What you need to know
Choose a laptop from the workload backwards. Portability, battery life, screen and keyboard quality, repairability, warranty, ports and security can matter as much as processor speed.
Key facts
- ✓The National Cyber Security Centre advises choosing devices that will receive security updates for the required lifetime and can be centrally managed where necessary.
- ✓Windows 11 compatibility depends on published hardware and firmware requirements, including Secure Boot capability and Trusted Platform Module version 2.0.
- ✓Memory and storage should allow for the operating system, security tools, business applications and expected growth rather than only today’s minimum use.
- ✓A business warranty with an appropriate repair target may be more valuable than a small saving on the purchase price.
Recommended actions
- ✓Define user profiles such as mobile office work, design, engineering or fixed-desk use.
- ✓Confirm required ports, docking, external displays, video calls and specialist application requirements.
- ✓Check the support period, repair options, battery replaceability and warranty service before buying.
- ✓Standardise a small number of models where possible to simplify support, spares and deployment.
Expected benefits
✓Devices suited to each role
✓Longer useful service life
✓Simpler support and replacement planning