Traveling with a laptop can be both convenient and liberating. With a suitable device, you'll be able to keep up with work requirements while still having time to explore your surroundings at whatever destination you're going. But what makes a great travel laptop? What type of processor do you need?

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How much memory is ideal? In this blog post, we'll cover those topics and more! We’ll walk through the features that make for an exceptional yet portable computer perfect for any trip so that you can find the best laptop option to fit your travel needs.

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If you want to skip the nitty gritty then here is our condensed list:

How do we choose the products on our list:

When selecting the best laptop for travel, we wanted to include a range of devices that could fit different budgets, needs, and styles. We have identified all the features you should consider when looking for your ideal travel companion (laptop that is).

Whether it’s a powerful processor or a lightweight design, these laptops have been selected so that you can find the perfect balance between portability and performance. You can find the right laptop for your next journey from budget-friendly options, performance options, to ultra-slim laptops.

We've broken-down the features that make up a great travel laptop into categories based on processor speed, RAM and storage size, battery life, display quality, design, and more. Our list includes laptops from trusted brands such as HP, Dell, and Apple.

With all these features in mind, let's take look at the best laptops for travel available today. Get ready to find your perfect laptop companion for whatever adventure awaits!

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Watch this 10 minute video from Tech Gear Talk to avoid some common mistakes when buying a new lap top:
Tech Gear Talk Top Laptop Buying Mistakes
image of an arrow pointing up to the video above saying 15 tips to avoid buying mistakes, related to buying a new laptop

Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop

Dell XPS 13 9310Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop

Things We Love

The Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop offers a sleek and lightweight design, a powerful Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor, large 16GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. It's for travelers who need performance and portability all in one device. It sports a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port on each side of laptop allowing for charging from either side of the laptop.

Plus, it has excellent battery life to keep you powered up on your travels and a fingerprint reader right on the power button for added security. Lastly, this laptop comes with an impressive 2-year on-site/in-home warranty and 6 months of Dell Migrate for easy file transfer from your old PC to your new device. With all these features combined, it's no wonder why we love the Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop!

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Jarrod's Tech made a 10 min video review of the Dell XPS 13 here:
Jarrod's Tech Review of the Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop

Things To Know

The Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop comes with a great selection of features, but you should be aware that these models lack the USB A port, so it may not be compatible with some accessories.

The screen has a 16:10 aspect ratio which gives it more vertical space than many of its' alternatives.

If you want to be able to switch between laptop and tablet mode, you'll need to get the 2-in-1 version instead as this one doesn't offer tablet mode.

The memory is soldered to the motherboard and you won't be able to upgrade it, so don't buy it if you think you're going to need more memory in the future.

The backlight options for the keyboard are great because if you've ever written in the dim light of an airplane or setting sun, you understand the value of backlighting, but everyone has different sensitivities so it's nice that there's options.

It powers on by default when you open the lid which helps to speed up the process when you're ready to get to work.

Drawback: There are 13" laptops available with better graphics if you're interested in gaming on it.


Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop

Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop

Things We Love

The Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop is a great choice for travelers who want top-of-the-line performance without sacrificing portability. Its impressive M1 chip provides an 8-core CPU and up to 3.5x faster performance than its predecessor, while the 8GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking and quick loading times.

Best of all, the 13" Retina display offers stunning visuals for an immersive experience, whether you're or gaming. And with up to 18 hours of battery life, this laptop is sure to keep you powered up on your travels.

Add that to its intuitive macOS environment and compatibility with all your favorite iPhone and iPad apps. If you are a fan of the Apple ecosystem this is one of our favorite travel laptops for you!

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All in all, the Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop is perfect for travelers who want a lightweight yet powerful laptop that offers unbeatable performance. With its long-lasting battery life, stunning display, and robust M1 chip, this laptop will certainly deliver an unparalleled on-the-go experience!

So if you want a travel laptop that won't let you down, the Apple 2020 MacBook Air is worth considering.

