Vssmonitoring.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

9 Best Laptop Outdoor Use Reviews in 2023 | Top Portable but Sturdy Models

9 Top Picks

4 Reviewers

38 Hours of Research

32 Options Considered

Freelancers, students, and individuals who work on the go can't help but work outdoors. You may also opt to work from your patio or backyard to escape the tension a small room may bring. The new environment calls for a unique outdoor laptop. But what is the best outdoor laptop, and what features should it have?

The best laptop for outdoor use should have a high brightness to beat the natural sunlight. This feature will help me attain focus while working from outside. Besides, the laptop should have a long battery life because it is very unlikely to have power outlets outdoors. In addition, the laptop should be portable - I don't see the need to move around with a heavy laptop every time because it is inconvenient.

3 Top Laptop Outdoor Use

Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip

1. [Best Overall]

 Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop

5/5

The Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop is the best laptop for outdoor use. The laptop features high-end specifications, guaranteeing the highest general performance. 

  • Fast SSD storage
  • High brightness -500 nits
  • Good battery life
Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 13.3” Laptop

2. [Best For The Money]

 Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 13.3" Laptop

4.9/5

Another fine selection is the Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 13.3" Laptop. This laptop has one of the best features I have ever seen in a laptop, especially for outdoor use.

  • Fast-speed Wi-Fi 6
  • Supports Thunderbolt 3 port connectivity
  • Bright display
HP Chromebook X360 12-Inch HD+ Touchscreen Laptop

3. [Best For The Portable Design]

HP Chromebook X360 12-Inch HD+ Touchscreen Laptop

4.8/5

Chromebooks are equally perfect laptops for outdoor use. The HP Chromebook X360 12-Inch HD+ Touchscreen Laptop is your best deal if you're a fan. One thing I love about this laptop is its slim and lightweight design.

  • Portable design

  • Touchscreen display
  • Long battery life

Read this review to learn all you need to know about laptops for outdoor use, including the buying guide.

Best Laptop Outdoor Use Reviews

5/5

The Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop is the best laptop for outdoor use. The laptop features high-end specifications, guaranteeing the highest general performance. One feature that I loved about this 13.3-inch laptop was its brightness. It has 500 nits brightness, allowing me to view the screen content in bright sunlight efficiently. Besides, the good battery life of up to 20 hours also impressed me, as it allows me to work all day long with a single charge, ideal for outdoor use.

Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip

Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop Features

  • The laptop has a 13.3-inch display with a slim and compact design that is convenient for using outdoors.

  • It has an 8-core CPU with top-guaranteed performance, ensuring the best experience when performing intensive tasks.

  • It has a 10-core GPU with dedicated graphics performance, ensuring a stunning display with admirable smoothness.

  • The laptop has a powerful battery with up to 20 hours of battery life, ensuring I work outdoors efficiently without the laptop shutting down.

  • It has an active cooling system that dissipates heat built up, ensuring the laptop is cool all day long for optimum performance.

  • The laptop has a retina display with up to 500 nits of brightness, ensuring I can efficiently see the laptop's screen content in bright sunlight.

  • It has a FaceTime HD camera, allowing me to host high-quality video calls and keeping me in touch with my close friends, family, and business associates.

  • I loved learning that the laptop supports two Thunderbolt ports, which lets me quickly connect and charge my accessories.

  • The laptop has 16GB RAM, letting me open multiple tabs simultaneously without lagging., thus I can multitask efficiently.

  • It also has 512GB SSD storage, letting me save large files efficiently. Besides, I could retrieve them quickly, thanks to the high-speed SSD storage.

