How to Choose the Best Portable Laptop for Travel
Quick Take: In this guide, we found that the Acer C720 Chromebook is the best overall for its excellent battery life and portability, while the Samsung Chromebook is a great budget-friendly alternative. We'll break down what makes each one stand out.
When it comes to choosing the best portable laptop for travel, you need a device that balances performance, weight, and durability. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a digital nomad, or simply someone who enjoys working on-the-go, the right portable laptop can make all the difference. In this post, we'll compare several popular options, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
Finding a travel-friendly laptop involves considering various factors such as battery life, ease of use, and overall value. Understanding these elements will ensure you choose a device that meets your specific needs while being easy to carry. Let’s dive into the key aspects you should consider when shopping for a portable laptop.
Products Featured in This Article
Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet, HD display, 32 GB, (2020 release), our best 8" tablet for portable entertainment, Slate
👥 What customers said: The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet has received mixed reviews, with customers praising its performance and features while expressing frustration over certain design flaws and limitations in the Amazon ecosystem.
- "Amazing Battery Life!!"
- "Finally, a worthy successor to the HDX!"
- "It's a steal at a hundred bucks."
- Consider installing Google Play Store for a better app selection.
- Avoid using SD cards due to compatibility issues.
- Pay for the no-ad upgrade to enhance user experience.
- Improved speed and battery life compared to previous models.
- Expandable memory up to 1TB and wireless charging feature.
- Good value for the price, especially during promotions.
- Limited app availability without Google Play Store.
- Design issues with button placement and overall thickness.
- Performance issues reported, especially with web browsing and app loading.
Samsung Chromebook (Wi-Fi, 11.6-Inch) 2012 Model
👥 What customers said: The Chromebook has garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback from users, highlighting its strengths in portability and simplicity, while also noting issues with performance and support.
- "The keyboard blew my expectations away."
- "This little beast will surprise you."
- "It's a perfect complement for my Macbook."
- Use Google Drive for easy document access and collaboration.
- Keep brightness moderate to extend battery life.
- Regularly check for OS updates to improve stability.
- Lightweight and portable, ideal for travel.
- Fast boot time and easy setup process.
- Good keyboard quality for typing.
- Frequent crashes and unstable operating system.
- Limited offline functionality without internet access.
- Lack of effective customer support from Google.
Sunany Flash Drive 128GB, USB Memory Stick External Storage Thumb Drive for Phone, Pad, Android, PC and More Devices (Red)
👥 What customers said: The product received mixed reviews, with many users praising its ease of use and storage capacity, while others reported significant issues with reliability and functionality.
- "Thus was so easy to use and I am not at all tech savvy."
- "Transferring the pics onto the drive was really easy and faster than I thought."
- "This device has plenty of storage on it and is VERY user friendly."
- Download the accompanying app for easier file management.
- Use silicone caps to protect the connectors.
- Check for file integrity after transfers to avoid data loss.
- Easy to transfer photos and videos between devices.
- High storage capacity options available (up to 256 GB).
- User-friendly app for managing files.
- Reports of data loss and file corruption.
- Some users found instructions difficult to understand.
- Fragile connector design, requiring careful handling.
Acer C720 Chromebook (11.6-Inch, 2GB) **Discontinued by Manufacturer**
👥 What customers said: The Acer C720 Chromebook has received mixed reviews, with many users praising its performance and battery life, while others report issues with build quality and customer service.
- "This is a great economical way to access the internet with ease."
- "I was amazed at how quickly it booted up and ran."
- "The battery life is awesome! I easily get 7 hours on a charge."
- Use Google Cloud Print for printing needs.
- Consider installing Ubuntu for expanded functionality.
- Keep the Chromebook updated for optimal performance.
- Fast boot time and performance for everyday tasks.
- Excellent battery life, lasting up to 8-10 hours.
- Lightweight and portable, ideal for students and casual use.
- Reports of screen defects and quality control issues.
- Limited printing options without cloud setup.
- Customer support experiences vary, often frustrating.
Buyer’s Guide
- Key Features: Focus on build quality, warranty, and ease of use.
- Price vs. Value: Don’t overpay for minor upgrades; compare core specs.
- Real-World Fit: Check size/weight, comfort, and noise in everyday use.
FAQ
Q: How do I choose among similar models?
A: Match features to your use-case and check return/warranty terms.
Conclusion
If you need a quick recommendation: pick the “Best Overall” for balance, “Best Budget” for price, and “Best Premium” for top performance.
