photo editing all-in-one computer due to its crisp display and accurate stylus output. However, some say the hard drive can't keep up with a high-end monitor, forcing them to use external drives for faster performance in heavy tasks such as graphic design work or video processing.
Why It Stands Out to Us
Microsoft Surface Studio might be a bit pricey, but it sure is worth every penny. The price starts at $2,999 goes up to $3,099. But what are you getting out of that price range? You get an Intel Core i5 to Intel Core i7 processor, 2GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 965M - 4GB GTX 980M graphics card, 8 GB - 32 GB RAM, and up to 2 TB Hybrid Drive Storage.
Aside from powerful CPU and GPU, you also have the option for custom scripting. This might be essential for IT professionals and small business owners to utilize administrative or interactive features on corporate websites.
Here's the most exciting part, Microsoft Surface Studio isn't just like the ordinary desktop models; it has a touchscreen display that you can easily transform into a drawing surface. And It has a surface dial that you can use to adjust the brightness, color, and contrast when doing photo or video editing or adjusting the volume when music streaming.
Who Will Use This Most
Microsoft Surface Studio is for photo editors, illustrators, and business users looking for desktop computers with high-end graphics options. You can have a creative companion to take your projects to the next level.
Bottom Line
Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best all in one computers available, but it is not for everyone. It is quite an expensive investment.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers can hardly complain about the Apple Mac Mini. They say that it's a perfect way to get into the Apple Silicon world that Apple is introducing. The M1 chip is great, and even the software they didn't expect to work worked without any glitch through the emulation layer. But it lacks Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Apple Mac mini is the first-ever desktop PC to have an Apple Silicon. This computer offers plenty of power in a small package: Apple M1 processor, 8-core GPU, 8GB - 16GB RAM, and 256GB - 2TB SSD storage. This can definitely sustain even your most complex projects without crashing.
It’s also equipped with Big Sur - MAC operating system’s latest version and Rosetta 2 to make the Intel applications compatible with the M1 processor. So no need to worry about running third-party software.
The only downside is it lacks Thunderbolt 3 ports. Although it matches the dual Thunderbolt 3 ports of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, it’s a drawback to those looking to upgrade from the 2018 model.
Who Will Use This Most
This is perfect for people who want a compact, affordable and powerful all-in-one desktop computer in Mac operating system. You have a workhorse that won’t weigh you down.
Bottom Line
The Mac Mini doesn't have the Intel Chip but instead has an M1 chip. This is not fully compatible with some Intel apps, but you can use Rosetta to run third-party programs without any problem. Keep in mind that this model has non-upgradable RAM and SSD, which can limit its performance.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The ultrafast Apple iMac Pro is the perfect choice for people looking to get work done quickly. It's faster than ever and has better speakers so you can enjoy your music without headphones! Plus, it has a sharp screen with amazing visuals - thanks to a new Retina display technology. But the Split View option tends to get stuck in rigid full-screen mode.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Apple iMac ProThe Mac boasts some amazing features, including a gorgeous 4.5 display, excellent 1080p webcam, and six built speakers, perfect for a business conference or presentations.
The M1 chip and high-powered 7 core graphics card, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD enable anyone to create professional-quality videos or 3D animations without expensive equipment.
The 4.5 retina display and improved M1 processor make the Apple iMac Pro a great choice for light gaming, but it's not suited to high-end games. You can play Apple Arcade Titles just fine, though.
Who Will Use This Most
If you're looking for the best desktop computers with gorgeous retina displays in Mac OS, then Apple's iMac Pro might be for you. But if you have less demanding tasks, we recommend the cheaper options available out there.
Bottom Line
The iMac Pro is a high-end PC with a sleek design, clear speaker, and sharp webcam. It’s powered by an M1 chip rather than Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7, but it's powerful enough for all your creative projects.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The ThinkPad Yoga is a rugged laptop made to withstand the wear and tear that comes with working on the go. It's constructed of an aluminum chassis covered in matte black for maximum durability while providing just enough flexibility. But customers say it lacks the MicroSD card slot, which could be useful for extra storage space.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is the perfect balance of portability and power. This laptop has enough computing punch without weighing you down with Intel Core i7 10610U, Intel UHD Graphics, 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD.
This laptop computer will keep up with whatever tasks come your way. You can work on multiple programs while browsing the web or creating content in Photoshop without any issues!