Specifications

Screen Size

13.3 inches

RAM

16GB

Storage

512GB SSD

Brightness

500 nits

Battery life

20 hours

Dimensions

11.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches

Weight

3.0 lbs

Pros

  • Fast SSD storage
  • High brightness -500 nits
  • Good battery life
  • Active cooling system

Cons

  • This laptop is more expensive.
  • The RAM is non-upgradable

4.9/5

Another fine selection is the Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 13.3" Laptop. This laptop has one of the best features I have ever seen in a laptop, especially for outdoor use. It features a powerful battery with up to 20 hours of battery life. Besides, this i7 laptop has a brilliant 13.3 inches display with a slim and compact design, convenient for carrying around. I also loved the 360 design, which allowed me to convert it from a laptop to a more convenient tablet mode.

Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 13.3” Laptop

Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 13.3" Laptop Features

  • The laptop has a 13.3 inch screen with a lightweight design of only 2.56 lbs, letting me carry it anywhere I go more conveniently.

  • It has a QLED display with vivid colors and a more vibrant image display in bright sunlight to enhance my experience.

  • The laptop features the 10th generation Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor with high performance, ensuring I carry out intensive tasks more efficiently.

  • It has 512GB SSD storage space, letting me instantly store more files and open apps.

  • My outdoor working setup has no power outlet nearby. Luckily, this laptop has a powerful battery with a life of up to 20 hours, letting me work for the whole day with a single charge.

  • The laptop supports the Bluetooth-enabled S Pen, letting me take notes or sketch more easily in the scorching sunlight.

  • With Wi-Fi 6 support, I can surf the internet and stream videos more conveniently without slowdowns.

  • The laptop features one USB-C and two Thunderbolt 3 ports for flexible connectivity.

Specifications

Screen Size

13.3 inches

RAM

8GB

Storage

512GB SSD

Processor

Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor

Battery life

20 hours

Dimensions

11.91 x 7.99 x 0.51 inches

Weight

2.56 lbs

Pros

  • Fast-speed Wi-Fi 6
  • Supports Thunderbolt 3 port connectivity
  • Bright display
  • Powerful battery

Cons

  • The Bluetooth-enabled S Pen doesn't support a translation app.

[Best For The Portable Design]

4.8/5

Chromebooks are equally perfect laptops for outdoor use. The HP Chromebook X360 12-Inch HD+ Touchscreen Laptop is your best deal if you're a fan. One thing I love about this Chromebook is its slim and lightweight design. I can conveniently carry it around with a weight of only 2.98 lbs. I also loved its powerful battery, which allowed me to use the 12-inch laptop for up to 13 hours and 15 minutes with a single charge.

HP Chromebook X360 12-Inch HD+ Touchscreen Laptop

HP Chromebook X360 12-Inch HD+ Touchscreen Laptop Features

  • The laptop features a 12-inch display that fits well in my backpack, letting me carry it easily anywhere I go.

  • The laptop has dual microphones supporting advanced noise reduction for an uninterrupted user experience, ideal for using outdoors.

  • This laptop supports four different modes; laptop, tent, stand, and tablet modes, all for my usage convenience.

  • It features an Intel Celeron N4000 with up to 2.6 GHz burst frequency for carrying out basic tasks efficiently.

  • The laptop has a 4 GB LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM for lag-free operation. Unfortunately, the RAM is un upgradable.

  • It has a powerful battery with a battery life of up to 13 hours and 15 minutes, ensuring I work for long hours without recharging the laptop.

  • The laptop features a thin, portable design with an average weight of 2.98 lbs, letting me carry it around easily.

  • The laptop has a touchscreen display which is easy and more convenient to navigate.

  • It has 32 GB eMMC storage for local file storage.

  • It supports USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type C and USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports for flexible connectivity.

  • It has a 1366 x 912 pixels resolution producing quality pictures for an enhanced experience.

  • The laptop supports 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology, letting me surf the internet and connect to external Bluetooth devices.

Specifications

Screen Size

12 inches

RAM

4 GB

Storage

32 GB

Processor

Intel Celeron N4000

Battery life

13 hours

Dimensions

8.5 x 10.71 x 0.68 inches

Weight

2.98 lbs

Pros

  • Portable design
  • Touchscreen display
  • Supports four modes
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • The laptop has low storage capacity. Fortunately, I can save my files and documents online using Cloud storage.

The Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop is a premium laptop with features ideal for using outdoors. The touch screen laptop has an anti-reflective display with up to 500 nits of brightness, allowing me to see the laptop's screen content efficiently in bright sunlight. Besides, it features a powerful 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with elite performance for intensive tasks. Find more features below.

Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop 13.4-inch

Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop Features

  • The laptop has a 13.4 inches display, ideal for several tasks working outdoors.

  • I enjoyed super-crisp images, thanks to the UHD+ (3840 x 2400) display resolution.

  • The laptop features an InfinityEdge touch display which is easy to control and navigate.

  • The anti-reflective screen eliminates the reflective effect of the daylight sun, allowing me to use the laptop outdoors.

  • The 500-nit brightness ensures a visible display in bright daylight for the best outdoor experience.

  • The laptop has the 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1195G7 processor with up to 5.0 GHz processing speed, ideal for intensive programs.

  • I could run several programs simultaneously without lag, thanks to the 16GB 4267MHz LPDDR4x Memory.

  • The laptop has 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD storage, letting me save my files efficiently. I could also open apps and programs instantly with the help of super-speed SSD storage.

  • The laptop has Intel Iris Xe Graphics with dedicated graphics performance for a stunning display.

Specifications

Screen Size

13.4 inches

RAM

16 GB

Storage

512 GB

Processor

11th Generation Intel Core i7-1195G7

Brightness

500 nits

Dimensions

7.82 x 11.64 x 0.58 inches

Weight

2.8 lbs

Pros

  • Dedicated graphics card
  • Powerful processor
  • 500 nits brightness
  • Anti-glare display
  • Super-crisp images

Cons

  • The laptop has limited port connectivity.

I feel like ASUS TUF Gaming A17 Gaming Laptop is built for gamers who like gaming outdoors. It has many gaming features that combine well with high brightness, allowing me to game efficiently outdoors. The laptop features a 17.3 inches display with ample space for gaming and multitasking. The 17-inch laptop also has a powerful AMD Ryzen processor and a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce offering the best gaming performance to enhance my experience.


ASUS TUF Gaming A17 Gaming Laptop

ASUS TUF Gaming A17 Gaming Laptop Features

  • The laptop has NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GPU with top graphics performance, delivering smooth images for the best gaming performance.

  • It has the Quad-core AMD Ryzen 7 4800H processor with guaranteed performance, allowing me to run intensive programs efficiently.

  • The laptop has a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution with sharp and accurate images for the best experience.

  • I enjoyed lag-free gameplay, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.

  • The laptop has an IPS panel with accurate colors and wide viewing angles, excellent for gaming and watching videos outdoors.

  • The 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage allowed me to save large files and documents efficiently. Also, retrieving files is quick, and opening apps/programs are instant.

  • The laptop has 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM, allowing me to open several tabs simultaneously without affecting the laptop's performance.

  • It has a sturdy MIL-STD-810 military standard construction that reduces the risk of damage outdoors.

  • It supports Gigabit Wi-Fi 5, letting me connect to the internet and stream/download my favorite videos.

  • The laptop has rich port connectivity for flexible connection. It supports one HDMI 2.0, one USB 2.0 Gen 1, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C/DisplayPort 1.4, one RJ45, and one 3.5mm audio jack.

Specifications

Screen Size

17.3 inches

RAM

16 GB

Storage

1TB SSD

Refresh rate

120 Hertz

Resolution

1920 x 1080 pixels

Processor

Quad-core AMD Ryzen 7 4800H

Dimensions

‎‎15.7 x 10.6 x 1.0 inches

Weight 

5.73 lbs

Pros

  • Rich port connectivity
  • Durable construction
  • 1TB SSD storage
  • High refresh rate

Cons

  • Quite heavy. 

