A regular notebook is typically used for less resource-intensive tasks such as browsing the internet, checking email, typing up documents, and all those activities that do not involve intensive processes with high capacity. Conversely, the finest workstation notebook is a portable computer equipped with advanced computing features not typical of the regular notebook.
There is no question that standard notebooks are more cost-effective and widely available. However, when it comes to workstation notebooks, these types of devices offer high-end features that generally are not found in laptops designed for ordinary consumers.
Our recommendations for Top Workstation Laptops
- 2019 Apple MacBook Pro
- Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel CC715-71-7196 Convertible Creator Laptop
- Gigabyte Aero 17 (2021)
- HP EliteBook x360 1040
- Dell XPS 17
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Business Laptop
- Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition 2020
- HP Envy 15 Laptop
These high-end attributes include quicker graphics processors, more potent CPUs, an extensive warranty, additional memory, resilient designs, and conventional style.
These are some of the essential characteristics of the best workstation notebook. These remarkable high-end additional features and service tactics make workstation notebooks weigh a bit more than standard laptops. To handle your intensive working processes and heavy tasks properly, the major key is the ability to maintain these workstation notebooks in operation, upbeat, and get them serviced properly when needed.
What Defines a Workstation Notebook?
A workstation notebook is a specialized laptop explicitly designed for technical or scientific applications. It is primarily used to carry out computationally intensive tasks of various kinds. Workstation notebooks have also gained favor in some complex financial and business applications.
Workstation notebooks are designed to deliver better performance than mainstream standard laptops and computers concerning CPU and graphics, memory capacity, and multitasking capability.
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What Sets Apart a Gaming Notebook from a Workstation Notebook?
A workstation notebook is specifically designed to execute heavy tasks and intensive processes such as running graphics-intensive software, maintaining large data servers, 3D animation, video editing, and more. On the other hand, gaming notebooks are specifically designed to play games that do not always need to be AAA quality games.
However, a workstation notebook is generally more expensive than gaming notebooks because they feature superior hardware. The high price tag can be a turn-off, but a workstation notebook can actually be a better choice for you than a gaming notebook, not just because of its functionality but also because it can serve as both.
Is a Workstation Notebook worth it?
Deciding to get a workstation notebook entirely depends on your work obligations and personal specifications. If you create or render 3D models occasionally, a standard notebook is sufficient. However, if you perform those tasks almost every day, a workstation notebook is all you need.
Furthermore, if you are looking for something that looks like it belongs in your office, you should opt for a workstation. Workstation notebooks often tend to use Quadro cards, providing you with a good reputation for 3D work and good performance, as well as purported reliability. Additionally, the best workstations generally function well for several years with fast CPUs, more memory modules, and larger hard drives than standard laptop systems, along with useful but slightly expensive components.
Things to Keep in Mind when Purchasing a Workstation Notebook
If you are uncertain about the aspects you should take into account when purchasing the best workstation notebook for your work, then keep reading. Below are the most crucial things to consider when choosing and purchasing a workstation notebook.
- Budget
- Brand
- Size
- Weight
- Ability to handle tasks
Our top recommendations for the Best Workstation Notebooks
If you are thinking about acquiring the best workstation notebook or simply looking to enhance your productivity, you will need a workstation notebook that meets your personal and work requirements.
But while searching for the perfect workstation notebook, you might encounter decision fatigue as you navigate the numerous options in front of you. To spare you from headaches, we have compiled the best workstation notebooks.
Related Notebooks
- Business Notebooks
- Convertible Notebooks
- Notebooks for College Students
Related Accessories
- Notebook Cooling Pad
- Top Lap Desks
1
2019 Apple MacBook Pro
amazon.com Price: $2,799.00 SHOP IT
The MacBook Pro 13-inch for 2019 is equipped with a much faster 8th gen Intel Core CPU with both Touch ID and the Touch Bar. And while the keyboard still isn’t great, Apple has introduced minor enhancements that will make it more reliable than before.
