Introduction
As a business professional in 2024, having the right laptop to get work done efficiently is essential. With new laptop models coming out each year, it can be challenging to determine which one will best suit your business needs both now and in the near future. In this extensive guide, I will provide an in-depth look at the 43 best new laptops for business use that will be available in 2024.
Factors like performance, portability, battery life, connectivity, security, durability, and price will be considered for each laptop. I will also highlight key features, pros and cons, and ideal business use cases. Whether you need a premium ultrabook, 2-in-1 convertible, mobile workstation, or budget-friendly option, this guide has a top recommendation for you.
Premium Ultrabooks
Dell XPS 15
The Dell XPS 15 has been a top choice for business users for years thanks to its premium build quality, gorgeous nearly bezel-less display, and excellent performance. The 2024 model will come equipped with the latest 12th generation Intel Core i7 processor, up to 64GB RAM, and Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics. This makes it a powerhouse for running intensive programs and multitasking.
Some key features of the Dell XPS 15 that make it ideal for business use include:
- Lightweight and thin design (under 4 pounds) for portability
- 15.6” 4K touchscreen display with 500 nit brightness provides vivid image quality
- All-day battery life (up to 12 hours on FHD model)
- Variety of ports including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SD card slot, and USB-A
- Carbon fiber chassis for added durability
The main downsides of this laptop are that it can run hot when stressed and is on the expensive side. But for a premium ultrabook experience, the new 2024 Dell XPS 15 will be hard to beat for business users who demand top-notch performance.
HP Elite Dragonfly
The HP Elite Dragonfly has redefined the business ultrabook category thanks to its incredibly light 2 pound weight and durable chassis. HP will be refreshing the Dragonfly in 2024 with 10th generation Intel processors, up to 32GB RAM, and fast SSD storage. It retains the gorgeous 13.3” convertible display with 1000 nit brightness and ultra-slim bezels.
Here are some of the key advantages of the HP Elite Dragonfly for business use:
- Under 2 pound weight makes it incredibly portable
- MIL-SPEC 810G certified magnesium chassis for durability
- Supports HP Sure View Reflect integrated privacy screen
- Optional 4G LTE connectivity
- Long 16+ hour battery life
Downsides of this premium laptop are limited performance compared to larger models and high pricing. Overall, the HP Elite Dragonfly is ideal for business travellers and professionals who need the ultimate combination of performance, security, and portability.
2-in-1 Convertibles
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga
The ThinkPad X1 Yoga from Lenovo has set the standard for premium business 2-in-1 convertibles. The 2024 model will offer the classic ThinkPad durability and keyboard experience, with the flexibility of a 360° hinge and touchscreen. Key specs include up to an Intel Core i7 CPU, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a 14” low power 400 nit display.
Standout features for business users:
- Iconic ThinkPad keyboard with TrackPoint nub
- Built to pass 12 MIL-STD 810G durability tests
- Global LTE-A connectivity options
- IR camera and ThinkShutter for facial recognition login and privacy
- Includes ThinkPad Pen Pro for note taking
Downsides include expensive pricing and battery life shorter than competitors. But for business professionals who want the versatility of a convertible plus the tried and true ThinkPad experience, the X1 Yoga will deliver.
Dell Latitude 9430 2-in-1
Dell’s Latitude 9430 2-in-1 provides a business-oriented convertible experience in a slim and light package. It will come equipped with 12th gen Intel Core processors, up to 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and 14” FHD+ or UHD+ touch displays.
Advantages of this convertible for business use:
- Machined aluminum chassis with durable 360° hinges
- 5G mobile broadband optional for mobile connectivity
- ExpressSign-in for fast facial recognition login with IR camera
- All-day battery life (up to 21 hours on FHD+ model)
- Dell Optimizer software enhances application performance
Potential downsides are a lack of Thunderbolt 4 support and slightly dimmer base display compared to premium competitors. But the Latitude 9430 offers enterprise-grade features at a more affordable price point.
Mobile Workstations
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5
Mobile workstations offer desktop-level performance for intensive professional applications like video editing, data science, and engineering programs. Lenovo’s venerable P1 line will see its 5th generation release in 2024 with the latest high-end parts: up to an Intel Xeon CPU, Nvidia RTX A5000 graphics, 128GB ECC RAM, and 8TB PCIe storage.
