Everyone loves a good smartphone, but even the most ultra-powerful and expensive iPhone or Galaxy can get work done like the lowest-end, ultra-cheap business computer. Thus, we once again asked PCMag readers to help us determine the best laptops and desktops for the office. The results will probably not be too shocking to anyone who's paying attention while working harder and smarter.
Laptops for Work—2019
Last year was the first year in a long time that Apple's line of laptops didn't have the highest score for overall satisfaction—and even then it was still such a clear leader that we made it a winner along with the leader, Microsoft.
This year, not much has changed except that Microsoft's overall satisfaction score has dropped by a tenth of a point, putting both Microsoft and Apple at even scores of 8.6 (out of 10). It's pretty clear that workers with a laptop from the companies that control their operating systems are happy with them.
If there's an edge between the two from the other scores, it's hard to find. Microsoft, for example, has a better likelihood to recommend score (8.7) compared to Apple's (8.5). Yet Apple has a lead in overall reliability (9.0 vs. Microsoft's 8.7). Microsoft laptops needed tech support more than Macs (18 percent compared to Apple's 13 percent), yet Apple MacBooks needed more repairs (8 percent vs. 6 percent for Microsoft's Surface-brand laptops).
The other big names on the list are the usual laptop suspects: Lenovo, Dell, and HP. Only Lenovo had an overall score in the 8s (8.2), and it managed to outrank the other two in every category except for repairs, where the lowest of the three was HP at 8 percent.
We also asked specifically about satisfactiong with using hybrid/convertible laptops in the workplace. Only three of the vendors made the cut, but it's clearly a spot where Microsoft shines. Its 8.7 overall score (and same for likelihood to recommend) was well ahead of hybrids from Lenovo and Dell.
The only spot where Microsoft needs work is, again, that 18 percent of devices needing tech support—Lenovo hybrids only had 10 percent. But Microsoft makes up for it with only 6 percent needing repairs; the other two had double that number.
See all of our survey results for work laptops.
WINNERS: BUSINESS LAPTOPS
Overall: Apple
The MacBook has long been the go-to for on-the-job PCMag readers, and this year is no different. Apple's laptops once again earn the gold.
Overall & Hybrid/Convertible: Microsoft
Microsoft's tie this year with Apple continues to shine a spotlight on just how well the one-time software-only company is doing when it comes to hardware. The Surface line, in particular the hybrid/convertible devices, make for some truly happy work users.
Looking for expert opinion? Read The Best Business Laptops of 2019.
Desktops for Work—2019
Several years ago, we didn't even get enough responses from Apple desktop users to include the company in this story. It bounced back in 2018 with an 8.9 score, more than a full point ahead of the competition. We still gave Dell an award from that second place spot however, as not everyone wants or can have a macOS model at the office.
This year, it's a repeat performance. Apple's overall score actually darted up a smidge from 8.9 to 9.1—its best business desktop score since 2013. Dell also climbed a smidge from 7.8 to 8.1. It was more than enough to solidify both as award winners when it comes to work desktop PCs.
HP and Lenovo were again trying hard this year. Both saw increases from their 7.7 overall scores last year, but Lenovo did a little better at 8.0 this time versus HP's 7.9, but they can't yet top Apple or Dell.
See all of our survey results for work desktops.
WINNERS: BUSINESS DESKTOPS
Apple
There may not be as many people using Apple desktop computers as there were in the Mac's heyday, but quantity isn't quality, and the scores Apple consistently earns for its work PCs are definitley high on the quality side.
Dell
Windows-based users have to look to a vendor that delivers the goods to get all their work done on the desktop. The vendor they should look to is, once again, Dell.
For more, see The Best Business Desktops of 2019.
The PCMag Business Choice survey for Laptops and Desktops was in the field from January 7, 2019 through January 28, 2019. For more information on how the survey is conducted, read the survey methodology.
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