30 Best Laptops for Financial Advisors for 2024
As a financial advisor, your laptop is more than just a tool - it's an essential extension of your work and a key instrument in your success. With the ever-evolving technology landscape, finding the best business laptop can be daunting.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the 30 best business laptops for financial advisors available today, taking into account crucial factors such as multitasking performance, security features, portability, battery life, and more.
Get ready to find a great laptop that meets your unique needs and preferences, empowering you to excel in your field, with selected discounts from our partners!
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Short Summary
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Determine your specific needs as a financial advisor to select the ideal laptop.
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Choose from a premium, mid-range, and affordable laptop for different budgets.
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Consider features such as solid performance, a great keyboard, and good battery life when selecting the best business laptop suited to you.
Top 3 Business Laptops
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You're a busy professional, I know. Let's just go straight to the 3 best laptops for financial executives:
These laptops provide an optimal balance of performance, portability, and affordability, making them a smart choice for budget-conscious financial advisors.
Table of Contents
- Short Summary
- Top 3 Business Laptops
- Determining Your Needs as a Financial Advisor
- Top Laptops for Different Budgets
- Operating System Choices
- Screen Size and Display Options
- Connectivity and Peripheral Support
- Enhanced Security Features
- Laptop Durability and Reliability
- Top Laptop Brands for Financial Advisors
- Customizable Laptops for Financial Advisors
- Final Thoughts on the Best Business Laptop
- Frequently Asked Questions
Determining Your Needs as a Financial Advisor
Before diving into the world of business laptops, determine your specific needs as a financial analyst. When selecting the ideal laptop for professional use, understand the importance of processing power, how much RAM you require, getting a comfortable keyboard with physical function keys, and all-day battery life.
Let's go through these critical factors in detail to ensure you invest in a new laptop that exceeds your expectations.
Multitasking Performance
The ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously is crucial for financial advisors, as they often need to manage complex calculations, analyze data, run virtual meetings, and keep track of their clients concurrently.
Depending on your workload, you may require different performance capabilities. An Intel Core i5 or AMD A10 CPU and 4-8 GB of RAM are recommended for basic financial tasks. However, if you routinely engage in more demanding tasks such as professional video editing, consider a flexible laptop with Intel Core i7 and 16 GB of RAM to ensure smooth, efficient operation.
Several laptops stand out for their superior multitasking abilities:
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Considered the best Windows laptop, the Dell XPS 13 outperforms the Apple MacBook Pro M2 in specific tests. If storage is an important factor for you, the hard drive is available between 256 GB SSD and 2 TB.
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The touchscreen Acer Swift 5 is equipped with a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, making it a stellar laptop for creative professionals.
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The highly secure HP Dragonfly Folio G3 offers above-average performance for most business users.
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The fully customizable Dell Precision 5470 features Nvidia professional graphics, 16 GB DDR, 4 USB ports, and an all-day battery life.
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Security Features
In the world of finance, safeguarding sensitive data is paramount. Selecting mobile workstations with robust security features is a must. Laptops for financial advisors typically include Intel vPro security, a Titan C chip (Chromebooks), and a fingerprint sensor for enhanced security. These features not only protect your valuable data but also ensure the security and trust of your clients.
Several laptops stand out for their noteworthy security features:
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With a pull-forward design (ie multiple use modes) and a range of security management features, the HP Dragonfly Folio G3 offers a sophisticated 2-in-1 design, an impressive webcam, and a self-charging stylus pen.
However, the Dragonfly Folio G3 lacks HDMI, USB-A ports, and an SD/microSD card slot, which may be a drawback for some users.
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Built with a longer battery life that provides up to 80% charge within 60 minutes, the Dell Latitude 5430 comes with intelligent privacy tools such as Look Away Detect, a camera-based proximity sensor, and Dell’s SafeShutter mode - giving you the confidence to work anywhere.
The new Latitude 5000 series have the world's most innovative use of sustainable materials in mainstream business laptops, featuring recycled plastics, recycled carbon fiber, bio-based materials, and ocean-bound plastics.
