Best Laptop For Small Business 2020

Tightening the purse strings? We get it. This guide cuts through the marketing fluff and focuses on getting you the best bang for your buck when choosing a laptop for your small business in 2020.

This review is strictly for the cost-conscious entrepreneur, the startup founder pinching pennies, and the small business owner who knows the value of a dollar. Forget the fancy bells and whistles – we're talking about maximizing productivity without breaking the bank.

A reliable laptop is the backbone of any modern small business. It’s your office on the go, your presentation powerhouse, and your lifeline to clients and customers. Choosing wisely saves money and prevents headaches down the road.

Our Top Picks for 2020: Budget-Friendly Business Laptops

Here's a shortlist of laptops that offer excellent value for money, categorized by budget and primary use.

The Absolute Bargain: Lenovo Chromebook Duet

For ultra-portability and basic tasks, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet is unbeatable. Don't expect heavy-duty performance, but for email, document editing, and web browsing, it's a steal.

The Workhorse on a Budget: Acer Aspire 5

The Acer Aspire 5 offers a great balance of performance and price. With a decent processor and ample RAM, it can handle everyday business tasks without complaint.

The All-Rounder: HP Pavilion 14

The HP Pavilion 14 provides a solid experience for a reasonable price. This laptop is perfect for juggling multiple tasks and looks good doing it.

Detailed Reviews: Unveiling the Value

Lenovo Chromebook Duet: The Ultimate Budget Companion

This 2-in-1 Chromebook is incredibly lightweight and compact. Its main strength lies in its exceptional portability and battery life.

Powered by a MediaTek Helio P60T processor, it's not a powerhouse. However, Chrome OS is lightweight and efficient. Perfect for cloud-based productivity.

The detachable keyboard is a nice bonus. This turns it into a usable laptop for writing and emailing. Keep in mind this is not a full powered laptop.

Acer Aspire 5: The Reliable Workhorse

The Acer Aspire 5 is a solid all-around performer. It boasts a respectable Intel Core i5 processor and a generous amount of RAM.

Its large display and comfortable keyboard make it ideal for long working hours. The build quality is decent for the price. However, don't expect premium materials.

This laptop offers plenty of ports, including USB-C, HDMI, and USB 3.1. This is great for connecting peripherals and external displays.

HP Pavilion 14: Style and Substance on a Budget

The HP Pavilion 14 stands out with its sleek design and vibrant display. It offers a good balance of performance and aesthetics.

Powered by an AMD Ryzen processor, it delivers smooth multitasking and responsiveness. The keyboard is comfortable and the touchpad is accurate.

HP also includes a decent selection of ports and features, such as a fingerprint reader. This is a nice touch for added security. Making it ideal for the traveling business person.

Side-by-Side Specs and Performance

Note: Performance scores are based on general business tasks such as document editing, web browsing, and video conferencing.

Customer Satisfaction: What Users Are Saying

Based on user reviews and surveys, here’s a glimpse into customer satisfaction:

Lenovo Chromebook Duet: Users praise its portability and battery life, but some find the performance limiting for demanding tasks.

Acer Aspire 5: Customers appreciate its performance and value for money. Some criticize its plastic build quality.

HP Pavilion 14: Users love its design and responsiveness. However, a few have reported issues with the trackpad.

Maintenance Cost Projections

Laptop maintenance costs can vary, but here are some general projections:

• Lenovo Chromebook Duet: Low maintenance costs due to its simple operating system and limited hardware.
• Acer Aspire 5 & HP Pavilion 14: Moderate maintenance costs. SSD failures and battery replacements are the most common issues.

Consider purchasing extended warranties to protect against unexpected repairs. Preventative maintenance, like cleaning and updating software, can also save money in the long run.

Key Takeaways: Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right laptop involves balancing performance, price, and portability. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet excels in portability and is a superb bargain.

The Acer Aspire 5 is a solid workhorse that delivers a good balance of performance and value. The HP Pavilion 14 combines style and performance.

Consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision. Don't overspend on features you won't use.

Make Your Move!

Ready to upgrade your business's tech without emptying your wallet? Click the links below to explore these laptops further and find the perfect fit for your needs!

Shop Lenovo Chromebook Duet

Shop Acer Aspire 5

Shop HP Pavilion 14

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can a Chromebook really handle business tasks?

A: Yes, for basic tasks like email, document editing, and web browsing, Chromebooks are perfectly capable. They are great for users reliant on Google Workspace or other cloud-based services.

Q: How much RAM do I really need?

A: 8GB of RAM is generally sufficient for most business tasks. If you plan on running demanding software or multitasking heavily, consider 16GB.

Q: Is an SSD really worth the extra cost?

A: Absolutely. SSDs significantly improve boot times and application loading speeds. This results in a much smoother and more responsive experience. A must-have for productivity.

Q: What about battery life?

A: Battery life varies depending on usage. Look for laptops with at least 8 hours of estimated battery life for all-day productivity on the go.

Q: Should I buy a used or refurbished laptop?

A: Buying used can save money, but be cautious. Check the seller's reputation and ensure the laptop is in good working condition. Refurbished units from reputable sources can be a safer option. Ensure it comes with a warranty.