SAMSUNG Galaxy Book S is an earthy, Gold slim, portable laptop ideal for using outdoors. The laptop has a standard 13.3 inches display convenient to put on my lap. The laptop has sharp and accurate images, ideal for enhancing my experience. In addition, it has 256 SSD storage, upgradable to up to 2TB.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Book S 13.3" FHD Touchscreen

SAMSUNG Galaxy Book S Features

  • The laptop has a thin and lightweight design enhancing portability. Its 2.09 lbs are convenient to carry around.

  • It is strong and durable to withstand rough outdoor handling. It has an aluminum chassis that protects it.

  • The laptop has a backlit keyboard with well-fit characters for easy and fast typing.

  • Images are sharp and accurate, thanks to the Full HD 1080p display resolution.

  • The fanless design promotes a quiet working environment, ensuring I maintain high levels of focus.

  • It has the Intel Core i5 processor with high performance for demanding tasks.

  • The laptop has 256GB SSD storage for local file storage and instant app opening. The good thing is that I can upgrade the storage to 2TB.

  • It supports Wi-Fi 6, allowing me to access fast internet to stream my favorite shows. Besides, it supports Bluetooth wireless technology, allowing me to connect it to an external soundbar to enhance my multimedia experience.

  • The laptop has a 13.3 inches display that fits well in my backpack, letting me carry it around.

  • It has 8GB RAM, letting me run several programs simultaneously without affecting the laptop's performance. The high memory capacity allowed me to multitask efficiently.

Specifications

Screen Size

13.3 inches

RAM

8GB

Storage

256 GB SSD

Battery life

17 hours

Resolution

1920 x 1080 pixels

Processor

Intel Core i5 processor

Dimensions

‎‎12.02 x 8 x 0.46 inches

Weight 

2.09 lbs

Pros

  • Fast internet connection
  • Portable design
  • Strong aluminum chassis
  • Upgradable storage

Cons

  • The trackpad is sometimes insensitive. Fortunately, I can use my mouse to navigate anytime the trackpad misbehaves.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop is a high-performing 2-in-1 laptop built for performance. It has a powerful Intel Core i7 11th Gen processor with top guaranteed performance for intensive tasks. The laptop also has 14.4 inches, with ample space for multitasking. In addition, it has a high refresh rate that eliminates motion blur, ensuring smooth motions.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

Microsoft Surface Laptop Features

  • The laptop has a 14.4 inch screen with ample space. I could split the screen into two windows, letting me multitask efficiently.

  • The laptop has a 120-hertz refresh rate with smooth and lag-free motions for the best experience.

  • It features a touchscreen design for easy navigation and controls.

  • The laptop has an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with high processing speed for the best experience.

  • It has 16GB memory letting me open several tabs simultaneously without lag or affecting the laptop's performance; thus, I could multitask efficiently.

  • It has 512GB SSD storage, letting me store unlimited files. The SSD storage is fast, allowing me to open applications and programs instantly and retrieve files quickly, letting me complete my scheduled tasks within set timeframes.

  • It supports Windows 10 Pro Operating System with more advanced accessibility and security features to enhance my productivity.

  • The laptop has a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card with high graphics performance suitable for graphics-intensive tasks.

  • It supports Bluetooth wireless connectivity, letting me connect the laptop to external devices for fast file sharing. I could also connect to an external soundbar to enhance my multimedia experience.

  • The laptop has a powerful battery with a long life of up to 18 hours. I took advantage of the battery life to use the laptop for long sessions with a single charge because I couldn't access the power outlet outdoor setup.

Specifications

Screen Size

14.4 inches

RAM

16 GB

Storage

512GB SSD

Battery life

18 hours

Resolution

2400 x 1600 pixels

Processor

11th generation Intel Core i7

Dimensions

‎‎9.84 x 13.63 x 2.4 inches

Weight 

5.62 lbs

Pros

  • Long battery life
  • Dedicated graphics card
  • Touchscreen enabled
  • High refresh rate

Cons

  • Like Dell XPS 13 9310 Touchscreen Laptop, this laptop has limited port connectivity.

