Laptops, desktops and tablets may share some common features – but in reality they’re worlds apart. Each empowers users in different ways, especially when it comes to hybrid work. That’s not to say that any one is inherently better than the other; simply that some are better for certain use cases than others.

Getting clear on the hybrid work advantages of each device type is the first step in helping make a seamless transition from home office to central office – and back.

Consult this device guide to decide for yourself which of the three is right for your specific situation.

Hybrid work: Laptops

Laptops are an all-in-one solution for those who want to work from anywhere: Monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers all in one portable package.

This portability makes them a natural fit for hybrid work. When you’re going back and forth between office and home, they’re an easy way to transport everything you need.

They’re also quick to boot up and energy efficient, with some laptops lasting all day on a single charge.

In terms of connectivity, they make it easy to pair external devices like hard drives, monitors and printers or to simply charge your phone. Giving a presentation? Connect to a larger display seamlessly, or just use your machine to take notes during one.

Though they’re growing exponentially more powerful with each release, some data heavy or workload-intense tasks may require additional power.

Hybrid work: Desktops

Using desktops for hybrid work may seem counterintuitive, but they can actually be quite useful.

Desktops have inherent features that laptops don’t, which is why it might be helpful to have one at home and the other in-office. For starters, desktop devices are highly customisable in a way some laptops aren’t. As your work – or technology at large – evolves, you can make changes like adding additional storage or RAM and upgrading to a more powerful graphics card to support more complex workflows or involved tasks. In a sense, they can more easily grow with you.

You also never have to worry about your desktop PCs running out of battery. So long as they’re plugged in, they’re always on.

For the most seamless desktop transition between work and home, make it a virtual one. VDI solutions allow end users to operate fully functional virtual desktops that mirror the desktop and its applications from any device, regardless of where you’re working. Secure, cost-effective and agile, they’re the ultimate tool for remote access.

Load your desktop up with the reimagined Windows 11, and you can amplify your hybrid work experience. Windows 11 is more streamlined and manageable than ever with a modernised user interface and thoughtful features to support work on the move. For example, new undock and re-dock features remember snap groups across your screens, so going back and forth never interrupts your flow of work.

Hybrid work: Tablets

While you might not be able to fully work from a tablet, they can certainly bridge the gap between laptop and desktop.

Some days, that might look like this: work from your desktop in-office, then take care of smaller tasks at home on your tablet. If you’re up against a big deadline, you can easily take your project anywhere without overcrowding your work bag.

They’re also great to use as e-readers, ideal for on the go tasks, made for taking notes inconspicuously and perfect for giving presentations. Have a business trip coming up? Break out your tablet when you’re travelling to maximise your time on the road.

Though many organisations may ultimately choose to invest in more than one device type, it’s important that anyone in the market for something new understands how each of these machines can support hybrid work. Choosing wisely can help ensure the transition back to the office is a smooth one, even if you’re only there part of the time.