When looking for a good computer for work from home, you will have to look for different things. In this list, we will give you an overview of the important aspects that are most relevant when it comes to choosing a powerful and good computer. The benefits of working from home are many, but you do need the right equipment to do so. Your computer is the most vital part of your work setup, and if you don’t have a good one, you might be putting your job in jeopardy.
Fortunately, many options are available if you’re looking to buy a new PC for your home office. This article will tell you what you need on your computer to make working from home stress-free.
A computer for working from home is not the same as a computer for gaming. Even if they use the same processor, work computers tend to have different types of hardware and software because they are likely to operate in smaller networks, with little to no access to the Internet and other resources. A typical workstation may not even have a DVD player or storage and may have a network card dedicated solely to the local area network (LAN).
Combining work and home use of a laptop or desktop computer is quite common, especially when you need to run multiple programs simultaneously. Just as you might invest in the right tech tools for efficiency, it’s also easy to boost Instagram followers to enhance your social media presence. This strategy not only saves time but also maximizes the effectiveness of your online engagement.
What are the qualities of a good computer to work from home?
If you have to work from home or telecommute, it is important that your computer meets your needs at work and fits your lifestyle. Many people think that a simple computer will be enough for them to work from home, but the truth is that there are computers designed specifically for this type of activity.
Normally, when you look for a computer to buy, you will see how it looks and how much space it has, but these features do not matter in a work environment. What matters is how fast the computer works and how comfortable it is to use it.
When looking for a new computer for work at home, you should look at these features:
Processor speed. The processor controls almost all of the functions that occur inside the computer. If you need to run several applications simultaneously or if you want to run high-demand programs like graphic design software, then you will need a high-speed processor.
RAM. This memory allows your computer to perform multiple tasks simultaneously without interruptions or “freezes.” It allows you to open more windows and programs without closing others to make room. A larger RAM.
Screen Size
A larger screen will enable you to see your work better, especially if you work with images, videos, or interactive graphics. A laptop’s screen size is measured diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner. Laptop screens typically range from 13 inches to 17 inches, measured diagonally.
If you are unsure which laptop to buy, a 15-inch laptop is the most common size and offers a good balance between portability and productivity. If you do not need to move around with your laptop at all times, consider opting for a larger laptop with a 17-inch screen.
RAM (memory)
the computer should have a RAM (Random Access Memory) of at least 8 GB. The more RAM, the better, but that is the minimum you need to get the job done. A good computer should also have a solid-state drive (SSD), much faster than a hard disc drive (HDD). Don’t go below 128 GB of storage on an SSD, and avoid HDD completely if you can.
The higher the resolution of your monitor, the better the processor speed. You won’t need a dedicated graphics card unless you’re into gaming, but it’s a good idea to get one if you can afford it, as it will give you an advantage when it comes to graphic design or video editing.
CPU
CPU is the heart of a computer. The faster it is, the faster you will be with your computer. However, as you increase the speed of the CPU, its cost also increases. The i7-9700k is a very good CPU for work at home. Most computer work doesn’t require a whole lot of CPU horsepower. I think that a single-core Intel Celeron 2955U will probably be fine. It’s a 1.4 GHz dual threaded processor that can be overclocked to 2.1 GHz, which is pretty fast. At $107, it’s definitely within your budget.
We would recommend at least 2 GB of RAM (though 4 GB is better), a 500 GB hard drive, and a decent video card with at least 512 MB of onboard memory (1 GB is better). A small solid-state drive (64 or 128 GB) might also be helpful for the OS and applications, though it’s not necessary for your needs.
Graphics Card
When selecting a Graphics card, you must use the latest technology GPU. You may select Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 or GTX 1070. It will give you an excellent experience of working from home.
Some other things that you should keep in mind while buying a computer for yourself are:
Processor: Use Intel Core i5 or i7 processor.
RAM: Should be at least 8GB RAM.
Storage: SSD storage instead of HDD storage.
Graphics Card: A dedicated graphics card with 4GB VRAM is what you should look for.