Portability and Battery Life
As a financial advisor, you may often find yourself working remotely or traveling between client meetings. In such scenarios, portability and battery life become essential factors to consider when choosing a business laptop. A lightweight laptop with hours of battery life ensures that you can work efficiently and comfortably, even when you're on the move.
Many business laptops excel in terms of portability and outstanding battery life:
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The bright and colorful touchscreen Dell Latitude 9430 boasts a good battery life of over 12 hours. With its impressive performance and strong build quality, it is one of the best business laptops Dell has to offer.
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Co-engineered by Lenovo and Intel to provide the ultimate experience to work anywhere, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 14'' provides one of the best battery life, with an autonomy of up to 14 hours (tested battery life).
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The fast and lightweight Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 comes with an exceptional battery life of up to 18 hours for the 13.5" model. Coupled with a best-in-class keyboard, this is a sleek Windows laptop to get productive and enjoy exceptional typing comfort. The Microsoft Surface Pro is a cheaper alternative, great for office work on the go.
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The supercharged Apple MacBook Air M2 now offers a better battery life of up to 18 hours. It delivers outstanding performance without a fan — so it stays completely silent no matter how intense the task.
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Featuring HP Wolf Security for Business, the Elite Dragonfly G3's battery runtime is over 14 hours. A first-rate business laptop with a great webcam and sound, this is one of the best portability and productivity-focused products available.
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A light laptop with minimal design, the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 slips easily into a bag or carry-on, and comes with a fantastic 19 hours of battery life. With its 13th Gen Intel Core i7, you'd expect higher performances for the price.
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Top Laptops for Different Budgets
Now that you have a better understanding of your requirements as a financial advisor, let's explore the best business laptops across various budget categories, and help you find the perfect fit for your needs and wallet.
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Best Premium Laptops
For financial analysts who require top-of-the-line performance and features, the best business laptops may come at a premium but are excellent investments. These laptops offer impressive performance, enhanced security capabilities, portability, and durability. Our top picks for superior business or gaming laptops include:
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Thanks to enterprise-level security, serviceability, and durability, the Dell Latitude 9430 gives you the reliability to collaborate everywhere. Dell claims this model is the world’s smallest 14" 16:10 business laptop with the best screen-to-body ratio.
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Dynamic and ready to travel, the pioneering Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is the world's most powerful 14-inch Windows 10 Pro gaming laptop. With a lower power consumption and thermals that enable superior performance for ultra-slim PCs, cutting-edge process technology allows the G14 to muscle through heavy workloads and the most demanding games.
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Arguably the best MacBook to date, the 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro with brand-new M2 Pro or M2 Max chips is an extremely capable business laptop, easily handling video editing or light gaming.
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The ultra-lightweight LG Gram 17'' comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, and is one of the lightest big-screen business laptops. Although the product's performance has limitations, there is no other laptop in the market quite like it.
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Another robust gaming laptop, the portable Acer Predator Triton 300 is priced reasonably considering its power, armed with up to an 11th Gen Intel Core i7. It has a good range of connectivity with a Thunderbolt 4/USB-C port, HDMI 2.1, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Ethernet.
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Protected by HP Wolf Security, the EliteBook 840 is a great business laptop for hybrid work with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics. Few Windows laptops combine impressive performance, battery life, and security; although the EliteBook is heavier than you'd expect.
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Take productivity to the next level with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11. This Evo-certified device includes Intel Unison for seamless connectivity with your Android or iOS smartphone for calling, messaging, and file and photo sharing - all done from your laptop.
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With integrated Eyesafe display technology that helps reduce harmful blue light while maintaining vivid color, the Dell XPS 15 is the perfect balance of size and performance. Powered by Intel Core i5, the XPS 15 has been configured for those wishing to cultivate their content creation skills.
Best Mid-Range Laptops
If you're seeking a balance between performance, portability, and cost-effectiveness, mid-range laptops are great options. These business laptops provide an optimal combination of power and affordability, making them an ideal choice for financial advisors with moderate performance requirements.
Our recommendations for mid-range laptops include:
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With 13th Gen Intel Core Processors and NVIDIA graphics for accelerated multitasking in or out of the office, the feature-packed Acer Aspire 5 comes with a 1080p webcam, an air inlet keyboard, and an aluminum cover in multiple vibrant colors.