It includes a 1.4-GHz 8th-gen Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD while featuring a handsome and elegant look, with a solid unibody aluminum chassis. Its overall design is a bit on the chunky side, and the bezels look solid.
Moreover, it packs two Thunderbolt 3 ports, which are located on the left side, allowing you to charge your system and use one other peripheral at the same time unless you spring for a dongle or use a USB-C hub.
Its dual speakers that flank the keyboard on the MacBook Pro deliver rich and nuanced sound. Lastly, it also comes with a Touch ID sensor and Touch Bar for enhanced security.
2
Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel CC715-71-7196 Convertible Creator Laptop
amazon.com Price: $2,499.00 SHOP IT
This is one of those creator-class laptops that are rarely inexpensive. Feature-packed with a 2.6-GHz Intel Core i7-10750H processor with 16GB of RAM. It also has a 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, Intel UHD Graphics, along with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU with 6GB of VRAM, and a 3840 x 2160-pixel touch display.
The overall design features a premium frost white aluminum chassis that makes it look cool to the touch and just feels fantastic. Its lid at the top has a concept logo print in silver. It also features a Chiclet-style keyboard that sits in a slight recess with a large vent positioned above and a glossy white touchpad beneath.
Its silver hinge is strong enough to support the display’s weight so it can be suspended flat above the keyboard for share mode or float mode, where the display extends beyond the keyboard, making the Ezel’s display twist into numerous modes.
For security options, it features a fingerprint scanner in the power button for near-instant logins/logouts and adds an extra layer of security between your sensitive files and prying eyes. It also features a Kensington lock slot along the side to ensure the laptop won’t get stolen.
Moreover, it comes with a range of ports, including a full DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and power jack. One surprising feature is a pen located on the right side of the display chin that houses a Wacom EMR (electromagnetic resonance) pen.
3
Gigabyte Aero 17 (2021)
amazon.com Price: $2,899.00 SHOP IT
The Gigabyte Aero 17 (2021) is one of the laptops to be released this year with the new mobile Nvidia GeForce RTX 30-series GPUs. If you are seeking a portable creative workstation, you will be hard-pressed to find anything as powerful as the Gigabyte Aero 17.
It is specially designed for graphic design and video editing. Paired with a powerful, 10th-gen Intel Core i7 or i9 CPU and the latest RTX 3060, RTX 3070, or RTX 3080 GPU, it offers creative professionals incredible performance starting at a midrange price and scales up to one of the most powerful mobile workstations, suitable not just for graphics design and video editing but also 3D rendering.
This laptop is also a heavy device, not as portable as some of its rivals, but it can still sit comfortably under your arm as you move around. Additionally, its chassis is very well designed, offering a look that’s somewhere between a gaming laptop and a professional workstation.
Though it features RGB lighting on the keyboard, which might be overwhelming for the workstation, this laptop’s build quality is exceptional, while the keyboard and trackpad aren’t its best features, but they will suffice if you’re away from your desk. Lastly, it includes a plethora of ports and built-in Bluetooth 5.0, enabling quick connection of quality peripherals.
4
HP EliteBook x360 1040
amazon.com Price: $1,699.00 SHOP IT
HP’s EliteBook x360 1040 G5 is packed with powerful specifications and a flexible design. Along with a comfortable keyboard, solid audio, long-lasting battery, and excellent security features. It is designed to deliver strong Core i7 performance, a tactile keyboard, solid speakers, and good battery life all housed in a sleek, military-tested aluminum chassis.
It includes 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, an Intel UHD 620 GPU, and a 1080p display. Its aluminum build with a satin finish layered over its sleek silver design and two three-edged hinges that are carved outward. Between them is a neatly placed EliteBook logo.
