How to choose the right laptop for your business
Need to choose the right laptop for your business? Discover what specs, features & security you really need—plus how to avoid mistakes most buyers make.
Choosing the Right Laptop for Your Business Shouldn’t Be Hard
When you’re running a small or medium-sized business in Australia, every tool you choose matters — and your laptop is no exception.
The right device can:
- Empower your team
- Boost productivity
- Project a professional image
…helping you stay competitive in today’s fast-moving digital world.
But with so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s where we come in.
Laptops come in a range of shapes and sizes too — and the right one depends on how (and where) you work.
This guide is your shortcut to a smarter, stress-free laptop decision — tailored to your business goals, needs, and budget.
In This Guide:
• Business Laptops vs Consumer Laptops: What’s the Difference?
• Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Laptop for Work
• Choosing the Right Processor
• Do You Need a Dedicated Graphics Card?
• Laptops & Desktop sizes, what’s right for you?
Can’t I just a regular laptop for my business?
Technically? Yes.
But should you? Not if you care about performance, security, or longevity.
There’s a big difference between consumer laptops and business-grade machines — and it shows where it counts.
Business laptops are purpose-built for professional environments.
They’re engineered to withstand the demands of long work hours, intensive multitasking, and constant mobility.
You’ll find features like longer battery life, spill-resistant keyboards, sturdy chassis designs, and enhanced cooling systems that help prevent overheating—ideal for anyone on the go or working in a fast-paced office.
More importantly, they come equipped with business-class security features such as TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chips, biometric logins (like fingerprint or facial recognition), and built-in encryption options to protect sensitive business data and run Windows 11 Pro.
Many also include remote management capabilities—allowing IT teams to diagnose or secure devices from anywhere.
Another big advantage? Warranty and support.
Business laptops often include priority service options, longer warranty periods, and access to on-site repairs or next-business-day replacement services.
This is the kind of support can make all the difference when downtime means lost revenue.
And when downtime = lost revenue, fast support is a business essential.
Go for Business Grade when you want
Longer Battery Life
Stay productive throughout the workday without constantly reaching for a charger—ideal for meetings, travel, and hybrid work setups.
Advanced Features
Spill-resistant keyboards, durable chassis, docking support, and enterprise-level cooling systems keep your laptop running smoothly in demanding environments.
Encryption
Protect sensitive business data with hardware-based encryption and security tools like BitLocker, TPM chips, and secure BIOS configurations.
Remote Management
Let your IT team troubleshoot, update, lock, or wipe devices—from anywhere—keeping your business secure and operational around the clock.
On the other hand, consumer laptops are built with a different user in mind.
They’re typically geared towards home use—think casual web browsing, streaming, and everyday admin tasks.
To hit lower price points, manufacturers often cut corners on build quality, security, and long-term durability.
And when something goes wrong?
Support may be limited, with longer turnaround times and less flexible warranty terms.
Go for Home Grade when you want
Casual Browsing
Perfect for checking emails, scrolling social media, and doing light web research..
Casual Streaming
Watch Netflix, YouTube, or catch up on the news.
Standalone System
Designed to work independently—no connection to a network or IT environment.
Affordable Price
Great for tight budgets. Home-grade laptops offer basic functionality at a lower price point.
So while a consumer laptop might seem like a bargain upfront, it often comes at the cost of performance, security, and professional support—three things no business should compromise on.
What Should You Look for in a Business Laptop?
Whether you’re replacing one machine or rolling out an entire fleet, here’s what really matters when selecting a business laptop:
Performance That Keeps Up
Your laptop should make your workday easier, not slower. At a minimum, look for:
- A powerful processor (Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7)
- 8GB of RAM or more for smooth multitasking
This ensures you can run multiple programs, manage large files, and work without annoying delays.
Portability and Design That Fits Your Workflow
Lightweight and sleek isn’t just for looks.
If you’re bouncing between meetings, client sites, or the airport lounge, you’ll want a device that travels well—without sacrificing performance.
Premium materials like aluminium or magnesium alloys offer both style and substance.
A Display You Can Rely On
Spending your day reading emails, crunching numbers, or reviewing presentations? A clear, high-resolution display (at least Full HD) makes all the difference.
If your work includes creative or design-heavy tasks, consider a model with a dedicated graphics card and colour-accurate display.
Processors: The Brain of Your Laptop
When it comes to CPUs, here’s a simple breakdown:
Intel i5 / Ryzen 5: Great for general business use like emails, spreadsheets, and browser-based tools.
Intel i7 / Ryzen 7: Better for heavier workloads, including data analytics, video conferencing, and running multiple applications at once.
Do You Need a Dedicated Graphics Card?
For everyday office tasks like emails, spreadsheets, and web browsing, integrated graphics are more than enough.
