Some people might not already know this, but vans, or RVs for short, are becoming increasingly popular in recent decades. Van life can be very sustainable, it meant that many people are considering trying it out themselves. It prompted advancements in the technology available to us and the level of tech that we can use in our vans. It means that we have more options than ever before for adapting our devices to each potential need.
When considering what laptop you want to get for your trip, there are many things to consider. It would be best to think about how much space you have in your van or RV and what tasks you will be performing with it. That will allow you to figure out what specs you will need and what features you may want.
What Is A Laptop?
In a general sense, laptops are simply the most portable and best versions of computers. They are lighter, smaller, and more versatile than desktop computers. They have a battery that can be charged and will last for a long time, but you can also plug the laptop in if needed. The average life of most laptops is around 3 hours amp, but you can do plenty within that time.
As far as specific types of laptops, there are many available nowadays. In addition to the different operating systems that they use, there are different specs and features available. You can get a laptop for under $300. Just make sure to do your research and read reviews to ensure you get the best value for the money you are spending.
A laptop is generally used in an office or while at home. It means that the hardware inside could be powerful, but it is still more compact than a desktop computer. It is also unnecessary to replace parts as they will generally not wear out as quickly as other computers.
Benefits of having a Laptop on your Van Life Adventure
You do get a bit of additional functionality when you have your laptop on this journey. You can access the internet when off the grid. That means so much more than just being able to check social media and email. You can also do some research, work with videos, share pictures, and document your adventures. The possibilities are endless when you can do this from your van or RV. Here is a quick list:
Being able to work anywhere – You can always get some work done weather you are in your bed or on the kitchen area of your van, no matter where you are. You can do your work using any device, whether your tablet or an actual laptop, or phone. Just pair it up in either way and go to town.
You won’t be looking for a plug-in – Unless you are using the built-in battery, you shouldn’t worry about plugs. Just find an outlet and go to town.
It’s pretty easy to bring a laptop anywhere you go – With a laptop, you can bring it with you anywhere. As a result, you won’t have to wake up to go somewhere. No matter how long you stay, you can leave when you want.
The Best Laptop to Travel With
Here are a few specs you may want to check out. Among the best things about these laptops and other modern devices is that they come in various shapes and sizes. It makes them among the most versatile pieces of tech out there. That is perfect for people who will be adapting their setups to their needs as they go along or for those who want an efficient way of doing different tasks. It might also be essential to note that these parts are not expensive, especially if you choose the right laptop or tablet. You’ll be able to afford the device that is right for you, even when you’re on a budget.
Processors
First, let’s take a look at the processors. These are the brains of the computers, and much like having a fast car with a slow engine, your laptop will feel slow and sluggish if your processor is too weak. There are two options for processors: Intel or AMD. If you are on a budget, it is probably best to go with an AMD processor as they are slightly cheaper than Intel ones. However, they do not perform as well in terms of speed. That could be important if your van will be used as a mobile office space because it will prevent you from needing to do too much.
RAM
RAM does not directly affect performance, but it plays a vital part in how fast your computer runs. The more RAM that is in your computer, the faster it will run and perform tasks. Limits apply to the amount of software you can install, however. The amount of memory will determine the RAM in a laptop that your motherboard can hold and other factors. If you want to know more, there are many guides on upgrading RAM if you run out.
Storage
There are two different hard drives available. The first is the hard drive attached to the motherboard and will be used to store data such as your operating system and programs. The other type is a solid-state drive, which is the actual storage device itself. Solid-state drives are usually faster than traditional storage devices and do not need to be plugged into the wall to work. They also have an upgraded lifespan, which makes them an ideal option to choose.
Weight
Weight is something many people overlook when picking a laptop or any other device for that matter. Lightweight does not necessarily mean that it will be easy to carry around in your camper van. The lighter the laptop, the easier it will be to transport and use. Just make sure that you don’t sacrifice thickness and quality for weight, as the device will probably not last as long, if at all.
Video Card
Nowadays, people only play games on their computers. It might not be something that applies to everyone but is relevant for van life nonetheless. If you want to play a game, you must make sure that your laptop has a decent video card. That will allow it to run the game smoothly and without any issues. If you want to know more about what kind of video card you should be looking for, many online guides can help with comparing cards and finding one suitable for your needs.