It also features a well-spaced keyboard with speaker vents on both sides and a fingerprint reader just beneath it for enhanced security. It comes with excellent ports, including one USB 3.1 port, a headphone jack, a power button, and a security lock slot on the left side, while the right side holds one USB 3.1 port, an HDMI 1.4 port, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and the volume rocker.
5
Dell XPS 17
amazon.com Price: $3,158.25 SHOP IT
The Dell XPS 17 is the latest addition to Dell’s successful XPS lineup, which includes the XPS 13 and XPS 15. This XPS laptop comes with a large 17-inch screen, new 10th generation Intel processors, and Nvidia RTX GPUs, with up to 32GB of RAM, designed to deliver a serious productivity machine ideal for content creators.
It offers a variety of specifications and prices, making it ideal for people who want the flexibility to choose a laptop that best suits their personal needs and budget.
This laptop gives you the power you need without charging you extra for performance you won’t use. Likewise, you could enhance certain components, such as adding more RAM, to ensure it keeps up with the tasks you need it to handle.
6
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Business Laptop
amazon.com Price: $2,449.00 SHOP IT
The 15.6″ ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 Laptop in black with carbon fiber weave from Lenovo features a 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7-10750H 6-core CPU along with 32GB of DDR4 RAM. This potent laptop is designed for swift processing. It can store files on the preinstalled 1TB M.2 SSD.
You can connect external drives or other wired accessories through two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, or through two Gen 2 Type-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports supporting power delivery and DisplayPort connections. You can also use your favorite wireless peripherals with Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity or go online with Wi-Fi 6.
The Lenovo ThinkPad also supports Gigabit Ethernet through an optional Lenovo USB Type-C to RJ45 adapter. Additionally, it includes an SD card reader for convenient access to stored media on compatible cards, along with dual 2W speakers and a dual-array far-field microphone complementing the 720p HD webcam with IR scanning and facial recognition for enhanced security.
The built-in battery delivers up to 15.6 hours of use on a single charge, while its support for rapid charging enables up to 80% recharge in just an hour. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 laptop runs on the Windows 10 Pro 64-bit operating system.
7
Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition 2020
amazon.com Price: $4,299.00 SHOP IT
This is a powerful mobile workstation by Razor Blade that is specifically designed for content creators such as photographers, filmmakers, musicians, VFX artists, and more. it is heavily equipped with a 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7-10875H octa-core processor, 32GB of 2933 MHz DDR4 RAM, a single 1TB NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD, and an NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Studio Edition graphics card along with 16GB of GDDR6 VRAM.
It comes with a built-in 15.6″ display with an OLED panel that features a 3840 x 2160 4K resolution and multi-touch support. Additionally, this laptop is factory calibrated to ensure consistent and accurate colors with 100% DCI-P3 gamut coverage along with a low Delta-E rating.
Its other integrated features include an SD card reader, USB Type-A ports, an IR HD webcam, a microphone, stereo speakers for sound quality, a combo audio jack, and Thunderbolt 3, Mini DisplayPort, and HDMI connectivity is also part of its feature set. The operating system installed on this laptop is Windows 10 Pro.
The built-in display with an OLED panel features 3840 x 2160 4K resolutions with multi-touch support, while also supporting Optimus technology for finding the perfect balance between performance and energy saving.
8
HP Envy 15 Laptop
amazon.com Price: $1,469.99 SHOP IT
The 15.6″ ENVY 15-ep0010nr Multi-Touch Laptop from HP offers performance with percussion. It is powered by a 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7-10750H six-core processor along with 116GB of 2933 MHz DDR4 memory.
This powerful laptop also includes a 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD for storing applications and files. Driven by a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card with 4GB of GDDR6 memory, the Envy’s 15.6″ 1920 x 1080 IPS (In-Plane Switching) touchscreen displays documents, photos, and videos in vivid detail, with a balanced brightness of 400 cd/m2.
You can use the integrated microSD card reader to transfer media and other content to the computer. Additionally, it features the Bang &
