Best Laptops for Home Office in 2017: Top Picks for Your Home Workspace Needs

In 2017, the home office landscape was rapidly evolving, and choosing the right laptop was crucial for productivity, multitasking, and comfortable remote work. The best laptops for a home office in 2017 balanced performance, portability, battery life, and ergonomic design. Popular options included the Dell XPS 13 for its ultra-portability and strong performance, Apple's MacBook Pro for professionals needing robust multimedia tools, and Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon for its durability and excellent keyboard. Other favorites, such as the HP Spectre x360, stood out for their 2-in-1 versatility—ideal for those who wanted both a laptop and a tablet experience in one device.

As a designer, I’ve always considered how these choices influence the work environment beyond mere specs. For anyone planning or updating a home workspace, ergonomics and layout are as crucial as device specifications. The location of your laptop on a dedicated desk, proximity to natural light, and cable management can transform your daily experience. If you’re looking to optimize your workspace layout to make the most of your chosen laptop, consider exploring detailed guides on home office layout for inspiration and better productivity.

Tips 1:

When selecting a laptop for home office use, prioritize screen size and keyboard comfort—these two factors have the greatest impact on prolonged work sessions. Pair your choice with an external monitor or ergonomic accessories to further boost comfort and efficiency.

FAQ

Q: What were the most important features in a home office laptop in 2017?

A: Performance, battery life, weight, screen quality, and keyboard comfort were considered key. These ensured smooth multitasking, long work sessions, and a pleasant user experience.

Q: Are 2017 laptops still viable for home office use today?

A: Some high-end 2017 models can still handle basic office tasks, but newer laptops offer better performance, security, and support for today’s software.

Q: Was a touchscreen a recommended feature in 2017 home office laptops?

A: Touchscreens were a nice bonus for creative professionals or those who used 2-in-1 laptops, but not essential for most office tasks.

Q: What operating system was best for home office laptops in 2017?

A: Windows and macOS were both strong options, depending on your software needs and personal preference. Chromebooks gained some traction but were best for lighter workloads.

Q: Should design professionals buy a more expensive laptop for home office in 2017?

A: Yes, investing in higher RAM, quality displays, and dedicated graphics was advised for professionals working with graphics, CAD, or rendering tasks.