The Hp Envy 13 Laptop is a fast laptop ideal for various applications. Its bright screen and excellent battery life make it ideal for using outdoors. The laptop has up to 15 hours of battery life for mixed use, letting me work all day with a single charge. Thanks to the 13.3 inches display and 2.88 average weight, this HP laptop is also portable. Find more features below.

Hp Envy 13 Laptop, Intel Core I7-1065G7

Hp Envy 13 Laptop Features

  • The laptop has a 10th Generation Intel Core I7-1065G7 processor with high processing power, enhancing my experience.

  • It has 8GB RAM, letting me open several tabs simultaneously without lag, allowing me to multitask efficiently.

  • The 256GB SSD storage allowed me to save my files and documents. I could also retrieve them quickly thanks to the super-speed storage.

  • The 13.3 screen size is convenient to carry and use on the go, outdoors.

  • I enjoyed high-quality images, thanks to the Full HD display resolution.

  • The laptop has a touchscreen display for easy navigation.

  • The laptop has a good battery life of up to 15 hours and 15 minutes, letting me use it for long sessions without recharging.

  • The laptop has a fingerprint reader that lets me sign in quickly and securely.

  • It supports Bluetooth 5, letting me connect with other Bluetooth devices for fast data sharing and improved multimedia experience, especially when I connect it to an external soundbar.

  • It has a backlit keyboard with well-spaced characters to improve my typing experience.

Specifications

Screen Size

13.3 inches

RAM

8 GB

Storage

256GB SSD

Battery life

15 hours 15 minutes

Resolution

1920 x 1080 pixels

Processor

10th Generation Intel Core I7-1065G7

Dimensions

‎‎12.1 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches

Weight 

2.88 lbs

Pros

  • Long battery life
  • Supports Fingerprint reader
  • Touchscreen display
  • Powerful processor

Cons

  • I was unimpressed by the laptop's plastic touchpad.

The last one on my list is the 2021 Newest Dell Inspiron 5515 Touch Laptop. It is equally a perfect laptop for outdoor use, thanks to the features it supports. The 15.6-inch laptop has an anti-glare display that reduces the reflecting effect of sun, a backlit keyboard and a 10-key numeric keypad. It also has wide viewing angles that maintain the image quality when viewing the laptop screen from wide angles.

2021 Newest Dell Inspiron 5515 Touch Laptop, 15.6" FHD LED Touchscreen

2021 Newest Dell Inspiron 5515 Touch Laptop Features

  • The laptop has 16GB high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM, letting me open several programs simultaneously without lagging.

  • The 15 .6 inches display has ample space, letting me view fine details efficiently. Also, I could split the laptop screen into two windows, letting me multitask.

  • The 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive provides unlimited storage space for storing big files efficiently. I could also upgrade my storage as the laptop has an extra PCIe M.2 SSD slot.

  • It also has 16GB DDR4 SDRAM, letting me run several programs simultaneously without affecting the laptop's performance.

  • The laptop has AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Processor with up to 2.10 GHz base clock and a 4.0 GHz max boost clock for high performance.

  • It has AMD Radeon Graphics offering dedicated graphics performance for the

  • The laptop has a Full HD, 1920 x 1080 resolution, delivering sharp and accurate images and enhancing my experience.

  • It features an anti-glare display with a less reflective effect, ideal for use in bright sunlight.

  • It has a touchscreen display, which is easy and convenient to navigate.

  • The laptop has wide viewing angles, which is excellent for watching movies.

  • It has rich input connectivity with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, and one HDMI 1.4b for flexible port connectivity.

  • The laptop has a backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad for an enhanced typing experience.

  • The Fingerprint reader ensures I sign in quickly and also enhances security.

