A few years ago, who would’ve thought that Zoom would become such an integral part of our daily lives? When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the world was thrown into chaos, and many of us had to adapt to new ways of working and communicating.
1. Acer Chromebook R 11 Review – Best Budget Laptop
The Acer Chromebook R 11 stands out as a budget-friendly and versatile option. Its compact design and touch-enabled screen make it an excellent choice for all of us who need a portable and efficient device. I love that I can use it wherever I go, it really saved me a lot of time.
Whether you’re working, streaming, or just browsing, this Chromebook offers a seamless experience, backed by the reliability of the Chrome OS. Moreover, as a renewed product, it has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by Amazon-qualified vendors, ensuring that it works and looks like new.
| Key Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 11.6 Inches |
| Processor | Celeron® N3060 1.6GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR3 |
| Storage | 16 GB eMMC |
| Operating System | Chrome OS |
| Graphics | Integrated |
- Unique convertible design.
- Excellent touch screen.
- Budget-friendly
- Portability
- Excellent picture quality
- Built-in system is insufficient.
2. Dell Inspiron 15 Series – Best Laptop For Webinars
The Dell Inspiron 15 Series is designed for the modern professional. Its powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and large touchscreen display make it ideal for webinars and multitasking. Sounds perfect, right?
With its turbo boost capability and 32GB of RAM, this laptop handles demanding tasks effortlessly. The 2TB SSD ensures ample storage and quick access to files and applications.
The carbon black finish adds a touch of elegance, and the high-quality audio and camera enhance the overall experience. It’s a blend of style and substance, perfect for business meetings and presentations.
| Feature/Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Processor | 13th Gen Intel Core i7-1355U, 10C (2P + 8E) / 12T, P-core 1.7 / 5.0GHz, E-core 1.2 / 3.7GHz, 12MB |
| Display | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare LED Backlight Touch Narrow Border WVA Display |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 Memory |
| Storage | 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (2×2/160) Gig+ and Bluetooth; Ports include 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB 2.0, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x Headset Jack |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Professional 64, English |
- Highly affordable laptop
- Large screen
- Elegant design
- High quality of audio
- Good quality of camera
- Good image quality
- Short Battery life
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop Review – Best For Presentations And Video Conferencing
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a game-changer in the realm of tablets, offering the perfect blend of laptop performance with the versatility of a studio and tablet. With its 12.3″ touch-screen, this device is designed to adapt to your work style, whether you’re typing, touching, drawing, or playing.
Powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, it will ensure you a faster performance than its predecessor, the Surface Pro 6.
Its standout design ensures it doesn’t weigh you down, starting at a mere 1.70 pounds. With an all-day battery life of up to 10.5 hours and a rapid charging feature that goes from empty to full in just over an hour, it’s built for those on the move.
Plus, with the upcoming free upgrade to Windows 11, users are in for an enhanced experience.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | 10th Gen Intel Core i5, 1.1 GHz |
| Display | 12.3″ Touch-Screen, 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution |
| Graphics | Integrated |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C and USB-A ports |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home (Free Upgrade to Windows 11 available) |
- Slim and Thinnest
- Excellent quality performance.
- Finest display quality.
- High-quality audio system.
- Expensive
4. Apple MacBook Air- Best Laptop For Using Zoom
The Apple MacBook Pro with the M1 chip is a revolutionary leap in the world of computing. This 13-inch model boasts an Apple-designed M1 chip that significantly enhances CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance.
With up to 20 hours of battery life, it claims the title for the longest battery life ever in a Mac (and we all know how important the battery life is).
The 8-core CPU ensures swift performance, allowing users to breeze through tasks, while the 8-core GPU enhances graphics for apps and games. Additionally, the 16-core Neural Engine is designed for advanced machine learning, ensuring that tasks are executed with precision and speed.
This laptop also features 8GB of unified memory, ensuring fluidity in every task, and superfast SSD storage that launches apps and opens files instantly.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | System on Chip (SoC) Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores |
| Display | 13.3-inch LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1600 native resolution |
| Graphics | Apple 8-core GPU |
| RAM | 8GB of unified memory |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0, Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
- Excellent graphics
- User-friendly
- Beautiful display
- Â Light and thin
- Better graphics performance
- No internal optical drive
5. APPLE MacBook Air – Best Laptop For Zoom Calls
The 2020 MacBook Air, powered by the M1 chip, is designed for a new level of performance and efficiency. Its impressive Retina display and powerful CPU make it ideal for Zoom calls
With this laptop, you’ll have professional-quality editing, multitasking, and gaming with ease, thanks to the 8-core CPU that delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than its predecessors.
With up to 18 hours of battery life, you can work, play, and create longer than ever before.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M1 chip; 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores; 16-core Neural Engine |
| Display | 13.3-inch Retina display; 2560-by-1600 native resolution |
| Graphics | Apple 8-core GPU |
| RAM | 8GB of unified memory |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Connectivity | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports; 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Operating System | Mac OS |
- Powerful video quality
- Stylish and lightweight design
- Ultra Sharp Retina screen.
- Best quality camera.
- Ultra-portable
- Expensive
Buyer’s Guide
Selecting the ideal laptop for video conferencing can feel like navigating a maze. Beyond just the camera and microphone, there’s a myriad of features to consider. So, what should you prioritize when hunting for that perfect video-calling companion?
Best Processor
A top-tier processor is non-negotiable for smooth video conferencing. It ensures not only efficient multitasking but also glitch-free online meetings. Ideally, you’d want a laptop equipped with at least a 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or, for those seeking a bit more punch, a 2.8 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7.
