A profession like freelancing was already a booming sector. However, it was only after the pandemic that it gained wide acceptance and recognition. Without being confined to the office cubicles, this freelance thrill empowers you to work from the comfort of your home with a flexible time horizon.
However, this shift in career comes with the concern of acquiring the right tools that help to complete your task efficiently. It requires a dedicated workstation, supplied with desk organizers, stationery items, and a few other odd ends for decorations.
You can’t skip selecting the apt machine that entitles you to give your best. Yes, we are talking about the laptop, a portable device that permits work access from even your bed.
Well, more about this gadget and its specifications will be uncovered through this article. Keep reading, to know what you should be looking for as a freelancer.
Which one is Best, Windows or Mac?
As a budding freelancer, it can be intimidating to select the best laptop for your work. Before delving into the technicalities, the OS can be a big concern. It’s all between the Apple’s MacBook and Windows.
The cheapest MacBook can cost around $899. If it’s beyond your budget, then no doubt you should go with Windows.
Important Specifications for Buying Laptop
Memory (RAM)
The primary concern for a freelancer’s laptop can be the memory size. Also popularly known as RAM, it determines the capacity of a machine to multitask and is measured in Gigabytes. The recommended memory size for a freelancer’s job on a laptop are:
- 8GB
- 16GB
The right specification is easy to choose for the freelancer without too many complications. It’s obvious that a high RAM size will perform better with multiple tabs opened compared to a lower one. Another aspect is that software upgrades are smooth which renders it a future-proof solution for the upcoming 8-10 years.
Processor
Never miss out on the processor as it works in a combination with the RAM to offer seamless performance. Now, it can get tricky as the market is offering various versions from brands like Intel and AMD. It can be a little daunting to differentiate among all of these.
The good news is, processors launched within 2 years can never go wrong. You can rely on Wikipedia to get information regarding release dates and accurate names and then decide according to your budget.
Some mainstream recommendations for freelancers from brands like Intel and AMD are listed below:
- Intel i5, i7, and i9
- AMD Ryzen 5, 7, and 9
If you deal with heavy graphics work, you must start with an Intel i7 or Ryzen 5.
SSD Storage
Generally, the laptops are manufactured with a base-level SSD storage capacity of 128GB. However, a freelancer should at least get the ones with 256 GB. It’s a good choice if you are tight on budget.
For power users, 512 GB SSD is the best to suffice the future-friendly storage needs without easily getting loaded with software installations and a few HD videos. There are also laptops equipped with dual storage of SSD and HDD combined. If your pockets permit then 1TB is the ultimate solution.
Screen Size & Portability
Freelancers depending upon heavy graphical requirements for their work need an adequate screen size for enhanced visibility. This is why a minimum of 13-inch display with full HD resolutions is ideal. For a bigger screen like a 16-17-inch display, investing in a separate monitor makes more sense.
However, portability is also an essential factor when buying a laptop. You might even need to carry it outside for meetings and conferences. Therefore, you must consider laptops that weigh under 2 kg to avoid getting an unnecessarily bulky machine.
Peripherals
If you are in this freelancing world for a long time you may realize that a laptop isn’t enough to suffice your needs. You need to be ergonomically sound by taking help from peripherals.
If you are multitasking and yet want to maintain your focus, getting dual monitors makes sense to increase productivity. Similarly, you may require some other equipment that makes the tasks no-sweat:
- External keyboards
- Dual monitors
- Ergonomic mouse
- Portable display
- Ergonomic desk and chair
Get the Specifics to Buy a Laptop!
When investing in a laptop for your freelancing business, ensure that you pursue the right information. This will arm you to purchase the best machine from the market.
Additionally, it will be great to get laptop insurance that saves you from unnecessary expenses of repairs and damages. Be smarter when you are a part of this revolutionary Gig economy.