The Operating System
the computer must have Windows 10 as the operating system. There are many reasons why Windows 10 is the best. First of all, it is fully compatible with all applications that you might need at work, such as Microsoft Office and various online apps.
Secondly, it allows you to use various very simple and user-friendly software.
Windows 10 lets you connect to your office via VPN without any issues and allows for fast and secure file transfer between two computers.
Finally, it provides a wide range of security options that help you protect your work data and keep it safe.
List Of Some Of The Best Computers To Work From Home
Good Computer For Work From Home #1: Dell OptiPlex 7010 ultra-small
Dell’s OptiPlex 7010 ultra-small is a powerful, compact PC perfect for a home office.
Processor: Intel Core i5, i7 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics or AMD Radeon R5 340X | RAM: 4GB – 16GB | Storage: 64GB SSD – 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD | Connectivity: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, 4x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, HDMI, VGA
The Dell Optiplex 7010 may not be the flashiest desktop computer today, but it gets the job done and then some. It has plenty of power under the hood thanks to Intel Core i5 and i7 processors (up to 3.6 GHz) coupled with 16GB of RAM and either an SSD or SSHD drive for storage (up to 1TB). That should be more than enough for most professional needs or even some gaming or video editing work if you’re so inclined.
It’s small and light enough that it won’t take up too much space in your home office, so it won’t feel cramped if you have a lot.
Pros
- Energy efficient and space efficient; can fit anywhere comfortably;
- Speedy with good graphics;
- All in one stands solution;
Cons
- A bit expensive compared to other options within the similar price range and features;
#2: Lenovo ThinkCentre E73
Lenovo’s ThinkCentre E73 is the best overall computer for working from home. Whether you’re working remotely or taking this time to learn new skills, you need a reliable computer that can keep up with your demands. The Lenovo ThinkCentre E73 will do just that. This computer runs on a 4th generation Intel Core i5 processor, allowing it to handle multiple programs with no problem. It also has 8GB of memory, so you can easily work with multiple tabs open at one time without any delays or issues loading pages.
This desktop computer has a large hard drive of 500GB, which is more than enough space to store files and documents. It also comes with an optical DVD-RW drive, so you can watch movies or install software programs by inserting the disc directly into the desktop.
The Lenovo ThinkCentre E73 desktop PC has plenty of ports and connections, including six USB ports (two are USB 3.0), one VGA port, and one DisplayPort connection. You’ll also find an Ethernet port if you want to use a wired connection to access the Internet.
This business desktop is compact and easy to set up in any space. It measures approximately 14 inches wide by 14 inches.
Pros
- Fast, powerful operating system;
- Good storage capacity;
- Energy efficient;
Cons
- Display and sound quality could be better;
Good Computer For Work From Home #3: HP Compaq 8300 Elite SFF
The HP Compaq 8300 Elite SFF is not only a solid performer, but it’s also a reasonably compact computer that’s ideal for use in an office setting. The system has an Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz processor and 8GB of DDR3 RAM, which is more than sufficient for most productivity applications. It also has a 1TB HDD to store all your files and data.
The front of the unit has two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port, and there are many more ports on the back, including line-out, line-in, mic-in, VGA and DisplayPort video outputs, serial port, Ethernet port, and six additional USB ports (two are v3.0).
It’s a very good computer for general office use, and it even comes with a mouse and keyboard to get you up and running right away.
Pros
- One of the cheapest options;
- Great, small in size, powerful enough, good storage capacity for the price;
- Good graphics, speedy and lightweight;
Cons
- Doesn’t have HDMI, PCI and Wi-Fi but it can be added;
#4: Apple Mac Mini
The Apple Mac Mini (2018) is the best computer for working from home. It is powerful enough to handle all of your regular tasks while still small enough to take you wherever you go. In addition to being a great productivity tool, it’s also an excellent home theater PC (HTPC). You can connect it to a TV and use it to stream content from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, etc. It will even work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant if you have smart speakers.
It has 8GB of RAM, which should be enough for most people who use their computers for web browsing or office productivity tasks. If you do any video editing or other intensive computing activities, 16GB might be a better option. That said, this is still more than what most laptops come with these days, so don’t let that scare you away!