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Marques Brownlee does a great job providing a simple but convincing argument for M1 Chips in general

Things To Know

The Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop does not runs Windows 11 but can be added using Parallels Desktop.

Additionally, this laptop does not come with an included CD-ROM drive. Considering these factors is important when deciding which model is right for you. Otherwise, the MacBook Air offers a great combination of power and portability that's for any traveler.

So if you're in the market for a powerful and lightweight laptop to take on your travels that complements your other Apple devices, the Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop is sure to be an excellent choice.

With its impressive M1 chip, long-lasting battery life, and stunning Retina display, you can enjoy all the features you need for a truly unforgettable experience. It's the perfect choice for travelers looking for an unbeatable combination of power, elegance and portability!

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We've got another video worth watching from Tech Gear Talk if you're seriously considering the Apple 2020 MacBook Air and want to know if it's still worth buying over the newer versions:
Is the M1 MacBook Air Still Worth Buying Over Newer Versions? Watch To Find Out

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ASUS Chromebook C223 11.6" HD Chromebook Laptop

ASUS Chromebook C223 11.6" HD Chromebook Laptop

Things We Love

The ASUS Chromebook C223 11.6" HD Chromebook Laptop is perfect for travelers who are looking for an affordable yet reliable laptop while on the road. It's powered by an Intel Dual-Core Celeron N3350 Processor, which gives you fast and snappy performance ideal for busy trips.

Its 4GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage ensures a smooth multitasking experience and quick loading times. Best of all, its 11.6" HD 136"x768 Anti-Glare Display offers a stunning viewing experience for when you need to kick back after long days on the go. And with its 2.2-pound body and thin premium metallic finish, this Chromebook is sure to be a perfect portable companion!

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So if you're on the hunt for an affordable yet reliable travel laptop with plenty of features, the ASUS Chromebook C223 11.6" HD Chromebook Laptop should be at the top of your list. Its powerful processor, plenty of RAM and storage, and stunning display will ensure you stay connected and productive during your travels.

Best of all, its lightweight design makes it easy to take with you wherever the journey may lead! Investing in the ASUS Chromebook C223 11.6" HD Chromebook Laptop is a great way to make your travel plans easier and more efficient.

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Chromebooks aren't loved by everyone for a variety of reasons. If you're wondering whether or not you should even consider one, check out this short 6 minute review from Christ at Tech Spurt:
Tech Spurt Chromebook Value Review

Things To Know

The ASUS Chromebook C223 11.6" HD Chromebook Laptop runs Chrome OS and does not support the ability to upgrade to Windows. Additionally, this laptop does not come with an included CD-ROM drive. It's important to consider these factors when deciding which model is right for you.

Otherwise, the Chromebook offers a great combination of power and portability for any traveler. So if you're you remarket for a powerful and lightweight laptop to take on your travels, the ASUS Chromebook C223 11.6" HD Chromebook Laptop is sure to be an excellent choice.

With its impressive processor, long-lasting battery life, and stunning display, you can enjoy all the features you need for a truly unforgettable experience. Best of all, its lightweight design and affordable price point make it the perfect choice for travelers looking for an unbeatable combination of power and portability!


Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 Laptop

Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 Laptop

Things We Love

The Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 laptop is an excellent choice for travelers who want a lightweight yet powerful device to take on their next adventure. It's stylish and lightweight – perfect for throwing into your bag without worrying about it taking up too much space.

The flexible design allows you to use your laptop in multiple modes, while the powerful AMD Ryzen 5 4500U processor and Radeon graphics provide enough power to work, play, and enjoy the content.

It also comes with a digital pen included so that you can easily write or draw without having to carry around a separate device! With up to 10 hours of battery life and quick charge capabilities, this laptop is a great option for travelers.

