This category encompasses a little bit of everything, but commonly you’ll find 14, 15 and 17-inch screens, mid-range discrete graphics cards (though some are also settling for Intel’s Ivy Bridge integrated HD 4000 graphics nowadays), at least 4GB of RAM, and plenty of connectivity options. Lenovo ThinkPad T430s Lenovo’s ThinkPad T Series has long been known as the gold standard for business notebooks. Starting at $999, the T430s offers all the business-minded and security features you’d expect from the ThinkPad line while maintaining a slim design that’s easy to lug around. It sports an island-style keyboard, and offers choices of the latest Intel Core i processors, integrated or discrete Nvidia graphics, as well as both SSD and HDD storage options. In terms of connectivity you’ll get Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Mini DisplayPort, a couple of USB 3.0 ports and a 4-in-1 multicard reader. Battery life is rated for up to 6.5 hours. Additional views:

Lenovo ThinkPad W530 The ThinkPad W530 is a 15.6-inch desktop replacement workstation for content creators and business types, packing a choice of Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors - up to the 2.9GHz Core i7-3920XM - along with up to 32GB of RAM, Nvidia Quadro graphics, and an optional color calibrator. It has the same chassis as the last-gen model but includes several minor changes. Among them is a new 6-row chiclet style backlit keyboard and support for DisplayPort 1.2-ready. Otherwise, its core specs are the same (Ivy Bridge notwithstanding) and so is the port configuration: two USB SuperSpeed 3.0, one USB 2.0, one USB 2.0/eSATA, VGA, DisplayPort out, FireWire 400, ExpressCard/34, SDHC-card reader, and a headset combo jack.
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HP EliteBook 8570p Like its predecessor, the EliteBook 8570p features a design based on HP’s so-called “Forge” framework that includes aluminum-alloy hinges, titanium-alloy display latches, a bottom-case drain in case of spills, and a platinum-colored DuraCase enclosure that actually manages to comply to the MIL-STD 810G military testing spec. This business powerhouse comes equipped with Intel’s third-generation Ivy Bridge processors, an extensive security and wireless feature set, and a wide selection of ports. Additional views:

Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display 89 53 Reviews The all-new, 15.4-inch Retina Display packing MacBook Pro represents the next-generation of Apple’s professional-grade notebooks. It’s an impressive 0.71 inches thin — almost as thin as the MacBook Air’s 0.68 inches — while weighing under four and a half pounds. The display is 15.4 inches across and sports a 220ppi 2880 x 1800 native resolution. Besides the specs listed below, noteworthy features include dual Thunderbolt ports, dual microphones “to enable a new generation of voice applications”, USB 3.0 support, HDMI-out (finally no need for adapters), and a thinner MagSafe port, as well as the usual SD card reader, webcam and backlit keyboard. Additional views:

title: “Techspot Laptop Buying Guide Business And Workstations” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-20” author: “Shirley Ha”

Lenovo ThinkPad T420 84 10 Reviews Earlier this year Lenovo refreshed its business-oriented lineup with new 2011 Core i5 and i7 processors, integrated and discrete graphics options, new video and voice calling functionality, improved power management, and new features for better IT management. The latest models in the ThinkPad T series include the 14-inch T420 and the slimmer T420s version along with the 15-inch T520. The first two start at $799 and $1,149, respectively, and are available with Nvidia Optimus graphics. The slim, four-pound T420s is said to boot 30% faster than the previous model, and the slightly thicker T420 can last up to a whopping 30 hours on a charge with the optional, nine-cell slice extended battery. Additional views:

Lenovo ThinkPad W520 81 10 Reviews The ThinkPad W520 is a 15.6-inch desktop replacement workstation for content creators and business types, packing a choice of Intel Core i5 and Core i7 processors - up to the 2.5GHz Core i7-2920XM - along with up to 32GB of RAM, Nvidia Quadro graphics, and a dedicated color calibrator. The W520 offers an impressive, extensive span of ports. Just as the W510 before it, this workstation has two USB SuperSpeed 3.0, one USB 2.0, one USB 2.0/eSATA, VGA, DisplayPort out, FireWire 400, ExpressCard/34, SDHC-card reader, and a headset combo jack. Additional views:

HP EliteBook 8560p 86 4 Reviews With a design based on the so-called “Forge” framework, HP’s EliteBook features aluminum-alloy hinges, titanium-alloy display latches, a bottom-case drain in case of spills, and a special enclosure that actually manages to comply to the MIL-STD 810G military testing spec. This business powerhouse comes equipped with Intel’s second-gen Sandy Bridge processors, extensive security and wireless feature set, and a wide selection of ports. As an alternative, the 15-inch HP ProBook 4530s offers a great feature set for small businesses and starts at around $600. Additional views:

Apple MacBook Pro 83 16 Reviews Apple’s popular MacBook Pro comes equipped with Intel’s latest Sandy Bridge processors, including quad-core options in the more expensive 15- and 17-inch models, as well as the new Mac OS X Lion (10.7) operating system and a high-speed interconnect known as Thunderbolt. The latter doubles as a DisplayPort connector and boasts 10Gbit/s bi-directional bandwidth. Graphics are powered by Intel’s integrated HD 3000 processor on the 13-inch model and AMD Radeon HD 6750M (512MB) or HD 6770M (1GB) on the 15 and 17-inchers. These two feature graphics switching technology that automatically alternates between the integrated and discrete GPU when needed to save battery life or boost graphics performance. Depending on screen size and configuration options, a MacBook Pro can cost you anywhere from $1,199 to $2,499 and beyond. Additional views:

Dell Latitude E6420 81 The Dell Latitude E6420 delivers all the power you’d want in a business laptop, plus outstanding battery life and a good selection of ports. It also has a backlit keyboard, sturdy construction, and offers a world of configuration options to choose from. Price range: From $1,294 Toshiba Tecra R850 79 The Tecra R850 is amazingly thin, yet it offers a durable design featuring an innovative, fiberglass reinforced chassis. It delivers solid performance for general tasks and graphics, and its battery will last a good 6 hours on charge. Price range: From $899