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Which travel-friendly laptop is best for vacation

Many use vacations as a chance to unplug from their devices. Still, after a long day exploring a new city, you may want to stream a movie or respond to an email. It’s easy to think that all laptops are ideal for travel, but some are better than others. Some are lighter, more compact and include additional features that make them perfect for taking on the go. If you’re looking for a great laptop to take on vacation, you should consider a few things before making a purchase.

What to consider when buying a travel-friendly laptop

Weight

Laptops often weigh anywhere from 2 to 8 pounds. Choosing a model that weighs less will give you a few extra pounds in your carry-on luggage and prevent you from lugging around a heavy device. Smaller laptops tend to weigh less, but numerous models with large screens boast lightweight designs.

Size

Compact laptops are easier to carry around and save space in your luggage. Still, if you plan to use it to stream movies, it may be best to consider a device with a large screen. Many laptops with big screens still feature ultrathin designs.

Security features

Hopefully, you never have to deal with laptop theft while traveling, but it’s a good idea to consider the possibility. Many laptops have two-factor authentication features that prevent people from accessing your data unless they have your phone or email login information. Others let you log in using fingerprint recognition technology. Buying a laptop with these added security features can save you a huge headache if you lose your device.

Virtual private network

VPNs are paid services that let you encrypt your IP address. These private networks enhance your privacy and help keep you safe while using a public network.

VPNs have other uses while traveling, like letting you use a United States IP address while staying overseas. This feature is ideal for those who want to stream U.S. shows in another country.

Affordability

When traveling with a laptop, there is always a small chance it will be lost or stolen. It’s best to choose a relatively affordable device in case you have to buy a new one after your trip. Numerous models offer enhanced computing power at a budget price point. Still, if you travel full time, you may want a high-end model that can handle your daily workload.

Computing power

Although it’s often best to choose an affordable laptop for travel, you’ll still want something that works well. You'll need a laptop with multitasking capabilities if you have a business to attend to while traveling. 

You’ll want to check the device’s central processing unit to see how many cores it has. For some, a simple dual-core CPU is more than enough. Still, quad-core processors offer enhanced speed.

Random-access memory is another essential consideration. A computer’s RAM tells you how well it can manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Eight gigabytes is more than enough for most. Still, if you need your computer for coding, 3D modeling or gaming, you’ll likely want a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM.

FAQ

Are you allowed to bring a laptop on a plane?

A. According to the Transportation Security Administration, laptops are allowed in carry-on bags and checked baggage.

Can I use my laptop in another country?

A. You can use your computer in another country with the appropriate adapter and voltage converter. Plug outlets and voltage may vary depending on your location — adapters solve the outlet problem but don’t alter the plug’s voltage. Voltage converters prevent your electronics from getting fried when using them overseas, but they can be cumbersome. Many travelers prefer to bring electronics that use the same voltage as their destination to avoid using a voltage converter.

Best laptop for vacation

Dell XPS 13

The display is ideal for gaming or streaming. It features touch screen capabilities, 8GB of RAM and a quad-core processor. It’s lightweight, and the battery lasts up to 14 hours on a single charge.

Sold by Amazon and Dell

HP 17z-cp000 Laptop

This affordable laptop features a large screen and 13 hours of battery life. It has 8GB of RAM and a dual-core processor. It doesn’t feature a keyboard backlight, meaning it isn’t an ideal device to use in the dark. Still, most were impressed with how well it performed.

Sold by Amazon and HP

Asus VivoBook 15

This laptop is perfect for those shopping on a budget. The built-in fingerprint reader offers enhanced security while traveling. It has 4GB of RAM and a dual-core processor, which isn’t as powerful as some of its competitors. Still, it’s lightweight, easy to use and affordable.

Sold by Amazon

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

This is compact and weighs less than 3 pounds. It features 8GB of RAM and a quad-core processor. It’s ideal for multitasking, and the battery lasts up to 19 hours on a single charge. It features a backlit keyboard, touch screen capabilities and top-notch speakers.

Sold by Amazon

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5

This features 8GB of RAM and a quad-core processor. It has tablet capabilities and can be unlocked using your fingerprint. It has a backlit keyboard.

Sold by Amazon

Best laptop accessories for vacation

Kroser Expandable Laptop Briefcase

This spacious briefcase expands to fit larger laptops. The RFID pockets help protect sensitive information on your credit cards and passports. The padded interior is ideal for protecting your computer.

Sold by Amazon

Anker Powerhouse 100

This portable charger has a built-in flashlight and wall outlet. It can charge a wide range of electronic devices. It features a slim design and carrying strap.

Sold by Amazon

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

This features a built-in USB charger and is available in 10 colors. The built-in strap lets it slide over your luggage for easy transportation. It features a hidden theft-proof pocket to store valuables. Many were impressed with this backpack’s durability.

Sold by Amazon

 

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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

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