The innovative new hinge design allows it to transform into different usage modes – laptop, tablet, and tent mode – making it more convenient than ever before! The battery lasts up to 8 hours, which may be sufficient time for some people, but not for those who rely heavily on this device for a whole day of work.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the perfect business laptop for those looking to get serious about work. This model sports an i7-10610U processor, 16GB RAM, and other features dominant in business, such as the biometric scan, red track point, and stylus pen to tackle various tasks done easily.
Bottom Line
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 5 is a sleek and stylish device that offers an incredible display and powerful performance for all your computing needs. Plus, it includes business features for your office needs.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The 360-degree hinge of this laptop allows for a seamless transition between tablet and tent modes. It also has no issues with speed and performance with dominant office tasks, including word processing or editing, but the fans tend to run louder when you stress the CPU.
Why It Stands Out to Us
HP EliteBook x360 1040 G7 is one of the best business laptops because it combines durability, portability, and Intel vPro support. With Intel Core i7 10810U processor, Intel UHD graphics, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD storage, it’s a cost-effective device with reliable performance.
This may not have military-grade standards, but with a sturdy aluminum-magnesium chassis, it will last for a long time. With the 360° rotation feature, you won't have any problems adjusting your monitor to suit whatever task at hand!
You may be wondering what this Intel vPro support is all about. It's designed for increased security and advanced remote access technology to give your business device an extra edge. But having some late-night sessions of Crysis or Half-Life after work may not be fun because the GPU isn't great at handling heavy graphics.
Who Will Use This Most
HP EliteBook x360 1040 G7 is compatible with professionals and executives who do office work on the go or from home. With a powerful processor and Intel vPro support, you can get through your work seamlessly.
Bottom Line
This business laptop is designed to increase employee convenience and productivity. As a great alternative to desktop computers, it’s portable, lightweight, with excellent battery life!
Best Desktop Computer / Business Laptops Buying Guide
Set Your Budget and Maximize It
Set an appropriate budget range. How much money are you willing to spend on your new computer? Knowing what your needs and purposes are is also important in determining the kind of device that is right for you.
Research many business laptops or desktops, including their product lines. Then assess which is best suited for you based on off-price point (cost), performance quality (functionality), and business specifications!
Also, know what you are getting out of the price.
- ($350 - $499), computers in this price range can do most tasks but may lack certain features or computing power.
- ($500 - $999), these are perfect for those that want to do more than just browse the web and read email. They have powerful enough processors and ample memory that won't leave you feeling restrained when it comes to multitasking.
- ($1200 - $3000), computers within this bracket give you a faster, more powerful performance. This is because their hardware is 4x better than those of the cheaper models. They can be used by power users in either office jobs or creative workspaces.
Choose the Operating System
When buying a desktop computer, there are different operating systems to choose from:
Windows
This free and easy-to-use software comes with many benefits, such as increased compatibility between programs or quicker speeds when opening files due to its preloader function that does all of this.
The best thing about Windows computer software is that new updates are released to enhance your device's performance. It’s important to install this automatically, but you decide when to do it yourself. This service is part of the maintenance and support provided by Microsoft for Windows components.
One disadvantage is that Windows computers are vulnerable to malware attacks. With approximately 1.5 billion users worldwide, it’s been targeted by hackers more than other operating systems.
Mac OS
Mac OS is another great operating system that makes you feel like your work-related tasks are in perfect order with no issues!
This is a great choice for those who want to use their computers in ways that go beyond just web browsing and emailing. With its user-friendly interface, you can do anything from managing your finances with ease all the way down to creating professional quality videos - without having any technical know-how needed before!
For instance, the desktop is set up with large thumbnails, so it's easier and faster to find what you're looking for without scrolling through long lists or sifting through an endless number of icons on your screen at once- which can get exhausting! Plus, there are more Spotlight search results than ever before.
In part with this, they use machine learning algorithms that predict user interests based on their browsing habits. All this means less time spent searching but also better ways to explore Apple products.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS is a Google operating system designed specifically for running Google and Android apps. Initially, it was created for students, but Chromebooks have increased exponentially over the years.
One reason why Chrome OS is that they come equipped with a simple and easy-to-use management console. In addition, they offer free cloud-based email services and great collaborative features.
Chrome OS also has offline support, which makes it great for when you're not on cellular service or have no reception at all! Finally, it is more secure with built-in features.
It comes with sandboxing and verified boot to contain malicious software. And with high-level encryption, it keeps your confidential files and information safe when you’re connected to public wifi.