Storage
While a powerful processor is crucial, RAM is equally vital. It’s the backbone that supports your multitasking endeavors, especially during data-heavy tasks like video conferencing. For casual chats, 4GB of RAM should suffice.
However, for professional Zoom meetings, aim for a minimum of 8GB. And let’s not forget storage. With the frequent need to save large files or record meetings, ample storage becomes indispensable.
Best Smart Display
The display can make or break your video conferencing experience. An IPS panel is a smart choice, offering vivid colors and sharp contrasts. A minimum of 13 inches is recommended for the screen size, ensuring clarity during presentations and meetings. And for those who value clarity, a Full HD resolution or higher is a must.
Lightweight
If you’re someone who’s always on the move, a lightweight laptop is your best friend. It’s not just about ease of transport; lightweight laptops often pack in efficient processors. So, when you’re shopping, prioritize portability.
Choose The Best Camera For Zoom
A stellar camera is non-negotiable. Aim for at least a two-megapixel sensor to ensure you’re seen in the best light during meetings. Some cameras even excel in low-light conditions, a boon for those late-night calls. And while we’re on the topic of positioning, a top-placed webcam is preferable. It offers a more natural angle, avoiding the awkwardness of under-screen cameras.
Built-in Microphone
Zoom and other services need a high-quality built-in microphone, and having the computer’s microphone built-in is very convenient.
The efficiency of the microphone is crucial. When you talk, it is important that the zoom meetings participants understand you completely.
Certain laptop manufacturers use high-quality sensitive microphones that can capture sounds as you speak while also blocking out background noise.
Better Sound Quality For Zoom
Your voice needs to be heard, and for that, a high-quality built-in microphone is essential. The best ones not only capture your voice with clarity but also minimize background noise. Pair that with superior sound quality, and you’re all set. Look for features like the Dolby Surround System or front-firing stereo speakers to ensure your audio experience is top-notch.
Zoom Usage Statistics
The Covid-19 pandemic ushered in a new era of digital communication, with Zoom leading the charge. From January to March 2024 alone, Zoom’s usage skyrocketed by 67%. By February 2024, the platform boasted 12.92 million monthly active users (MAU), marking a 21% surge from the close of the previous year.
Not just in user numbers, Zoom’s brand presence also saw a significant boost. According to a study by Morning Consult on 2024’s Fastest Growing Brands, Zoom’s brand awareness grew by an impressive 34% within the year.
Financially, the company’s trajectory was nothing short of stellar. The fiscal year ending January 31, 2024, saw Zoom’s sales reaching a whopping $2.65 billion, a substantial leap from the previous year’s $623 million. Their net profit for the same fiscal year stood at $671 million, a dramatic increase from the prior year’s $22 million. By March 1, Zoom Video Communications’ market capitalization had surged to $120 billion, nearly quadrupling from $31 billion the year before.
What are the Laptop Requirements for Video Conferencing?
Everything you need for a good laptop for video conferencing and other electronic devices for a successful video conference is:
| Minimum System Requirements | Recommended System Requirements | |
| RAM | 4GB | 16GB |
| CPU | 8th Gen Intel Core i5 | 10th Gen Intel Core i7 |
| GPU | Integrated Intel UHD 620 | 2GB NVIDIA GeForce MX350 or better |
| Display | 13.3-inch HD (1080 x 724) | 15.6-inch FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) |
| Battery | Up to 4 hours | Up to 8 hours |
| Storage | 256GB SSD or 500GB HDD | Â 512GB SSD |
| Internet Connection | 1.5 Mbps/1.5 Mbps | 5.0 Mbps/5.0 Mbps |
| Speakers and Microphone | Built-in speakers/microphone/headset | High-quality built-in speakers/microphone/premium headset |
| Built-in Camera | 720p HD | 720p HD |
FAQ
Can all laptops do Zoom?
Yes, virtually all modern laptops can run Zoom, as the application is designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices. However, the quality of the Zoom experience may vary depending on the laptop’s hardware specifications, such as processor, RAM, and webcam quality. It is advisable to choose a laptop with adequate processing power and memory to ensure smooth video conferencing and optimal performance.
What internet speed is best for Zoom?
For the best Zoom experience, it is recommended to have a stable internet connection with a minimum bandwidth of 2.0 Mbps for both upload and download speeds. This ensures smooth video and audio quality during meetings, without interruptions or lag.
However, for an even better experience, particularly when participating in HD video conferences or hosting large meetings, a higher bandwidth of 5.0 Mbps or more is ideal. This allows for higher-resolution video, more simultaneous video feeds, and greater overall stability during your Zoom sessions.
What is the best video quality?
The best Zoom video quality is 1080p HD, which offers crisp and clear images, providing an immersive and engaging experience during video conferences. To achieve this level of quality, you’ll need a strong and stable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth, ideally at least 5.0 Mbps for both upload and download speeds.
It’s important to note that the quality of your video feed also depends on your device’s camera capabilities. Make sure your webcam or external camera supports 1080p resolution to take full advantage of Zoom’s HD video conferencing feature.
Bottom Line
As I discovered the hard way, the right laptop can make a world of difference in how you connect with others virtually.
In 2024, when you’re on that important Zoom call or connecting with loved ones from afar, you’ll appreciate the choice you made. Your upgraded laptop will be your trusty companion, ensuring that your video call experiences are smooth, enjoyable, and hassle-free.
It’s time to upgrade and elevate your video call game, so go ahead and make that wise choice for a more connected future.
