Robust, fast, durable: business notebooks in check

Business notebooks can do a lot. They have to be robust when traveling and be there quickly when you need them. Above all, they should be safe, because they often contain important data. Here is an overview of current models.

In the business environment, the demands on a notebook are higher than with a private device. Users value high performance, durability and high safety conditions. Depending on where the mobile computer is used, robustness also plays an important role. Business notebooks should meet these requirements. The price comparison experts from guenstiger.de present five models and say how deep into their pockets users have to dig.

Lenovo classics

It starts with the ThinkPad T440s from Lenovo. The T440 series is the lightest and thinnest of the ThinkPad T series. The 21 millimeter thin ultrabook weighs just 1.6 kilograms. Thanks to the powerful 4th generation Intel Core processors, the device is ready to go in no time. The glare-free 14 inch display has a full HD or HD + resolution, depending on the version. Customers can also order the screen with a touch function for an additional charge.

The splash-proof precision keyboard has the manufacturer-typical TrackPoint for cursor control as well as LED status displays, a function lock and quick access to the app. Energy is provided by an internal and a replaceable battery. Practical for long-term users: thanks to the Power Bridge, the batteries can be changed without having to shut down the system. While the top of the case is made of carbon fiber, the bottom is made of magnesium and ensures maximum strength without additional weight. The device withstands pressure, moisture, vibrations, temperatures and dust. The webcam with face recognition, a keyboard with noise cancellation and digital dual-array microphones ensure interference-free web conferences.

The ThinkPad T440s is currently offered from 1029 euros on guenstiger.de. In version 20AQ0064GE, a Core i5 clocks with a maximum of 2.6 gigahertz and is supported by four gigabytes of RAM. The matte display has a resolution of 1,600 x 900 pixels as HD +. Windows 7 Professional is the operating system. Windows 8 Pro is supplied as a DVD. The hard disk has 500 gigabytes, and there is also a 16 gigabyte SSD on board.

Asus can also do business notebooks

Asus is not exactly known as a manufacturer of business notebooks. With the Pro series, the group is now targeting price-conscious audiences who do not want to forego convenience and security features. The Pro Advanced series is not cheap, however, the starting price is still in the four-digit range. And the Pro Advanced BU401LA doesn't look cheap either. The model with the distinctive corners is 20 millimeters flat and comes in a carbon-reinforced one-body aluminum design. The device can withstand particularly high pressure, and the torsion-resistant display is also worth mentioning. In the event of a fall, a combination of accelerometer and hard drive software protects the hard drive from data loss in the event of an impending impact. At 1.6 kilos, the Asus ultrabook is also one of the lightweights.

The anti-glare 14-inch display has a HD + resolution. Fast fourth generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processors enable smooth multitasking and delay-free work. The three USB 3.0 ports and the fast Gbit LAN connection are worth mentioning.

Identification takes place using a fingerprint scanner. In the event of loss or theft, Intel Anti-Theft Technology blocks data access or deactivates the entire system. This works automatically or via a blocking command via the Internet. Computrace LoJack can also be used to delete specific data remotely. In addition, the system helps with the exact location of the stolen device, and LoJack's Theft Recovery Team takes care of the recovery with local police authorities.

The AsusPro Advanced BU401LA currently costs 1133 euros in the version with Core i7 and 3.3 gigahertz clock speed as well as eight gigabytes of RAM and 256 gigabytes of storage space.

Dell solid and cheap

If you don't want to spend that much money, you should take a closer look at the Dell Latitude 15 E5550. For 655 euros you get a 24 millimeter high 15.6 inch device weighing 2.11 kilos. The higher weight is also due to the slightly larger dimensions, after all, there is a 15.6-inch display here. This has a resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels in HD, an option with a touchscreen and Gorilla Glass is also available.

Inside the Latitude, an Intel Core i3 works with a clock rate of 1.9 gigahertz. The main memory comprises four gigabytes of RAM and the hard disk 500 gigabytes. The operating system is Windows 7 Professional or Windows 8.1. The Latitudes of the 5000 series are built to last and are robustly built. Your keyboard is protected against liquids and the hinges are additionally reinforced. They can also be opened to an angle of up to 180 degrees so that the screen can be laid flat on the table. Several people can look at one screen at the same time. Accidental Damage protects the device from overvoltage and breakage damage. Also worth mentioning: The service from Dell also includes hardware and software support by technicians 365 days a year.

Magnesium case from Toshiba

The Tecra Z50-A from Toshiba is also suitable for the business sector. The cheaper versions of the model are well below the 1000 euro mark. The 15.6 inch anti-glare screen has a resolution of HD or full HD quality, depending on the price range. The backlit keyboard makes typing easier in poor lighting conditions.

The Tecra Z50-A should withstand falls up to a height of 76 centimeters; a special 3D sensor protects the data in such cases. A sturdy magnesium housing ensures high resistance. Toshiba promises a long battery life of up to ten hours. There are three USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, Gigabit LAN and an SD slot available. LTE is also supported. All drives are also self-encrypting for critical data. A fingerprint scanner identifies the user of the notebook.

The 12V version of the Tecra Z50-A currently costs 929 euros on guenstiger.de. Buyers get a device with a 500 gigabyte hard drive and Core i5 (2.9 gigahertz in turbo). The CPU is supported by eight gigabytes of DDR3 RAM and the screen has a full HD resolution.

Fujitsu: From middle class to high end

Last but not least, Fujitsu also offers the LifeBook E754, a notebook for company-specific requirements. In the smallest version with the somewhat bulky model number VFY: E7540M8501DE, the model currently costs 918 euros. In this variant, an Intel Core i5 works with 2.5 or 3.1 gigahertz. The four gigabyte main memory can be upgraded to up to 16 gigabytes. Files are saved on a 500 gigabyte HDD. Windows 7 Professional is installed and a DVD with Windows Pro 8.1 is included in the scope of delivery. Users have to do without LTE, but at least a fingerprint scanner is on board. The 15.6 inch display has a resolution of 1,366 x 768 pixels. The weight is 1.9 kilos.

If you want something higher quality, you should choose the VFY: E7540MXU11DE for 1,989 euros. In the luxury version there is an Intel i7 (dual core) with up to 3.6 gigahertz, 16 gigabytes of RAM, a full HD display and a 512 gigabyte SSD as well as LTE.

Regardless of the equipment: the LifeBook E754 appears visually in an appealing design with red accents. A magnesium lid and reinforced metal hinges ensure high stability. There is also a module slot for a second battery, a second hard drive, a projector or other devices. The full HD webcam with status LED meets the requirements for an interference-free video conference.