A good laptop is all about portability, and for many of you — especially anyone using their device on the road, in remote locations — that means being able to stay connected to the internet no matter where you travel. In this case, a laptop with LTE connectivity is a great decision. Here are some of the best that will keep you connected just about everywhere.
Microsoft Surface Pro LTE
Microsoft's premier 2-in-1 laptop (about $1,450) is now available with 4G LTE capabilities, letting you get more done no matter where you are. You're still getting a durable build, stunning display, and convenience of the removable Type Cover, plus you can add a Surface Pen into the mix for ultimate creativity.
As for hardware, get inside an Intel Core i5-7300U processor (CPU), 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD). This is everything you love about the Pro line, now made more mobile than ever. Check out Executive Editor Daniel Rubino's review for far more information.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
Lenovo has done some great things with the fabled ThinkPad line of laptops; the X1 Carbon (starting at about $1,500), now in its sixth generation, is a prime example. These laptops weigh only about 2.49 pounds (1.13 kg), but you can get up to a Core i7-8650 vPro CPU, 16GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 1TB PCIe SSD. The 14-inch display is available in 1080p or 1440p, and the ThinkPad keyboard is exactly how you remember it, TrackPoint and all. A fingerprint reader or optional IR camera let you log in with Windows Hello, and mobile broadband options will become available May 2018.
Dell Latitude 7490
Dell's refreshed Latitude 7000-series of business laptops includes the 7490 (starting at about $1,049), with eighth-gen Intel Core CPU, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to 512GB of SSD storage. The 14.1-inch display can be had in 1080p or 768p, you're getting a ton of ports for easy connectivity, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 mobile broadband chip lets you stay connected even when you're nowhere near Wi-Fi.
If it's a laptop with a traditional business look you're in need of, the Latitude 7490 should make a fine choice.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet
Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Tablet (starting at about $950) has a 2-in-1 design similar to the Surface Pro, though it has a few extra features that might interest you. The modular design allows for connection of either an extra battery and ports for extra long life, or a projector that, coupled with the kickstand, allows for easy presentation.
Inside, get up to an Intel Core i7-7Y75 CPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB PCIe SSD, plus the 12-inch 1440p display is compatible with Lenovo's Pen Pro. All this and 4G LTE thanks to a Qualcomm Snapdragon X7? Not bad at all. Check out our review for more information.
HP EliteBook 1040
Though it's still using seventh-gen Intel Core CPUs, HP's EliteBook 1040 (about $1,700) makes a formidable business partner. Get up to a Core i7-6600U with 16GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB PCIe SSD, and enjoy the 14-inch touch display with great color and contrast.
As for a mobile connection, choose from either 3G or 4G, and choose at checkout which provider you plan on running with.
Lenovo ThinkPad T470
As far as business laptops go, there's one that many will argue is the best: the ThinkPad T470. This 14-inch laptop is built to take a beating and keep on going. Starting at about $930, you're getting a ton of ports, up to a Core i7-7600U vPro CPU, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The keyboard is about as good as they get, and the red TrackPoint dot and physical buttons make an appearance. To stay connected, there's an optional Qualcomm Snapdragon X7 for wireless data. If you need a true business partner, this is it.
More resources
Be sure to check out our Laptop Buyer's Guide for way more help buying a new laptop.
- See our Laptop Buyer's Guide
- Why you might (and might not) want a PC with LTE
- Why (and how) Windows 10 PCs with LTE and eSIM will change the game
- 5 common mistakes to avoid when buying a laptop
- 5 easy ways to save money when buying a laptop
Updated March 19, 2018: I've refreshed this list to ensure you're still looking at the best LTE laptops available.