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For sleek, light, on-the-go performance, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 is preloaded with Windows 11. With a comfortable keyboard and trackpad, the 12.4” vibrant touchscreen Surface Laptop presents great value for money.
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The previous Apple model, the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is still an incredibly portable business laptop, quick, with a silent, fanless design and a beautiful Retina display. About $200 cheaper than the M2 chip; if your budget allows it, you may want to consider the newer version.
Best Budget Laptops
Budget-conscious financial advisors need not compromise on performance. There are numerous budget-friendly business laptops available that deliver solid specs and essential features to help you work efficiently.
These laptops may not have the same bells and whistles as their premium counterparts, but they still provide great value for your purchase:
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Ideal for notetaking & sketching on screen, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is a smart choice made for work on the go and one of the best laptops for finance students. You get a smooth performance on the speedy, secure, and simple-to-use Chrome OS and the all-day battery means you don’t need to hunt for power sockets everywhere you go!
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The powerful and compact Asus Zenbook 14 OLED is a great budget laptop, with built-in tech specs found in more expensive options. The Zenbook proudly boasts an Intel Core i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, a fingerprint reader, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, a Dolby Atmos sound system, and its touchpad can double as a number pad.
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An incredible enterprise machine, the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook isn't that cheap for its specification, but Chromebook enthusiasts have been waiting for a device like this for quite some time. Featuring an Intel Core i3, this business laptop delivers the latest connectivity innovations with Wi-Fi 6E, a pro-quality 5MP camera, AI noise cancellation, and more.
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Operating System Choices
Choosing the perfect laptop for your needs is essential to deciding on the right OS. Windows, MacBooks, and Chromebooks each have their unique advantages and disadvantages, catering to different preferences and requirements.
Let's find your best business laptop by operating system:
Windows Laptop
Microsoft Windows laptops are popular choices for financial advisors, as they are more cost-effective than their Mac counterparts. They typically have a greater variety of ports for accessory connection and the ability to play games, making them the best option for both work and leisure. With a Windows laptop, you can enjoy a familiar operating system and a wealth of software and hardware choices at your fingertips.
Some of the most suitable Windows laptops for financial advisers include:
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For most Windows users, the Dell XPS 15 is widely considered the best laptop with a gorgeous design, powerful performance, and impressive battery life.
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The all-new 14-inch Acer Swift 3 is the ultimate lightweight laptop in productivity and design thanks to the fast-charge battery with 4 hours of use in just 30 minutes of charge.
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The ultra-portable HP Pavilion Aero 13 has a stunning 16:10 micro-edge display and comes with HDMI in/out, USB Type-A, USB Type-C, and a headphone jack/microphone combo.
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The Lenovo Yoga 7i (14" Intel) 2 in 1 laptop has vibrant visuals on a 14-inch FHD display and is optimized with Intel Iris Xe graphics and built-in voice assistant Alexa.
MacBooks
Apple's range of thin and light laptops (MacBook Air and MacBook Pro) is another popular choice for financial advisors, especially those who prefer the sleek design, user-friendly interface, and compatibility with Apple services, such as iCloud and iMessage.
MacBooks typically offer robust performance and impressive battery life, making them a reliable option for professionals on the go, albeit at a higher price point.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks are a unique option for finance professionals who primarily use Google's productivity suite and Android apps for their daily work. These laptops run on the Chrome OS and are designed to be used primarily while connected to the internet. They offer a lightweight, affordable alternative to Windows and MacBook Pro laptops, making them an appealing choice for budget-conscious finance majors.
Some suitable Chromebooks for financial advisors include:
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The Lenovo Chromebook Duet (10.1") 2 in-1 can be used as a tablet or laptop and is offered with 12 months free of Google One membership that includes 100 GB of storage capacity.
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With commercial-grade security, you can work confidently with the HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5-inch Chromebook, which has integrated Intel UHD graphics and comes with an optional Chrome Enterprise upgrade.
