Every project manager needs a high-performing laptop for multiple project-related tasks and intense computation. Companies are also increasingly embracing remote and hybrid project teams, making it necessary to invest in a high-quality laptop. We will share a few laptops with excellent features for project managers to save you time and effort. However, we’ll first answer a few questions regarding project management laptops and discuss what to consider when shopping for one.
It is fitted with Apple's M2 chip for fast and power-efficient operation.
It is a 2-in-1 laptop with stylus support.
Its storage and RAM can be expanded to accomodate diverse needs.
It is fitted with Apple's M2 chip for fast and power-efficient operation.
It is a 2-in-1 laptop with stylus support.
Its storage and RAM can be expanded to accomodate diverse needs.
Last update on 2024-05-15 at 04:41 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Laptops for Project Managers Reviewed
When it comes to project management, selecting the ideal laptop can pose a challenge. You need a device that is compact yet powerful enough to accommodate your professional requirements.
Below, we have curated a list of the top laptops that strike a balance between style, functionality, and efficiency, making them a valuable asset for any project manager. These laptops include:
- Apple 2022 MacBook Pro with M2 Chip
- ASUS TN3402QA-DS76T
- HP 15-dy2702dx
- HP 2023 Probook 450
- Lenovo V15 G3 Business Laptop
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Laptops for Project Managers
Considering the following factors can help you find the best laptop for your project management tasks:
Performance
Project managers need a high-performing laptop. Since a laptop’s performance heavily relies on the processor and RAM, a powerful processor and at least 8GB of RAM would be a good starting place, especially if you have to multitask.
Storage
Owing to the large size of most project plans, files, and software, project managers need a spacious laptop. We highly recommend options with a storage space of at least 500GB. A solid-state drive (SSD) is preferable to a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) for faster data access and enhanced responsiveness.
Battery Life
Consider laptops that can guarantee at least eight hours of uninterrupted work on a single charge for enhanced productivity. Such options are also handy for remote work.
Portability
A portable laptop is essential, especially for project managers on the move. A compact, lightweight model with a screen size of 13-15 inches would be an excellent option.
Display
A laptop’s display should matter to a project manager. For enhanced clarity and project planning, graphical representation, and documentation, consider an option with a full HD ( or higher) resolution. Laptops with improved color accuracy are also recommended for design and multimedia tasks.
Durability
Quality laptops are expensive; therefore, make your purchase count by getting a durable one. Look for an option with a high-quality plastic or metal alloy construction.
Security Features
Project managers require laptops with biometric and encryption features such as a fingerprint reader, facial recognition features, and different secure sign-in options for enhanced safety of confidential project-related materials and plans.
Connectivity
To connect to external devices and networks seamlessly, choose an option with a HDMI port, multiple connectors, and guaranteed WiFi and Bluetooth support.
Warranty
After spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on a laptop, you need a good warranty. The manufacturer should offer an extended warranty and necessary customer support for future issues.
Budget
Take time to determine the features you want in your project management laptop and the cost of products with such features. Remember to keep a flexible budget range.
Best Laptops for Project Managers
Pros
- Its M2 chip makes it six times faster than previous versions
- It seamlessly integrates with other Apple products
- It offers up to 20 hours of battery life
Cons
- You need a MacBook dongle for enhanced connectivity
Apple is revered worldwide for its MacBooks and high-end phones. If you are wondering why, the 2022 Apple MacBook Pro with M2 chip carries all the answers. This 13-inch laptop packs numerous powerful features, making it a globally acclaimed laptop and the perfect recommendation for project managers. The included M2 chip makes it six times faster than earlier MacBook versions and 1.4 times faster than the revered M1 model, aside from offering users an energy-efficient operation and up to 20 hours of battery life.
This product has an active cooling system, which, when combined with its 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage, offers sustained professional performance and enhanced execution of intensive CPU and GPU-intensive tasks. This makes it an excellent choice for projects with graphic representations. The 13.3-inch Retina display with p3 wide color and 500 nits of brightness offers enhanced and vibrant images, while the FaceTime HD camera and three-mic arrays offer seamless virtual connectivity during remote project work. The two ThunderBolt ports also make it easy to connect or power different high-speed accessories.
Another notable feature is that this product works seamlessly with different Apple devices, making it an even better option if you own other Apple products.
Pros
- It can be used both as a laptop and a tablet.
- It is equipped with a 2.8K touchscreen display
- Its powerful processor guarantees solid performance
Cons
- It offers a medium battery life
Although Asus laptops may not be as popular as MacBooks, options such as the ASUS TN3402QA-DS76T have excellent features for excellent project execution and management. For example, this product’s AMD Ryzen 7 5800H mobile processor with 20MB cache and 4.4GHz maximum boost frequency guarantees successful project multitasking.
The included 1TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD and 16GB DDR4 RAM offer fast memory and enough storage for project-related files, plans, and software, while inclusions such as the ASUS Pen fast-charging 2.0 stylus with 4096 pressure levels and multiple interchangeable tips guarantee enhanced flexibility. This product also has a fast, refreshing 14-inch touch-enabled 2.8K display with an expansive 16:10 aspect ratio for improved visual experience.
Additionally, note that this product has a 2-in-1 functionality. It can function as a tablet or computer, making it highly recommended for creative ventures.
Pros
- It is budget-friendly
- Its memory and storage can be upgraded
- It has a high-definition touch-screen display
Cons
- Some users find the keys less visible
The HP 15-dy270 is an excellent choice for an affordable project management laptop. Despite retailing at less than $600, it can guarantee unbeatable project management performance due to its amazing features. For example, its RAM can be upgraded to 32GB for fast and efficient task execution, while its storage capacity extends to 1TB, creating more room for digital data and work-related files.