What Your Laptop Needs To Have If You Are Going Van Life
When you are considering what to buy, make sure that you have the right laptop for the job. You will need a machine that has all of the correct specs. The processors, the RAM, and the graphics card need to provide an excellent level of performance. You will want to get all of the functionality that you could want from your van life adventure. It will ensure that you can get all of the information, entertainment, and communication options you need.
The first thing that you will want to consider when looking at a laptop is the screen size. The ideal size for your trip would be about 13″ to be able to use it on the road. You can sometimes use smaller laptops for short trips, but they might be too small for everything else.
You will need a laptop with a large RAM because keeping up with things while on the go can be significant. You will want to be able to do what you need to with the laptop at all times. It would be best to have plenty of space and a decent amount of RAM to get things done.
You can never have enough RAM, so you must get what you need. It will ensure that you can download everything that you need in a timely fashion. It is also vital that the RAM is fast enough so that your computer has as much power as possible without slowing down your system. When you are deciding on what to get, it is essential to look at the graphics card.
You will want a machine that will handle rendering the photos and videos you take from your travels. You do not want things like limited memory or slow processing speeds. When traveling and away from home, a USB-C port allows you to work and play seamlessly. A decent processor might be the most critical thing when purchasing your laptop. You don’t want to miss out on the experience that you are trying to have. You want to get what you need to make your trip and your adventures as smooth as possible.
Your laptop will need a power cord if it doesn’t charge from the battery. It is useful when traveling away from home because you never know when it will be available to charge your device. If you don’t keep it charged, you won’t use it for as long. Ensure that the battery is also decent, so you can still use it if you are off the grid.
It’s essential to consider various factors when deciding what hardware you might want to look for in a laptop. It can be overwhelming, but you will want something that has as many options as possible so you can do all the tasks you want to do while traveling.
Your laptop will need some necessary specifications if traveling in a van or RV when it comes down to it.
Which laptop is best for your van?
When it comes to laptops, the following are our top picks for van life.
Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga 460
The ThinkPad Yoga 460 can be used as both a laptop and tablet without any issue. It’s the best hybrid laptop that you can buy for ~$900.
Toshiba Satellite Radius 12
The clarity on the Satellite Radius 12 is stunning, and it’s perfect for those who want a large screen to work with inside their camper van. It’s also one of the powerful ultrabooks you can buy.
ASUS ZenBook UX305UA-AH54
If you’re looking for an ultra-portable device and one that won’t break your bank account, then the ASUS ZenBook UX305UA-AH54 should be your top choice. Although it’s not the fanciest one you can buy, it fits right into a van quite nicely and doesn’t cost much.
Alienware 17 R5
Are you looking for an aggressive gaming laptop? The Alienware 17 R5 is perfect for van life. It’s expensive at around $1,300, but it includes multiple upgrades such as an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card and a 1TB hard drive.
Dell Precision M3800
The Precision M3800 offers a Linux-ready machine that’s optimized for a professional work environment. It’s a powerful laptop priced around $1,000 and is best used by those who work from their computer.
Summary
As you can see, a laptop indeed can be one of the most versatile pieces of technology that you have. It offers so much freedom and so much potential for what you can do with it. It means that you can stay in your van or RV for as long as you want and do whatever you need to do. It is a must-have piece of technology, whether you are traveling on the road full time or just considering it.
Weight-wise, you can get a netbook which is even lighter than a laptop. It may not have as much space, but it will allow you to stay connected and keep working on your way. You won’t have to bring your laptop, and you can always plug it in at an outlet and and put on the table.
In either case, your laptop is going to offer you a wealth of benefits. Just make sure you get the right features that you need and fit the comfortable prices for you. You want something that will last as long as possible and take care of your needs as well.
If you’re looking for the most efficient van life tech, then these are your best bet. However, don’t limit yourself to just them! Go out there and explore what else the market has to offer. Creating the perfect setup is all up to you – we’re just here to give you a little push in the right direction. Consider the chance to get an idea of what works and what doesn’t before everyone else discovers this great way to live. Happy van life!