There are many reasons why home offices are on the rise. For starters, a home office allows you to be productive from the location that provides you the most comfort. Whether you are a small business owner, a freelancer or a company employee, a home office allows you the convenience of getting work done from home. Of course, you need to set it up based on your preferences. This includes picking the right laptop. Keep reading to learn more.
Pick your favorite operating system
When it comes to a laptop, there are several platforms to choose from. If you want to save money, you might consider working with a company that sells and buys refurbished laptops. For example, Gadget Salvation can help you sell your laptop so that you can purchase a newer model.
As a result, you get a high-quality laptop and never have to pay full price. But, what type of platform do you prefer? Are you a Windows person, or would you like a Mac? You might even prefer a Chrome OS. Out of the three, Windows is the most widely used. Although the Chrome OS is moving up in the ranks as it offers many budget-friendly options.
And, of course, Macs have a cult following. Since this the area where you will get work done, choose the operating system that helps to be facilitate that process. You should be comfortable with the system and enjoy using it. In the end, a home office can help improve the quality of your life by cutting down on travel time.
Also, since it is your office, you don’t feel the anxiety you might get when your boss is breathing down your back. Since you are at home, you’re more flexible with your work hours. You can work a few hours in the morning, then take a break and spend some time with your family. After that, you can work a few more hours in the afternoon. A home office is truly a win-win.
Decide on the right location
Your home office should be a space where you have a place to put your laptop, and also, where you have room to breathe. You also need to have the type of traffic flow that will be immune to distractions. Furthermore, it should be a quiet space with comfortable seating. You won’t get much work done if you feel cramped and your back hurts.
Laptop, tablet or both?
Modern laptops now offer the option of a hybrid model where they work as both a laptop and a tablet. Some models have detachable keyboards or are a tent-style where they can bend 360 degrees. The advantage of a 2-in-1 laptop is you can use it both for work and pleasure.
So, you’ll have it in its standard form for work. When you are done, you can use the tablet version for Web surfing, playing games and watching streaming media. You get more bang for your buck. Plus, you don’t have to buy a separate tablet and a separate laptop.
Make sure it’s the right size
Laptops come in different sizes, colors and even textures. Some are sleek and smooth, while others are designed to be more rugged. Nonetheless, you want the perfect-sized laptop for you. The smallest laptops are around 11-inches. These are good if you travel often and need something lightweight.
But, for a heavy workload, smaller laptops probably serve best as a backup. Then, there are 13, 15 and even 18-inch laptops.
If you work at your home office all day, every day, 15-to-18-inches would work well. Remember, this is the laptop you will use to truly validate your startup idea. These normally have the right screen size too for comfortable viewing and hosting online meetings.
Think of how you type
Another important feature to consider is the touchpad and keyboard. Some keyboards are more comfortable than others. If you have a regular work schedule, it’s important to find a keyboard with a tactile feel. It should also be accurate. The last thing you need is to spend hours typing only to find hundreds of typos.
In conclusion
Choosing the right laptop for your home office can give you the ultimate in work/life balance and flexibility. It can be stressful to work at an office, being away from your family and pets for so long. If you work from home, you’ll always be around when something happens. And, you’ll always remember why you work so hard. As a result, picking the right laptop can ensure you have comfortable working equipment to last for years.