Specifications

Screen Size

15.6 inches

RAM

16 GB

Storage

1TB SSD

Resolution

1920 x 1080 pixels

Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 5500U

Dimensions

‎‎14.2 x 9.0 x 0.7 inches

Weight 

3.62 lbs

Pros

  • Rich port connectivity
  • Anti-glare display
  • Large storage capacity; upgradable
  • Sharp and accurate images

Cons

  • The laptop generally looks great, but it would be even better to have its touchpad more centrally.

Buying Guide

The buying guide for the best laptops for outdoor use is as follows.

Display

The essential feature of the best laptops for outdoor use is the screen brightness. For use outdoors, the higher the brightness, the better. High brightness levels allow me to see the screen content efficiently and read effortlessly in bright surroundings. I will also not need to adjust the laptop screen to read.

Most laptops have brightness levels between 200 and 300 nits. This screen brightness is sufficient for indoor use. However, I'll be unable to read what's on the screen outdoors with the same brightness. For the best experience, I recommend laptops for outdoor use to have at least 350 nits brightness levels.

Similarly, the screen's panel finishing plays a crucial role in laptops for outdoor use. Most laptops I've come across have glossy screens. While they are standard screen finishes, they are unfit for use outdoors. This screen produces quality pictures but has annoying reflection when used outdoors. For the best outdoor experience, I recommend a matte display. It will be even much better if it has an anti-glare coating.

Build Quality

When using my laptop indoors, the chances of damaging it from natural elements are minimal. However, things become different when I use the same laptop outdoors. Countless inappropriate conditions can damage the laptop. For instance, dust particles, debris carried by strong wind, and hard sunlight can all damage my laptop. Also, the chances of dropping the laptop outdoors are high.

Therefore, the best laptops for outdoor use should feature a strong and durable build to withstand natural uncertainties. It should have a metallic body; otherwise, consider installing a protective case to mitigate the risk of damage.

A man sitting on a stairway holding a laptop in his lap


Portability

Most individuals like lightweight laptops, especially when using them outdoors. Laptops for outdoor use are meant to be used on the go, from anywhere, and will only make sense if they are lightweight and portable. These laptops are convenient to carry, and I can use them on my lap - a working desk is optional. I prefer a thin laptop for my outdoor needs.

The laptop's portability limits the laptop size I opt for. Generally, 15.6 and 17 inch laptops tend to be heavier and therefore unsuitable for outdoor use. For the best experience, I recommend laptops 14 inches wide or below for outside use.

Battery

Let me make this one clear today, you'll be lucky to find a portable laptop with a bright screen and an excellent battery backup. Not all laptops with high brightness have good battery backup. Note that your laptop's battery life depends on three essentials; the GPU, the processor, and the storage technology. Laptops for outdoor use, in particular, should have energy-efficient processors. It should also have SSD storage. And try as much as possible to avoid dedicated GPUs as they deteriorate your laptop's battery life.

The bare minimum battery life I recommend for the best laptops for outdoor use is 8 hours. This battery should be able to run my laptop for extended periods with a single charge. I assume that there are no power outlets outdoors.

Processor

The processor requirement for the best laptops for outdoor use is subjective, depending on the purpose of the laptop. For instance, my laptop for basic applications such as streaming, web surfing, watching movies, and sending emails doesn't need a powerful processor. In this case, an Intel Celeron N 4020 processor should be enough.

However, I'll need a powerful processor if I use my outdoor laptop for demanding applications. Intel Core i3 laptops and Core i5 laptops should suffice here. Alternatively, I can use an equivalent AMD processor.

On the other hand, I'll need high-performance processors when using my outdoor laptop for intensive activities such as photo/video editing, graphic design, or other graphics-intensive tasks. Therefore, I'll need a more powerful processor for the task. The bare minimum I recommend here is an Intel Core i5 processor or an AMD equivalent processor. However, Intel Core i7 and Core i9 processors offer much better performance, ensuring the best user experience. AMD/NVIDIA dedicated graphics cards should go hand in hand with these processors.