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PCMag.com give this laptop a 4/5 "excellent" rating. To read their comprehensive review, click the image below.
Picture of the lenovo flex 2-in-1 with a link to the PCMag review

Things To Know

The Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 laptop is a great laptop for travel, but you should keep a few things in mind before purchasing. Firstly, the battery life is not as long as some other computers when on tablet mode– about 10 hours – so if you're going on a longer trip and need more longevity, this may not be the best choice for you.

Other than that storage space, this laptop packs plenty of power and features to keep you productive and entertained on the road!

Overall, the Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 laptop is an excellent option for travelers looking for a powerful yet lightweight device. It's sleek and looks great – perfect for any adventure and certainly earns its place in best laptop list!


Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Things We Love

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the perfect laptop for travelers who are looking to stay connected and productive while on the go. It's incredibly versatile, with a detachable keyboard and touch screen display that let you use it as either a tablet or laptop, depending on your needs.

With its 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, it's merit's capable of handling any task you throw at it. Best of all, it comes with a long-lasting battery life that ensures you won't lose power while you're home.

And with its slim design, lightweight construction, and stylish platinum finish, this laptop will surely become your favorite travel companion. So, if you're looking for a device that can easily keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle, the Apple MacBook air, or the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the way to go!

Overall, these laptops are great options for finding the best laptop for travel. Whether you're for more power, portability, or just a great overall experience, these laptops offer something unique that can fit your needs.

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PCWorld gave this a 4.8/5 and an Editors Choice label back in 2021:
Picture showing the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 with a link to the PCWorld.com Review

Things To Know

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a great laptop for travel, but you should keep a few things in mind before purchasing. Firstly, the battery life is not as long as some other models – about 10.5 hours – so if you're you're a longer trip and need more longevity, this may not be the best choice for you especially if you are doing some processor intensive work.

Additionally, it does come with a keyboard, but it is sold separately so make sure to factor that into your budget. Other than that, this laptop packs plenty of power and features to keep you productive and entertained while on the road!

Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a great option for travelers looking for an all-in-one laptop with plenty of features. It's lightweight, powerful, and looks great – perfect for any adventure. Best of luck finding the best laptop for your needs!


In Conclusion

All-in-all, deciding on the best laptop for travel is no easy task. We hope this blog post has provided you with enough information to decide on the right laptop for your needs.

Whether you're a digital nomad, globetrotter, student, or simply a traveler looking for an upgrade, research and comparison will take you far. Evaluate your options carefully and remember that great battery life is of utmost importance while traveling since charging may not always be available or convenient.

Consider if weight matters to you and determine whether or not multiple ports are suitable for your lifestyle. Set your budget and stick to it! Investing the proper time in researching laptops before committing to one will prove invaluable.

With patience, research, and some savvy shopping tips, you can find the perfect laptop for a worry-free journey!

Happy Travels!

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Questions and Answers

Which laptop is for traveling?

The best laptop for traveling will depend on your individual needs, but some great options include the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and the Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 Laptop. Both of best budget travel laptop offer a powerful processor, plenty of memory, and long battery life to keep you productive and entertained while on the go!

Additionally, if you're looking for a lightweight laptop with a digital nomads pen included, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is an excellent choice.

What type of processor do I need in a travel laptop?

The type of processor you need in a travel laptop will depend on your individual needs and the tasks you plan to use while traveling. If you're to use your laptop for work, a Core i5 or Core i7 processor will provide enough power to get the job done.

On the other hand, if you're you are looking for something lightweight and USB C ports with enough power to watch movies, a USB AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 would be an excellent choice.

How much memory do I need in a travel laptop?

The memory you need in a travel windows laptop will depend on the tasks you plan to use for a while traveling. If you've to do light work such as web browsing, word processing, and watching movies, 8GB of RAM should be plenty.

However, if you're to do more intensive tasks such as gaming or video/photo video editing, 16GB or more will be ideal.

Do I need a separate keyboard for my travel laptop?

It depends on the type of laptop you purchase. Some gaming laptops have a keyboard, while others require you to buy one separately, but if you plan on doing much typing, you should make sure you have a keyboard.