Pros
- 8th generation 6-core Intel Core i5 processor;
- Intel UHD Graphics 630;
- 8GB 2666MHz DDR4;
- SSD storage;
- Total of 7 USB ports;
Cons
- Expensive;
- Check when purchasing not to receive a 2020 model if you are looking for that instead of a 2018 model;
Good Computer For Work From Home #5: Dell XPS 8920 Desktop
The Dell XPS 8920 is a great computer for home office use because it has plenty of storage and memory space for all your tasks, plus the ability to expand even more.
This beast of a PC starts at $749 from Dell, but the version I reviewed goes for $1,099. It comes with a seventh-generation Intel Core i7-7700 quad-core processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, an NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics card, and a 1TB hard drive/8GB solid-state hybrid drive. The best part? It’s upgradeable. The side panel is easy to remove, and you can add another hard drive or even an SSD if you want to speed up your system. You can also use Dell’s tool on its website to see what upgrades are available.
An XPS 8920 won’t give you the same performance as the higher-end XPS 8930 (which starts at $999), but it’s still a decent performer for everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, etc. You can also choose from a range of ports around the back, including seven USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port (with Thunderbolt 3), HDMI, and DisplayPort.
Pros
- Super speedy and powerful;
- Silent, powerful working no matter the hours spend turned on;
- Cools down easily, never overheats;
- Amazing audio and sound quality;
- Good connectivity with additional devices with a total of 11 USB ports;
Cons
- Expensive;
#6: iMac 21.5-inch
If you’re looking for an all-in-one desktop that can double as a home theater system, the 21.5-inch iMac is an attractive option. The 4K Retina display is stunning, and the Kaby Lake processor is capable of pushing plenty of pixels. You can also add up to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB Fusion Drive (or 512GB SSD) for future-proofing purposes. However, if you need more than basic computing power, you’ll want to move up to the 27-inch iMac with Core i5 CPU, which offers more powerful graphics components and upgradability options.
Pros
- Excellent performance for the price
- Stunning, colorful 4K display
- Slim design with lots of I/O ports
Cons
- Mediocre battery life
- The display could be brighter
The Apple iMac 21.5-inch (2019) isn’t noticeably faster than previous generations, but it makes some welcome improvements, including a True Tone display and nanotexture glass options that reduce reflections by 75 percent.
Good Computer For Work From Home #7: Dell Inspiron Small Desktop 3000
The Dell Inspiron Small Desktop 3000 is a compact and affordable computer with enough power to handle all your work from home computing needs. It comes with an Intel Celeron processor, 4 GB of memory, and a 500 GB hard drive. This gives you enough processing power for most applications you will use on it. Its size is also much smaller than the traditional tower-style PCs that take up a lot of room on your desk.
The unit does not come with a monitor or mouse, so these need to be purchased separately. The unit only has one USB-C port, which means if you want to connect more than one device, you will need an extension cord or adapter. It also only has 3 USB ports on the computer’s rear panel. This looks like a good option if you look for something affordable and compact to use as your work from home computer.
Pros
- Great, long lasting computer with minimum to zero hardware issues;
- Alerts the user to let you know about issues before they happen, easy to fix with the support tools;
- Great storage, good power, speed and resolution;
- Easy access to support, warranty, various customer services;
Cons
- NO SSD;
#8: Ipad pro, 11″
The iPad Pro, 11-inch (2019), is a good laptop alternative for remote workers. It offers a fast A12X Bionic processor, and its Liquid Retina display is very colorful and sharp. The tablet’s audio quality is loud and clear, and the built-in speakers are more than capable of filling a room. Its battery life is impressive, lasting for about 11 hours in our test.
The iPad Pro has one of the best cameras we’ve seen on a tablet. Its 12MP wide camera takes excellent photos in most conditions and has optical image stabilization for smoother videos. The tablet also has Face ID, which works very well at recognizing your face from different angles, even in dim lighting.