RAM and Storage

As I had said earlier, the hardware requirement for the best laptops for outdoor use varies depending on the purpose of the laptop. The same applies to RAM and storage.

Both are significant in running any laptop. The RAM determines how smoothly programs and active tans run. It determines what number of tabs I can open simultaneously without affecting the laptop's performance. The bigger the RAM, the more tabs I can run simultaneously, allowing me to multitask efficiently.

However, the RAM I require may vary depending on the tasks I run. For average tasks, I need 4GB RAM. However, I'll need 8GB RAM if I have more demanding tasks. 16GB RAM and 32GB RAM has an even better performance for the best experience, only that it costs more.

In terms of storage, I prefer SSD storage over HDD. SSD storage is fast and lighter. Therefore, I can retrieve my files quickly and open apps and other programs instantly, helping me save more time and finish assignments within short timeframes. The only limiting factor is that SSD storage is expensive. In contrast, I recommend HDD storage over SSD if you prioritize storage space over speed. A 1TB HDD storage offers more local storage space for storing big files efficiently. Also, they are affordable, making them ideal for budget users.

I'll always go for the laptop with both drives if I have the option. A laptop with SSD and HDD storage ensures more storage speed but doesn't compromise speed.

A girl on a balcony with her laptop


Screen Size

Laptops for outdoor use have varied screen sizes, ranging from 11 to 17.3 inches. My screen size depends on the tasks I want to use the laptop for.

Note that laptops with a thin and compact design are easier and more convenient to carry. They are the ideal companion for use outside. The limiting factor to thin laptops can arise from performance - some thin laptops have sub-par performance when used to run intensive tasks. Therefore, consider performance when choosing the ideal size for your outdoor laptop.

FAQs

Can Laptops Be Used Outdoors?

Yes, laptops can be used outside. A laptop with an ideal brightness is fit for use outdoors. These laptops should also have anti-glare coatings. In addition, it should have a strong and durable build to reduce the risk of damage. Remember that it should be lightweight and portable enough to be carried around more conveniently.

Which Laptop Display Is Better in Sunlight?

Matte-screen display is the best laptop display in sunlight. Unlike a glossy-finish display, the matte-screen display doesn't reflect light when used outside. However, only a few laptop models on the market have this display.

How Many Nits Do I Need for My Laptop Outside?

You need 350 to 700 nits for your laptop outside. This luminance will help you read what is on the screen efficiently. 200 to 350 nits screen brightness is ideal for indoor use but is insufficient for use outside. When used outdoors, they make the screen content appear like shadows.

Are 300 Nits Enough for Outdoor Use?

No, 300 nits are not enough for outdoor use. Laptops with this brightness are only fit for indoor use. If you plan to use your laptop outside, the bare minimum brightness you need is 35o nits.

How Can You Enjoy Your Outdoor Working Experience?

To enjoy your outdoor working experience, consider the following tips.

  • Avoid direct sunlight and work from shaded areas 

  • Consider a laptop hood to minimize the sunlight glare effect

  • Configure your laptop to higher contrast and brightness settings

  • Put on polarized sunglasses

  • Install an umbrella or use an awning

  • Consider an anti-glare screen protector

About Lawrence Jung

Lawrence graduated cum laude from Boston University with a B.S. in Journalism. He then started working with The New York Times for 3 years as an editor. Upon their acquisition of online review website the Wire Cutter he became exposed to the digital world of review-style articles and digital content. He was a writer for many tech review products where he developed his expertise in the electronic and PC peripheral space. He quickly got promoted to managing a writing team where he was responsible for training and managing a team of over a dozen writers. After being there for another 3.5 years, Lawrence left in late 2019 to help Dusan create VSS Monitoring, where he could help design and contribute to the site’s content and website’s architecture to develop what he wants to become THE top tech resource online.