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Specifically designed with the needs of business users in mind, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 can be woken up from sleep in less than a second while also boasting a 10-hour battery life.
Screen Size and Display Options
Selecting the right screen size and display quality is crucial to ensure optimal productivity and comfort during your workday. A laptop with a high-quality display will allow you to view and analyze data quickly and accurately, while the right screen size will provide a balance between portability and workspace.
Let's look at the optimal screen size and display options for financial advisors:
Optimal Screen Size
Display size plays a vital role in determining how much data you can view simultaneously and the overall mobility of your laptop. As a registered investment advisor, you'll need a laptop with a screen size that allows you to work efficiently without straining your eyes or adding unnecessary bulk to your device.
Generally, a laptop with a screen size between 13 and 15 inches is suggested. This range provides the right balance between workspace and portability, ensuring you can work comfortably and efficiently no matter where you are.
Display Quality
A business laptop with a high-quality display enables you to view and analyze data quickly and precisely, providing a clearer and sharper image.
Powerful laptops with impressive display quality include:
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The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook Enterprise features a 13.5'' 2K display.
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The Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 boasts up to 4K resolution on an OLED PureSight display and four Bowers & Wilkins speakers on a 360° rotating soundbar.
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The MacBook Pro 16'', on the other hand, offers a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display and supports up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution.
Connectivity and Peripheral Support
When providing investment management services, staying connected is crucial to your success. Whether you're working remotely or at the office, having the right connectivity options and peripheral support is essential for seamless and efficient work.
Wireless Connectivity
Wireless connectivity is vital in any business laptop nowadays, given the increasing reliance on the internet and cloud-based services. You'll need access to essential tools and business systems, communicate with clients, and stay up-to-date with market trends.
Whilst all the laptops come with Wi-Fi, some offer 4G or 5G connectivity options. Alternatively, you can tether your laptop to your phone for occasional internet access when you're on the go.
Ports and Expansion
Financial advisors often need to connect various peripherals, such as external displays, printers, and USB devices, to their laptops for optimal productivity.
Common ports include USB-C, HDMI, and USB hubs. USB-C ports are useful for charging, data transfer, and video output, while HDMI ports are essential for connecting external displays.
This is often overlooked when looking to find the best laptop, but ports and expansion options play a crucial role in a PC's versatility and functionality.
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Enhanced Security Features
With the growing number of cyber threats and the increasing reliance on digital technology, it's crucial to select a laptop with enhanced security features.
Fingerprint and Face Recognition
Biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint and face recognition, provide an additional layer of security for your laptop.
By utilizing unique physical characteristics to authenticate your identity, these technologies ensure that unauthorized users cannot access your device and its sensitive data.
Laptops with fingerprint and face recognition technology include:
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Perfect for mobile professionals, the full HD display Lenovo ThinkPad E14 is a business laptop that keeps your important data encrypted via the discrete Trusted Platform Module. You can also keep the outside world out thanks to ThinkShutter (optional), a physical cover to close the webcam when you're not using it.
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The Asus VivoBook Flip 14 is designed for the ultimate touch experience, with a touch display that detects even the subtlest fingertip movements, a backlit keyboard, and an integrated fingerprint sensor (optional).
Encryption and Data Protection
Encryption and data protection are essential measures to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. Encryption is the process of encoding data so that it can only be accessed by authorized users, while data protection involves safeguarding data from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion.
Laptops with strong encryption and data protection features include:
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Perfect for on-the-go or at-home business users, the Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga features an integrated Touch Fingerprint Reader to log in securely with one touch. The webcam includes a physical shutter to protect your privacy.
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The enterprise business laptop HP EliteBook 840 G9 brings a range of security features easily managed in hybrid work environments (HP DriveLock, Secure Erase, Sure Click, and HP Sure Sense).
You can also look for laptops providing built-in encryption software, such as Microsoft BitLocker and Apple FileVault, as well as third-party encryption software like VeraCrypt and AxCrypt.
Laptop Durability and Reliability
A laptop with a rugged design and extended warranty options ensures that your device can withstand the rigors of daily use and provides peace of mind in case of any issues.