Desktop vs. Laptop
A desktop PC typically offers more power than its portable counterparts because they have a dedicated space for high-powered hardware. So they can run programs with impressive graphics and store huge files easily.
You can upgrade your graphics card, RAM, or SSD if you need to, as it leaves a lot of room for expansion. More importantly, they never go out of power as they don't run on batteries.
The disadvantage is, desktop computers are bulky and unwieldy. It's a nightmare for professionals on the go to take their stationary workstation everywhere with them as they need it.
On the other hand, laptops are small and portable, but they tend to have limited features. Due to their smaller chassis, it’s hard to fit powerful hardware into it. They were ideal for casual users: those who want to do light work like reading, word processing, or merely social media.
But with an increasing number of people relying on them for work and entertainment, laptops have come a long way. They now offer so much more, and in many cases, can be used for intensive creative projects, including video editing or 3D rendering. In fact, they can sometimes have the same specifications as a desktop.
Laptops are worthy investments for professionals looking to be productive on the go. With plenty of power and storage space, they can take care of any computing needs you might have.
Check the Specifications
CPU
The processor is what makes your computer run. It takes in information and then processes it with our applications, giving you the ultimate user experience!
Low-end CPU
If you only plan to use your laptop or desktop for casual tasks, such as web browsing and typing, an inexpensive low-end processor might be just what you need. That includes the AMD E-series, Intel Atom, and Pentium. But we don't recommend these for business-related work because they would struggle to provide you with competitive performance.
Mid-range
The Intel Core m3, m5, and m7 all fall under the "midrange" category. These processors are good enough for basic work tasks. But if you're looking to do more robust programming with your laptop, then springing a little extra money would be worth it. These may not be powerful enough to handle heavy usage.
High-end CPU
The first time they came out to market, they were an exclusive option for high-end laptops. These chips were intended to perform demanding tasks such as video editing or 3D modeling. But you can now find lower-priced machines with these powerful chips.
There is nothing wrong with just buying a cheaper one because as long as your computer, laptop, or mini PC has enough memory to run the programs you need without any delays; then you probably won’t be needing one.
RAM
The best laptops for business users have 8 GB or more RAM. Skip 2 GB models, as they'll be too frustrating to work with when you're trying to create content quickly and efficiently on the go!
Take note that many of the best mini PCs and all-in-one computers now come with a standard 8 GB. So if huge storage is something you need for work, check out the RAM available in different computers before investing.
SSD
256 GB is a good starting point for most business people. Unless you plan to do a lot of 3D designing or storing tons of footage on your machine. In that case, higher capacities are necessary, and we would recommend at least 512 GB or 1 TB so as not to have any troubles with slowdowns in between tasks.
Best Computers for Work FAQs
How much does a workstation cost?
You can buy a business PC for as little as $500. A workstation, on the other hand, can cost anywhere between $1,500 - $3,000. If you're looking to invest your company's money wisely, take time to assess what kind of computer will best suit its demands instead of going with something cheap, which might only give a mediocre performance.
Do new laptops come with Microsoft Office?
The short answer is no. Microsoft Office comes with a lot of laptops, but not all new ones have it installed by default. If yours doesn’t have it pre-installed, don't worry because you can download an ISO file from Microsoft's website to install any missing software on your computer for free.
Is Workstation a PC?
A workstation is a high-performance computer system designed for a single user. They typically come with advanced graphics and storage capabilities, as well as powerful central processing units for doing complex tasks for data science, engineering, and architecture.
GPU vs. CPU: What Matters More?
Both play important roles when it comes to speed and performance. While a powerful central processing unit (CPU) is necessary, you might not get very far without a competitive graphics processing unit (GPU). The visuals will suffer, and frame rates dip below, particularly in a photo or video editing.
When you combine powerful CPU and GPU, they form the perfect workhorse to deliver cutting-edge performance!
Can you print from Chrome OS?
You could connect it with most printers that are connected over Wi-Fi or through wired networks. Right now, however, there’s no support for Bluetooth printing.
Conclusion
Based on our in-depth review, these three business computers provide top-notch performance and power capacity, making them highly recommend them for your office or business needs.
The Dell XPS 8940 desktop computer has the power you need for productivity, gaming, and everything in between. It’s small, but it packs more punch than anyone would think.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 (2021) is the most tech-forward business laptop you can get your hands on. With the latest i7 processor and 5G LTE, you can take on any computing challenge on the go.
The Dell Precision 5820 Tower is the perfect workstation with room onboard for graphic cards, RAM, and SSD expansion ultra high-end performance!
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