May 02, 2023

Calling all world travelers, frequent fliers, and adventure seekers. What are some go-to items on your packing list? A few changes of clothes, shoes, sunscreen, TSA-approved toiletries, guidebooks, and, of course, your passport should always make the cut. But what type of laptop should you pack in your bag when going abroad? Learn about the best laptop features to make your travels even better.

Travel laptop features

If you have wanderlust and like to travel with a laptop, you’ll want to find one that’s equipped to handle any plane, train, or automobile. Here are some travel laptop features you’ll enjoy on your adventure:

Battery life

It’s good to prepare for the worst-case scenario, especially when you’re thousands of miles from home. A laptop with long-lasting battery life can be helpful if you have a long day of travel or can’t access an outlet. Plus, you’re always on the move when you travel and may not have time to stop for a quick charge. The Surface Laptop 5 charges fast and provides users with up to 18 hours* of battery life for all-day use.

Weight and size

A large, heavy laptop can take up a lot of space in your bag and weigh you down. You carry plenty when you travel, so it’s best to go with a laptop that’s thin and lightweight. The Surface Pro 9 is designed to be ultra-portable and weighs just under 2 lb, making it easy to carry on long travels.

Web camera and mic quality

If you’re frequently away from home or need to work while traveling, you’ll have to make a lot of video calls to keep up with loved ones and coworkers. A light laptop with good webcam and mic quality will make it easier to have conversations across the world. The Surface Laptop Go 3 comes with dual far-field Studio Mics with Voice Clarity and a 720p HD camera that catches every word and detail of your video calls.

Durability

Every time you drop your bags, you risk damaging your laptop. If you’re worried about potentially breaking your laptop, opt for a device with a strong exterior. The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is made with anodized aluminum casing, so it’s lightweight and durable enough to travel.

Storage space

A laptop can be helpful for documenting your travels. Make sure you don’t lose your precious images by uploading your photos and videos to your laptop in case something happens to your phone or camera while you’re sightseeing. Surface devices are all customizable and can have more or less storage space depending on your needs. Browse through the Surface storage guide for a breakdown of available storage space for each device, and use OneDrive to upload your photos and videos into the cloud.

Need help choosing the best travel laptop?

Can’t decide which Surface laptop best fits your traveling needs? Answer a few quick questions on the Help me choose page to find out which device is best for you. You can also compare Surface devices to see the differences in tech specs and features.

The right Surface device can be a great travel companion for digital nomads. Explore all Surface laptops to see the full selection.