Rugged Design
For performance and durability, rugged laptops are constructed to endure harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures, dust, and shock, making them an ideal choice for financial advisors who require a device capable of withstanding challenging conditions.
Some of the most reliable rugged laptops available include the Panasonic Toughbook 40, Dell Latitude 5424 Rugged Laptop, and Dell Latitude 7330 Rugged Extreme.
These laptops feature reinforced frames, shock-absorbing materials, spill-resistant keyboards, and durable hinges.
Extended Warranty Options
Extended warranty options offer additional peace of mind and protection for your favorite business laptop. These warranties can extend the coverage of your laptop beyond the manufacturer's warranty, ensuring that you're covered in case of any issues or defects.
However, the warranty may exceed the cost of any repairs that may be necessary. Ultimately, the decision to purchase insurance products should be based on your individual needs and preferences.
Top Laptop Brands for Financial Advisors
Lenovo
Lenovo is a well-established technology company specializing in designing, developing, manufacturing, and selling personal computers, tablets, smartphones, workstations, servers, electronic storage devices, IT management software, and smart televisions.
Their laptops are known for their sleek design, powerful performance, and reliable build quality, making them an excellent choice for college students and financial advisors alike.
Dell
Dell is a renowned laptop brand that offers a variety of laptops tailored to diverse requirements. They are known for their solid performance, durable build quality, and excellent customer support.
Dell Precision mobile workstations offer powerful laptops that are well-suited to personal finance, with robust processors, extended battery life, and enhanced security features.
HP
HP is a leading technology company that manufactures laptops, desktops, printers, and other computing devices. Their laptops are designed to cater to a wide range of needs and preferences, providing powerful performance, reliable build quality, and excellent customer support.
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Customizable Laptops for Financial Advisors
Customizable laptops offer the perfect solution for financial services executives seeking the best laptop tailored to their unique needs and preferences. The best laptops for financial modeling tasks provide build-to-order and upgradability options, allowing you to select components such as the processor, RAM, storage, and graphics card according to your specific requirements.
Built-to-Order Options
Some laptops with build-to-order options include Apple, HP, Asus, and Lenovo. These brands allow you to customize your laptop's configuration, ensuring that it meets your unique specifications.
Websites such as CyberPowerPC, Origin PC, and iBuyPower also offer custom PC builder services, allowing you to create your personalized laptop independently.
Upgradability
Upgradability refers to the capability of upgrading certain components of a laptop, such as RAM, storage, battery, and graphics card. This can enhance the performance of the laptop and extend its lifespan.
Some laptops with good upgradeability options include the Dell XPS 15 and Lenovo ThinkBook 15p, which provide a range of upgradeable components.
Additionally, the Framework Laptop is designed for user-friendly upgrades and repairs, with all of its parts available for purchase on the Framework website.
Investing in a laptop with upgradability options ensures that your device remains up-to-date and capable of handling your evolving needs as a financial management specialist.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Business Laptop
In conclusion, selecting the best laptop for a certified financial planner involves considering factors such as multitasking performance, security features, portability, battery life, screen size, display quality, connectivity, as well as laptop durability, reliability, and customizability.
This comprehensive guide has provided you with the 30 best business laptops for financial advisors in 2024, catering to a wide range of needs and budgets.
By carefully considering your unique requirements and preferences, you can confidently invest in the best overall business laptop that empowers you to excel in your profession and achieve success in the world of finance.
The best MacBook Pro, a Surface Laptop, The Samsung Galaxy Book Pro, or the Lenovo Thinkpad x 1; which laptop do you have your eyes on? Let us know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which generation laptop is best in 2024?
For 2024, the best laptop option is the Apple MacBook Air M2. It offers reliable performance, long battery life, and a design suitable for all users, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a reliable laptop this year.
More than a decade after the first model, the MacBook Air M2 is powered by Apple's latest M2 chip, offering up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.
What is the future outlook of financial advisors?
The job outlook for financial advisors is highly positive, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating that employment will grow 15% between 2021 and 2031 - resulting in an expected increase of 50,900 jobs.
The industry average annual wage for personal financial advisors was $94,170 in May 2021.
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