Unfortunately, the iPad Pro’s Smart Keyboard Folio is expensive and doesn’t have backlighting or key travel, but it’s still comfortable and easy to type on. You’ll also need to pick up an Apple Pencil if you want to draw or take notes on this device, as it isn’t included in the box.
Pros
- Fast and light;
- Great resolution;
- Good for multi tasking;
- Compatible with graphic design work and digital art;
- Amazing battery life;
Cons
- The memory is not enough unless you get 256GB option which is a lot more expensive;
Good Computer For Work From Home #9: Samsung Chromebook Pro XE510C24
Introducing the all-new Samsung Chromebook Pro, the first Chromebook that can run Android apps and games natively. The Chromebook Pro features a vivid QHD display, is only .55″ thin, and weighs just 2.38 lbs, making it ideal for work on the go. The Samsung Chromebook Pro offers up to 8 hours of battery life, so you can work or play from anywhere without worry.
The 12.3″ 2400×1600 LED-backlit touchscreen displays images in stunning clarity. The 3:2 display is also ideal for working with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides and viewing pictures or watching movies – without having to scroll as much as you would on a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio display.
Pros
- Great screen, amazing display;
- Windows 2 in 1;
- Super high resolution, great graphics;
- Good battery life and power;
Cons
- Some customers have had warranty issues with Samsung;
#10: Asus ZenBook UX330UA-AH5Q 13.3
The Asus ZenBook UX330UA is a super-slim, portable and lightweight laptop. It’s not just great for working from home. This portable laptop has a 13.3-inch screen that is anti-glare and has a resolution of 1920X1080 pixels. The screen has very thin bezels on the sides and at the bottom to get maximum viewing space. As it is an LED-backlit display, it ensures that you can work for longer hours without straining your eyes.
The Asus ZenBook UX330UA-AH5Q 13.3 screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, which prevents it from getting damaged if you accidentally drop it or bump into something with it in your bag.
Pros
- Fingerprint reading;
- Windows 10 pre-installed;
- Latest 7th generation Intel i5-7200U 2.5 GHz Processor;
- Great performance, battery life and storage;
Cons
- Display could be better;
Good Computer For Work From Home #11: HP Pavilion x360 15.6” convertible laptop
Are you looking for a laptop that can convert into a tablet? If so, the HP Pavilion x360 is one of the best. It’s a hybrid laptop with a 360-degree hinge. With this, you can easily switch between laptop and tablet modes anytime. It has a 15.6″ full HD touchscreen display, making it easy to use as a tablet or tent mode.
The processor is an 8th generation Intel Core i3-8130U 2.2GHz up to 3.4GHz dual-core CPU with 4MB cache. It comes with 8GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB 5400 rpm HDD storage space. This should be enough to store files, photos, videos, and other media files. It also runs on Windows 10 Home 64-bit version, which offers an intuitive interface suitable for work and play.
The keyboard is full-sized and backlit with a numeric keypad, making typing easy even in low light conditions. There is a fingerprint reader, too, so you can easily unlock it with your fingerprint instead of typing in a password every time. This flexible computer has a 15.6-inch screen with an LED backlight and IPS technology for wide viewing angles.
Pros
- MultiTouch screen;
- Big screen, great display, good graphics;
- 8GB Memory / 512GB SSD
- Fingerprint reading available;
Cons
- Wi-Fi disconnects easily and for no reason;
Final Words
Any inexpensive desktop or laptop will do just fine for computer use, such as on the Internet and for watching streaming video. However, if you’re doing more advanced art or image editing, this will not be enough. You’ll likely want something with a decent processor, with at least 8 GB of RAM. A webcam may also be nice if you plan on doing a lot of video conferencing while remote. For hard drive space, 256GB is the bare minimum for a laptop these days, but if it can go higher than 500GB, then all the better for storing media files.
If you’re working from home full time, then storage space isn’t such an issue; however, make sure your computer has enough room for the day’s work that only you will have to store your files locally on your machine. It also wouldn’t hurt to have a graphics card capable of playing some basic games if you have time to kill (these games should not tax your computer). The graphics card should come standard with any decent desktop.
Hopefully, with the help of this article you will get a decent overall picture of what factors into a good computer for home.