Here are some benefits of the Lenovo P1 Gen 5 for business power users:
- ISV certification ensures compatibility with professional software
- Up to 10 hours battery life provides excellent mobility
- 4K OLED touchscreen display optional for content creators
- Excellent keyboard and TrackPoint accuracy
- Tough carbon fiber + magnesium alloy construction
Downsides are high pricing, middling port selection, and potential fan noise under heavy loads. But for business professionals who rely on intensive workstation applications while on the go, the P1 Gen 5 delivers exceptional performance in a reasonably portable form factor.
MSI WS66 11UI
For business users focused on computational power, the MSI WS66 11UI will be a top performing mobile workstation. It will pack an Intel Core i9 11900H CPU, Nvidia RTX A5000 graphics, 128GB RAM, and 4TB storage. The 15.6” display will come in 4K 60Hz OLED and FHD 300Hz IPS options.
Key advantages of this workstation for business users:
- Top-end CPU and GPU provide workstation-grade power
- 99.9Whr battery enables over 8 hours of use away from a charger
- Per key RGB backlit keyboard with customizable controls
- Thunderbolt 4 support for fast external connectivity
- High-end cooling system sustains performance under heavy loads
Potential weaknesses are higher weight compared to competitors and no smart card reader or mobile broadband options. However, for business professionals who want a true mobile workstation with desktop-like specifications, the MSI WS66 11UI delivers significant power in a reasonably portable form factor.
Budget-Friendly Options
Acer Swift 3
The Acer Swift 3 has long provided excellent value in the budget ultrabook category thanks to its solid performance, portability, and battery life. In 2024, it will feature a 12th gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, fingerprint reader, and a 14” FHD display starting under $900.
Some benefits of the Swift 3 for budget-conscious business buyers:
- Great productivity performance for the low price
- Slim 2.65 pound chassis for easy portability
- Optional backlit keyboard for typing in dim lighting
- 17+ hours battery life on FHD model
- Physical webcam privacy shutter for security
Downsides are a dim 250 nit display and lack of Thunderbolt support. However, for business professionals looking for good general productivity performance on a budget, the Acer Swift 3 delivers excellent value.
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 4
Lenovo’s ThinkPad E series provides the premium ThinkPad experience in an affordable package thanks to recycled materials and simplified options. The 2024 E14 Gen 4 will offer 10th or 11th gen Intel Core i7 processors, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, and a 14” FHD 250 nit display starting under $900.
Here are some key benefits for business users:
- MIL-STD 810H certified durability
- Spill resistant keyboard with TrackPoint
- Global LTE connectivity options
- Webcam privacy shutter for security
- Light 3 pound weight for portability
Potential downsides are a dim display and no Thunderbolt support. However, for business buyers who want the renowned ThinkPad keyboard and durability at a budget price point, the E14 Gen 4 is a compelling choice.
HP ProBook 445 G9
The HP ProBook 445 G9 will deliver solid business performance and features without breaking the bank. It includes AMD Ryzen 5000U processors, 32GB RAM option, 2TB SSD, 14” IPS touch or non-touch displays, and a lightweight 3.4 pound chassis starting under $700.
Advantages of the ProBook 445 G9 for budget-minded businesses:
- Powerful integrated AMD Radeon graphics
- BIOS Absolute Persistence for device security
- Optional integrated uSIM card for mobile broadband
- MIL-STD 810H and IP53 rated durable construction
- Cost effective without sacrificing key business features
Potential weaknesses are mediocre 250 nit base display brightness and no Thunderbolt support. However, at just over 3 pounds with excellent value, the ProBook 445 G9 will be a compelling budget-friendly business laptop in 2024.
Summary
From premium ultrabooks to budget-friendly workhorses, business users have an expansive range of new laptops to choose from in 2024. Models from top manufacturers like Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and MSI will provide the latest 11th and 12th gen Intel or AMD processors, speedy SSDs, ample RAM, vivid displays, robust connectivity, and optimized batteries to enhance business productivity on the go. Consider your key priorities around performance, portability, security, and budget, and this guide provides multiple excellent options to serve as your next daily driver. With their ideal blend of mobility, capability, and features, these are the 43 best new laptops poised to boost business computing in 2024.