10 Key Devices That Go Wherever The Workforce May Be
For mobile and remote workers, these laptops, tablets and accessories are ideal for a variety of situations.
While the definition of mobile work has changed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the types of devices that are ideal for mobile productivity have not.
Even if a remote workplace consists of a few rooms within a home, devices that rate high on portability, performance and battery life are still going to be the go-to.
Meanwhile, for workers who are out in the field, durability and connectivity remain key. Wherever the workforce may be located, now and beyond the pandemic, mobility-focused products such as laptops, tablets and accessories are finding a fresh wave of demand from businesses.
To give a sense of some of the leading options for mobile and remote workers, we’ve rounded up 10 of the latest devices in mobility that solution providers should know about.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Enterprise Edition
The 6.2-inch Samsung Galaxy S21 sports a three-camera system on the rear, support for 5G connectivity and strong performance via Qualcomm’s new eight-core Snapdragon 888. For business users, the S21 offers wireless connectivity to the DeX Android desktop environment. And with the Enterprise Edition capabilities, the smartphone includes a year of free access to the Knox Suite, which provides tools for mobile enrollment, setup and endpoint management.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7+
Business-friendly updates with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 7+ include optional LTE Advanced connectivity and a removable SSD to help enhance security and data retention—as well as longer battery life (up to 15 hours on a charge, compared with 10.5 hours on the Surface Pro 7). The 12.3-inch tablet also moves up to 11th-generation Intel Core processors for a performance boost of more than 2X, according to Microsoft.
Apple iPad Pro
With the latest update to the iPad Pro, Apple has introduced a trackpad to the detachable keyboard for the first time while also enhancing the keyboard’s design. The “Magic Keyboard” design uses a scissor mechanism and offers 1 mm of key travel for an improved typing experience. The latest iPad Pro, available with 11-inch and 12.9-inch display sizes, also features the A12Z Bionic chip for faster performance.
Belkin Boost Charge 3-in-1 Wireless Charger Special Edition for Apple Devices
For mobile workers who rely on their iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods, this Belkin device can charge all three—and do so fast. The Boost Charge 3-in-1 Wireless Charger features a 7.5W charging pad specially made for charging the iPhone, while also featuring a 5W pad for charging AirPods and a magnetic charging module for powering up an Apple Watch.
HP Elite Dragonfly G2
With the Elite Dragonfly G2, HP Inc. has added 5G connectivity, integrated Tile tracking and HP Tamper Lock intrusion detection technology. The 2-in-1 notebook continues to offer a 13.3-inch display and a weight of just 2.2 pounds, making it the “world’s lightest compact business convertible,” according to HP.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold
The world’s first foldable PC, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold features a 13.3-inch display that when unfolded can be used as a tablet or as a screen connected to a Bluetooth keyboard. When folded, the X1 Fold can serve as a dual-display device with numerous options for multitasking across the two screens. The X1 Fold is also highly portable—with a weight of 2.2 pounds and capability to fold up into a compact form factor—and offers optional 5G connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3
With the Galaxy Tab Active3, Samsung has upgraded the resolution on the 8-inch display while maintaining its military-grade ruggedness and ability to use the tablet with most gloves. The Tab Active3 also includes a larger battery and a new “no battery mode” meant for in-vehicle use. Other additions include a programmable key that enables users to quickly access push-to-talk, scanning or other business apps.
Dell Latitude 9420
Available as a 2-in-1 or a clamshell, Dell’s new Latitude 9420 notebook features a 14-inch display, a starting weight of 2.9 pounds and a thickness of just 0.55 of an inch. The notebook offers optional support for high-speed 5G or LTE, while key collaboration features include a built-in speakerphone along with a dedicated mute key and an enhanced webcam.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano
As Lenovo has touted, the ThinkPad X1 Nano is the “lightest ThinkPad ever” with a starting weight of just 1.99 pounds. The 13-inch notebook features a new 16:10 aspect ratio—offering a larger workspace area on the screen—along with 17 hours of battery life and optional 5G.
HP Elite Wireless Earbuds
HP’s first-ever earbuds product, the HP Elite Wireless Earbuds, are targeted at enabling collaboration for business users. The earbuds offer Active Noise Cancellation; presets for different environments; and the ability to connect to multiple devices—across Windows 10, iOS, macOS and Android—with simplified switching between devices.