Notebooks can keep you in the picture

Truly, we live in the age of the Zoom meeting. It’s hard to quantify exactly how much the pandemic had to do with that. Obviously, Covid was a huge factor that spurred Zoom uptake, given that millions of us needed to find a way to still work together during lockdowns, when distancing requirements made it harder (or impossible) to inhabit the same space.

That said, video-call tech existed long before the pandemic; it just never became such a mainstay in the workplace (and culture at large) until the novel coronavirus turned up.

Either way, Zoom meetings appear to be something we’re stuck with now and, funnily enough, that makes the humble laptop more indispensable than ever.

Many desktop PCs don’t come with webcams; phones and tablets do, but they’re not always as suitable for meetings where people often need their hands free to multi-task.

By contrast, pretty much every notebook has a webcam built in. Yes, that upward-oriented, just-below-the-chin height might not be the most flattering vantage point, but in the age of the Zoom meeting, most of us are probably too busy to lose sleep over it.

What is it? Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 How much? From $1099

Pros: If you want a capable entry-level laptop, you could do a lot worse than the just-released Surface Laptop Go update. For your money, you get a 12.4in display powered by an 11th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU with a 128 GB SSD. Not a powerhouse, but a sleek, attractive laptop for light use.

Cons: With just 4GB RAM as standard, you’ll probably want to spring another $100 for the 8GB model. microsoft.com

What is it? Apple MacBook Air (M2) How much? From $1899

Pros: Apple wowed a lot of folks with its M1 chip in 2020, and now we’re seeing the first machines trickle out with the M2. The new Air sports a slick redesign, 13.6in Liquid Retina display, MagSafe charging and up to 20 hours of battery life.

Cons: Apple’s notebook range is a bit confusing at the moment, with a mix of old and new tech on offer at various price points. Do your research for the best deals. apple.com/au

What is it? LG gram (17in)

How much? From $3299

Pros: Notebooks might be the most convenient all-rounder PC, but there’s no denying their smaller, cramped screens are a considerable drawback. External monitors are the way to go when you’re at your desk, but they’re no help if you’re on the go. If that’s an issue, the comparatively huge expanse of a 17in display is a life-changer, and at just 1.35kg LG’s gram isn’t even heavy.

Cons: 17in notebooks always command a premium. lg.com/au