If you’re frequently on the road or regularly ducking out for customer meetings, there’s a high chance that you need a trusty sidekick that packs a powerful productivity punch, all while being perfectly portable. With boundless options to choose from, picking the right device can feel overwhelming. That’s where we step in. In this article, we’ve taken the guesswork out and have compiled a list of some of the most efficient, popular solutions that’ll help you keep your productivity pedal to the metal, regardless of where you are. We've included a few options based on different needs, from ultra-slim and compact options to devices that are ultra-powerful while still being portable.
1. Apple iPad Pro
When looking at tablets, Apple offers an impressive lineup and their iPad Pro is hard to beat. This tablet was made for power users who thrive on performance and productivity. It’s equipped with ultra-powerful, top-tier tech that is designed to empower and kick your productivity into overdrive. Despite that, it has a sleek design and lightweight form, making it a godsend for people who are constantly on the go.
Featuring Apple’s powerful M2 chip with an 8-core CPU, 12-core GPU, and ProMotion technology, the iPad Pro packs a punch for complex tasks and offers a smooth experience. When used with the right apps, this tablet becomes a productivity powerhouse! Whether you need to do research, take notes, plan and organise, or even design, there’s an App that helps you do it all. Pair that tablet with an Apple Pencil 2 and a Magic Keyboard and you’ve got a super versatile device that makes working on the go a joy. If you don’t need all of this power, the iPad Air is also a great choice!
2. Microsoft Surface Pro 9
If you prefer Windows, we’ve got another strong contender in the tablet category for you to consider - the Microsoft Surface Pro 9. This hybrid wonder blurs the line between laptop and tablet with its incredible versatility. Lean it back with the built-in kickstand for tablet mode - perfect for reviewing documents, zoom calls, or research. Or, attach the signature Type Cover keyboard (sold separately) and set up in seconds for laptop mode - ideal for when you need to fire off emails or work on a presentation.
Under the hood, the Surface Pro 9 doesn't disappoint. In terms of performance, it's backed by top-notch processors going up to Intel's Intel Core i7, ensuring efficient multitasking and swift operation for those on-the-go tasks. You can choose from different configurations with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, allowing you to tailor the device to your needs. Additionally, thanks to its robust battery life, which Microsoft claims to last up to 13.5 hours, you'll be ready to power through your day without worrying about needing a power outlet. Surface Laptop Studio
3. Apple MacBook Air
Now let’s pivot to laptops. If you have little use for the tablet form factor, these next devices will be more well-suited for you. From Apple, we have the MacBook Air. This ultra-sleek laptop shines as a beacon of portable productivity. Its thin, lightweight design is a dream for those constantly on the move, providing solid performance without the added weight. Underneath the stylish exterior lies Apple’s powerful M2 chip, providing top-notch speed and seamless multitasking capabilities, a must-have for busy professionals.
Available with 8GB or 16GB of RAM and with SSD storage scaling up to 2TB, it's ready to handle pretty much anything you'll need to do while away from your desk. It also features a crisp, clear 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology, offering a premium visual experience for every task, from spreadsheet work to graphic editing. The backlit Magic Keyboard and reliable Force Touch trackpad make for a comfortable, efficient user experience. Also, thanks to the estimated 18-hour battery life, it will easily last through your busiest days, keeping you productive for longer.
4. ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED
Let's switch to the ASUS Zenbook 13 OLED UX5304VA, another leading candidate in the realm of portable productivity. This device delivers premium performance, while still boasting an impressively slim and lightweight design — in fact, at just 11.8mm in thickness, it’s one of the slimmest laptops you can get! At the heart lies an 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, providing fast, efficient operation. Paired with up to 16GB of RAM and a robust 512GB of SSD storage capacity, it stands ready to handle anything from hefty spreadsheets to comprehensive reports.
The Zenbook 13 OLED comes with a stunning 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED display. Even with all this power packed in, it comes in a featherlight frame—just 1kg—making it ultra-portable. The 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut and Pantone Validated colours ensure bright, crisp, and accurate visuals, whether it's for your high-definition presentations or content creation needs.Keenly emphasizing convenience, it houses a range of universal ports, which includes HDMI, microSD card reader, and USB Type-A and Type-C ports. The icing on the cake is its excellent battery life, offering up to 13 hours.
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Maybe you have very specific needs and a regular laptop just isn’t going to cut it. Specifically designed with creatives in mind, we have the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2. Although it’s heavier than the rest of the devices here, this premium device delivers a unique, versatile experience that supports various use-case scenarios, from regular keyboard typing to mobile sketching or designing – courtesy of its innovative, multi-mode flexibility. Under the hood, it's powered by an up to a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and can house up to 64GB of RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage, ensuring powerful performance even for the most demanding creative tasks.
The Laptop Studio dazzles with a vibrant, 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow Touch display, making it a pleasure to use for both design tasks, as well as reviewing content. You could call it a creative’s dream! Plus, it’s compatible with the Surface Slim Pen 2, providing tactile, precise input, perfect for sketching, illustrating, and note-taking. Despite sporting so much power and capacity, this laptop is remarkably compact, making it a highly portable solution for creatives on the go. Of note also is its battery life, which clocks in at a robust up to 19 hours, so you can go, create, and animate all day and night. For those who need a powerful laptop and portable studio in one, this is a great choice!
We hope this article helped you find the perfect sidekick for working on the go. To check out more devices, head over to our laptops department to shop NZ's largest rage of laptops!
