As the Australian tax year draws to a close, business owners and entrepreneurs are keen to make strategic purchases that can enhance their operations while maximising tax benefits. Investing in the right laptop is essential, especially for remote work. Here’s a comparison of the top laptops designed for remote work, perfect for upgrading before tax time, including their approximate price points in Australian dollars.
1. Surface Laptop Studio 2: Power and Versatility
Pros:
- Performance: Equipped with 13th Gen Intel® Core™ H-class processors and NVIDIA® RTX™ GPUs, it offers powerful performance for demanding tasks.
- Versatility: Features a dynamic woven hinge for switching between laptop, stage, and studio modes.
- Display: 14.4” PixelSense™ Flow touchscreen with 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision IQ®.
Cons:
- Price: Higher price point may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
- Weight: Slightly heavier compared to other options due to its high-end components.
Price: Approximately AUD 4,500 to AUD 6,000 depending on the configuration.
Ideal For: Creative professionals, designers, and users requiring high performance and flexibility.
2. Surface Laptop Go 3: Lightweight and Efficient
Pros:
- Portability: Weighs under 2.5 pounds, making it highly portable.
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours of battery life ensures all-day usage.
- Design: Sleek design available in multiple colors with a 12.4” touchscreen.
Cons:
- Performance: Not as powerful as other models, suitable for less intensive tasks.
- Storage: Limited storage options compared to more expensive models.
Price: Approximately AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,800.
Ideal For: Professionals needing a lightweight, everyday laptop for general tasks and moderate multitasking.
3. Surface Go 4: Versatile and Durable
Pros:
- Portability: Extremely lightweight at 1.15 pounds, ideal for on-the-go use.
- Flexibility: Can be used as a tablet or laptop, with a detachable keyboard.
- Durability: Built for frontline work with replaceable parts for easy maintenance.
Cons:
- Performance: Less powerful than full-sized laptops, suitable for light to moderate tasks.
- Screen Size: Smaller display may not be ideal for all users.
Price: Approximately AUD 900 to AUD 1,400.
Ideal For: Frontline workers, educators, and users needing a portable, versatile device.
4. Lenovo ThinkPad X13: Multitasking and Security
Pros:
- Performance: Known for handling heavy workloads and multitasking efficiently.
- Durability: Built to last with robust construction.
- Security: Advanced security features, including fingerprint readers.
Cons:
- Design: More utilitarian design compared to sleeker models.
- Weight: Heavier than ultra-portable models.
Price: Approximately AUD 1,800 to AUD 2,500.
Ideal For: Remote professionals needing robust performance and advanced security features.
5. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3, 2023): Ultimate Performance and Display
Pros:
- Performance: Equipped with Apple’s powerful M3 chip, ideal for business users.
- Display: Gorgeous Mini-LED display with excellent color accuracy and brightness.
- Ports: Great selection of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI.
Cons:
- Price: Higher price point compared to other laptops.
- Compatibility: Limited to macOS, which may not be suitable for all software applications.
Price: Approximately AUD 3,500 to AUD 4,800.
Ideal For: Business users who need top-notch performance and a high-quality display, especially those who prefer macOS.
6. ASUS ZenBook Pro 14 Duo: Dual-Screen Productivity
Pros:
- Dual-Screen: Unique dual-screen design boosts productivity.
- Portability: Lightweight and portable, ideal for travel.
- Performance: Strong performance suitable for a variety of tasks.
Cons:
- Battery Life: Dual screens can drain the battery faster.
- Learning Curve: Takes time to get used to the dual-screen functionality.
Price: Approximately AUD 2,800 to AUD 3,500.
Ideal For: Remote workers who travel frequently and need a portable yet powerful device.
7. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i: Ergonomics and Comfort
Pros:
- Design: Flexible design with an ergonomic keyboard.
- Versatility: Can be used in multiple modes (laptop, tablet, tent).
- Price: Affordable option with good performance for the price.
Cons:
- Build Quality: Less durable than premium models.
- Performance: Adequate for general tasks but not for very intensive workloads.
Price: Approximately AUD 1,000 to AUD 1,400.
Ideal For: Remote workers concerned about ergonomics and comfort during extended work sessions.
8. Dell Inspiron 15: Balanced Performance
Pros:
- Performance: Good balance of performance, display quality, and user experience.
- Display: Large screen size suitable for various tasks.
- Value: Offers good performance at a reasonable price.
Cons:
- Portability: Larger and heavier, less portable.
- Design: More generic design compared to more premium models.
Price: Approximately AUD 1,000 to AUD 1,600.
Ideal For: Windows users looking for a reliable, well-rounded laptop for remote work.
9. ASUS Vivobook 15X: Processing Power
Pros:
- Performance: Robust processing power, ideal for handling large data sets or programming.
- Storage: Ample storage options for extensive data needs.
- Price: Offers high performance at a competitive price.
Cons:
- Portability: Heavier and bulkier than ultra-portable models.
- Battery Life: Higher performance can lead to shorter battery life.
Price: Approximately AUD 1,400 to AUD 1,800.
Ideal For: Data analysts, programmers, and professionals needing high processing power.
10. Samsung Galaxy Book 3 Pro: Connectivity and Battery Life
Pros:
- Battery Life: Long-lasting battery for extended use.
- Connectivity: Multiple connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C.
- Security: Features like a fingerprint reader for enhanced security.
Cons:
- Price: Higher price point.
- Performance: Not as powerful as top-end models for very intensive tasks.
Price: Approximately AUD 2,200 to AUD 3,000.
Ideal For: Professionals requiring extensive connectivity options and long battery life.
To conclude..
Choosing the right laptop for remote work involves balancing performance, portability, and features that suit your specific needs. Whether you need the high performance of the Surface Laptop Studio 2, the lightweight efficiency of the Surface Laptop Go 3, or the versatility of the Surface Go 4, there’s a perfect laptop for every remote work scenario. For those considering alternatives, the Lenovo ThinkPad X13, Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3, 2023), and ASUS ZenBook Pro 14 Duo offer excellent options tailored to different aspects of remote work.
Invest in your business’s future with a top-tier laptop and enhance your remote work capabilities today. For comprehensive IT support, consider partnering with Online 3, ensuring your technology remains secure, productive, and connected.
For more information on support packages and how Online 3 can help your business grow, visit Online 3.
Online 3 Support Packages
Support 1 – Essentials: $59 per user/month
- Unlimited Remote Support
- Microsoft Cloud Services Support
- Cloud Identity Management
- Cloud Mentoring
Support 2 – Professional: $79 per user/month
- Includes all Essentials features
- Managed Device Support
- Network Support
- Virtual CIO Services
Support 3 – Expert: $109 per user/month
- Includes all Professional features
- Teams Phone System Support
- Dynamics 365 Support
Extended and 24/7 support options are available to ensure your business needs are met around the clock.
Invest wisely this tax time and equip your business for success with the right technology and support from Online 3