Its Intel Core i3-11115G4 microprocessor with a maximum boost frequency of up to 4.1GHz guarantees enhanced task execution, while the included Intel UHD graphics improve its visual performance. The 15.6-inch BrightView micro-edge WLED HD display with webcam and mic features also supports virtual meetings, while its Bluetooth, HDMI, and USB interfaces and WiFi technology allow increased connectivity. Another notable feature is a backlit keyboard, useful when working late.
Pros
- It has expandable DDR4 SDRAM
- It has a fast-charging, long-life battery
- It has a fully backlit keyboard
Cons
- Some may find the display to be too large
The 2023 HP ProBook 450 is an excellent device if you are looking for an ultrathin, highly functional laptop for project-related tasks. It has several important features, including expandable memory and storage, an integrated graphics card, and a fast, powerful processor for enhanced performance.
The high-bandwidth, upgradable DDR4 SDRAM allows you to switch between open applications easily, while the 1TB PCle NVMe M.2 SSD offers fast bootup and enhanced data transfer. It also has a 13th-generation Intel Core i5-1335U microprocessor with 12 MB Intel Smart Cache and a maximum base frequency of 4.60 GHz for faster performance. For enhanced visual performance. It’s also worth mentioning that this product has a 15.6-inch diagonal FHD UWVA eDP anti-glare, narrow bezel display, and a Windows 11 Pro operating system with enterprise-grade security, robust management tools, Cortana, and remote desktop features
Pros
- It has a powerful microprocessor
- It has smart conference-call features
- It has several ports and connection technologies for enhanced connectivity.
Cons
- It has a non-backlit keyboard
Our fifth recommendation is a 15.6-inch business laptop from Lenovo, an equally capable manufacturer. Its powerful features make it an excellent choice if you need a decent, powerful, and well-priced laptop. At less than $700, buyers get a 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1235U 1.3/4 GHz processor with 12MB of cache for easy multitasking.
It has a 15.6-inch FHD anti-glare non-touch display for an excellent viewing experience and Intel Iris Xe Graphics for enhanced visual performance. The 24GB DDR4 SDRAM and 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD ensure faster bootup and adequate storage. Its three USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and WI-FI technologies offer enhanced connectivity for better results, while the compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable.
We also have to mention that this product has smart conference-call features for noise canceling and background blurring and a webcam privacy shutter. However, it lacks a non-backlit keyboard and may not be the best option if you love working at night.
Pros
- It is designed for versatility
- It has an immersive 13-inch high-resolution touchscreen display
- It comes with a Surface Slim Pen 2 stylus
Cons
- It has limited connectivity features
The 2022 Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is a powerful option if you need an ultraportable 2-in-1 laptop. It is built on the Intel Evo platform and equipped with 12th-generation Intel core processors for fast performance. It also offers 15.5 hours of battery life, making it highly suitable for remote work.
The edge-to-edge 13-inch PixelSense touchscreen display with stylus support adapts to your surroundings by adjusting the laptop’s color balance to match your environment, while the included Surface Slim Pen 2 allows you to take notes in your handwriting and sketch ideas and diagrams.
You also get AI-enhanced features and experiences for more productivity and enhanced connectivity. Its keyboard-attached design makes it highly flexible and convenient, giving you an excellent project management experience.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality laptop can revolutionize your project management experience. However, be careful when getting one, owing to the several low-quality options available. Of the products we’ve reviewed, we highly recommend the Apple 2022 MacBook Pro with an M2 chip, as it guarantees faster speeds, up to 20 hours of battery life, and seamlessly integrates with other Apple products. Our second recommendation is the ASUS TN3402QA-DS76T, an equally powerful laptop in the ASUS Vivobook Flip series with solid performance, stylus support, a 2.8K touchscreen display, and 2-in-1 functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Operating System (OS) Should a Project Manager Laptop Have?
The most suitable OS for a project manager’s laptop usually depends on their preferences and the team’s software ecosystem. The goal is to get an option that allows easy, convenient, and effective project management task execution.
Which Are the Must-Have Specifications for a Project Manager’s Laptop?
For effective multitasking and intensive computation, a project manager’s laptop should have ample RAM(8GB+), a robust processor, and a spacious SSD (for enhanced storage and faster data access). Refer to our buyer’s guide for the full list of specifications.
Which is the Best Laptop for a Project Manager Who Is Always on the Move?
Project managers who travel a lot require a lightweight, portable laptop for enhanced convenience and flexibility. Scroll to our product review section to see several portable, light laptops that can improve your overall project management experience.
How Important is a Laptop’s Battery Life to a Project Manager?
A laptop with a prolonged battery life (8+ hours) enhances a project manager’s productivity as it doesn’t have to be charged frequently. A long battery life is especially important for long meetings and remote projects.
Which Features Should Project Managers Consider When Buying a Laptop for Multitasking?
To multitask successfully, project managers need a laptop with a powerful processor, high-speed RAM, and a spacious SSD (for faster data access). A laptop with a dedicated GPU for graphical tasks and a high-resolution display is also a game changer.
Which Security Considerations or Features Should Project Managers Consider When Buying a Laptop?
A laptop with enhanced security features keeps sensitive project data safe. Common features to consider include built-in security features such as facial recognition and fingerprint reader, active antivirus software, and advanced encryption features.