But if your business involves:
🎬 Video editing or animation
🏗️ CAD and 3D modelling software
📊 Advanced data visualisation or analytics
…then a dedicated GPU is worth the investment.
It offers better speed, smoother performance, and multi-monitor support—perfect for creative or technical professionals who need power, precision, and stability in their workflow.
Storage: SSD vs HDD
Here’s the short answer:
If you want speed, reliability, and better performance, go with an SSD.
SSD (Solid State Drive)
Blazing-fast boot times, quicker file access, and better durability make SSDs the top choice for modern business laptops. They’re also more resistant to physical shock—great for life on the move.
HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
More affordable and often offers larger storage capacity, but comes with slower performance and a higher risk of mechanical failure over time.
Our recommendation:
For most business users, a 512GB SSD is a solid starting point.
Need more space? Many laptops now support hybrid setups—combining the speed of SSDs with the storage capacity of HDDs.groups, site collections, metadata—ugh.
Laptop & Desktop Sizes — What’s Right for Your Workflow?
When it comes to choosing the right device, size really does matter. Here’s how to pick the best fit for the way you (or your team) work:
Laptop Sizes: Pros & Best Uses
13.3-inch Laptops
Ultra-Portable
14-inch Laptops
Everyday Business Use
15.6-inch / 16-inch Laptops
Power & Comfort
| 13.3-inch Laptops | 14-inch Laptops | 15.6-inch / 16-inch Laptops | |
| Keyboard type | Tenkeyless (TKL) Layout No numeric keypad on the right side (to save space). | Tenkeyless (TKL) Layout No numeric keypad on the right side (to save space | QWERTY layout with full arrow keys, function row, and dedicated number pad on the right. |
| Weight | 1.2 – 1.4 kg (2.6 – 3.1 lbs) | 1.4 – 1.6 kg (3.1 – 3.5 lbs) | 1.8 – 2.3 kg (4.0 – 5.1 lbs) |
| Best for | Travellers, mobile professionals, hybrid workers | Office workers, sales reps, general business users | Power users, creatives, executives, remote workers with a desk setup |
| Key Benefits | Lightweight and compact, great battery life | Balances portability and screen size well, fits into most bags, ideal for working from multiple locations | Larger display for multitasking, full-sized QWERTY keyboard (including number pad on some models), better thermals and performance options |
What About Desktops?
Still relevant? Absolutely.
Desktop computers remain a top choice for businesses that need:
- Supports Multiple Monitors
- Maximum performance (faster CPUs, more RAM, better cooling)
- Easy upgradability (add more storage, RAM, or a better GPU later)
- Lower cost per power (especially in bulk purchases)
- Fixed workstations (ideal for finance teams, creatives, engineers, or admin roles)
Mini PCs and All-in-Ones can offer compact options without giving up too much desk space—great for reception areas or shared desks.
Desktop Mini
Ultra-Compact Design
Small Form Factor
Compact, But More Powerful Than Mini PCs
Full Size Tower Desktop
Highly Upgradeable
| Desktop Mini | Small Form Factor | Full Size Tower Desktop | |
| Best for | Travellers, mobile professionals, hybrid workers | Office workers, sales reps, general business users | Power users, workstations, CAD/design roles, video editing, heavy multitasking |
| Key Benefits | Fits in tight spaces, can be mounted behind monitors (VESA). Great for minimalist desks or areas with no room for towers (e.g. reception counters). | Can handle most office workflows, multitasking, and dual monitor setups. Allows RAM and SSD upgrades, sometimes even low-profile GPU installation. | Supports high-end CPUs, large RAM, dedicated GPUs, and multiple drives. |
Quick Recap: Which Size or Setup Is Best for You?
| Setup Type | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 13.3″ Laptop | Travel-heavy roles, sales, consultants | Lightest and most portable |
| 14″ Laptop | Hybrid workers, general use | Portable with strong performance |
| 15.6″–16″ Laptop | Desk workers, power users | Bigger display + full keyboard |
| Desktop PC | Permanent workstations, high performance | Best value, upgrade-ready, no battery is |
The Right Laptop = Less Stress, More Productivity
The right laptop setup can seriously level up your team’s performance – faster workflows , fewer tech issues, and a more professional edge.
But choosing business laptops isn’t just about picking something shiny off the shelf.
It’s about getting the right specs, right support, and right setup—so your team can work smarter, not harder.
That’s where we come in.
We’ll help you choose devices that match your goals, budget, and work style—no jargon, no guesswork.
Want a free consultation to make sure your next laptop purchase is actually the right one?
Let’s chat—we’ll even explain what “TPM” means without sounding like a robot.
Get your free consultation
If you have any questions around purchasing a computer for your business ask our team of IT experts on
1300 155 285
