Most realtors use software such as MLS which is a database connecting brokers and their properties with an aim of bringing homebuyers and sellers together. Realtors into property management may also use TenantCloud which serves as a visual service for agents and buyers. We ask you to take into consideration software and other programs currently in use at your workplace, and identify possibilities for integrations or conflicts.  Many tech-savvy realtors prefer to use technology in various ways to streamline aspects of their workflow. If you are looking to do the same, we would recommend you to figure out the most time consuming aspects of your workflow and choose appropriate hardware to counteract those situations. For most real estate agents, 2 in 1 laptop devices are an excellent choice since they can either be used as a laptop or a tablet thus offering versatility. Pairing it with a Stylus Pen enables you to draft contracts and get them signed by your clients immediately, saving everyone time and money. 2 in 1 devices are ultra portable, usable in any work environment and convenient for running softwares such as Contactually, LionDesk and Microsoft Excel, even while you’re on the go! We have put together a list of three laptops to help you narrow down your purchasing decision in choosing the best laptop according to your needs. Check out the reviews, and choose the laptop that is best suited to your needs.

Microsoft Surface Go 2 Review

The latest entrant in the 2 in 1 devices category, the Microsoft Surface Go 2, is Microsoft’s most portable design yet. The device weighs 1.1lbs without the type cover, and comes with a 10.5 inch PixelSense display. With dimensions of 7.81 x 10.61 x 1.83 inches, it is perfect for real estate agents, especially while they’re on the move.  The device has three different modes: Laptop, Tablet and Studio, where-in the built-in kickstand can be adjusted to set a perfect viewing angle for you and your clients.  You can conveniently get the full laptop experience by pairing the Surface Go Signature Type Cover with your Surface Go 2. The compact and slick keyboard comes with a large trackpad and a completely backlit keyset, enabling you to work in different environments. It comes attached with the Intel Core M3 Processor along with amazing visual details of the Intel HD Graphics 615, making it up to 64% faster than its predecessor. With a maximum screen resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels, it delivers excellent visuals and performance. The Surface Go 2 comes with Windows 10 Home and 8GB of RAM, but you also have the option to get the lighter 4GB variant. It also includes a flash memory (hard drive) of 128 GB, while the cheaper version has a similar drive of 64GB. 1 Lithium ion battery with a capacity of 27Wh is also included. Although Microsoft states a battery life of 10 hours; with multi-tasking, heavy usage and high screen brightness you should get a battery life of about 5-6 hours. Which is pretty good for modern high performance machines. In terms of hardware, the Surface Go 2 has Wi-Fi capability of 802.11ax and Bluetooth connectivity. It comes with a Full-HD front facing camera which is 5 megapixels and shoots video in 1080p. As for accessories, the Surface Go 2 can be paired with other devices such as the Surface Pen and the Surface Mobile Mouse. However, they must be purchased separately.  The new Surface Pen is better in terms of sensitivity and speed, and functions without any lag. For example, It is great for small design renders, writing down agreements and getting signatures from clients. The Surface Mobile Mouse is light and portable, and it also offers dongle free Bluetooth Connectivity and is available in various colors. To conclude, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 packs a strong punch in terms of performance. Along with portability and versatility, the device has plenty of storage space, RAM and Flash Memory allowing you to multitask and run various CRM softwares suited for your real estate work. While the battery life of the Surface Go 2 is fair, it takes up to 3 hours for a complete charge however, you can use the device while it is plugged in. 

Lenovo Flex 5 Review

The Lenovo Flex 5 is a thin and stylish 2 in 1 laptop with a Full-HD 14 inch display weighing only 3.64lbs serving up to 250 nits of brightness. With a thickness of 0.82 inches and dimensions of 12.66 x 8.56 x 0.82 inches, it is extremely light and portable. With a maximum screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and the inclusion of a Stylus digital pen, it oozes creativity by blending performance and connectivity for real estate agents at an affordable price.  One of its specialities is the 360⁰ hinge, which allows you to work in various modes depending on what suits you and your client. The FLex 5 can be used in various modes such as the Laptop Mode, Tent Mode and Stand Mode. The machine runs the Windows 10 OS integrated with the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U mobile processor graphics, 16GB DDR4 RAM and a CPU speed of 2.1GHz. It has a whopping 256GB of SSD storage. This makes the Lenovo Flex 5 one of the most powerful 2 in 1 machines which outdoes all its rivals as this impressive configuration permits you to run heavy tasks and programs such as TenantCloud and Liondesk seamlessly.  Lenovo takes privacy and Security very seriously. Hence, with the 720p HD web camera situated about the screen of the Lenovo Flex 5, they added a physical shutter which keeps out unwanted attention. On the left side of the Flex 5, Lenovo has provided a power port, an HDMI 1.4B output, a 3.5mm jack audio port and a USB-C port. The USB-C port is a standard barrel charging port which can be used to charge the laptop as the package includes an AC adapter with a USB-C plug. Whereas on the right side, there are two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports which are a plus as it is a rarity on portable laptops. The right side also hosts a SD card reader and the power button. In terms of wireless connectivity, the Lenovo Flex 5 hosts 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. The speakers are 2 x 2W speakers with Dolby Audio which play high quality audio. On to the keyboard, the deck is rubberized and hence is of high quality and backlight adjustable, as per your preference and work environment. The trackpad adds a good balance too. With a battery of 52.5Wh, although Lenovo claims a battery life of 10 hours, depending on your usage you can easily expect it to last 5-6 hours. While plugged in, the battery takes approximately one hour to go from 0-80%. To conclude, the Lenovo Flex 5 is a power packed ultra-light and portable machine with amazing graphics. While the battery life is seemingly low, it charges at warp speed making it a convenient machine to use for real estate agents since they can use it absolutely anywhere. Though the brightness is dim the Flex 5 makes up for it with Dolby Audio speakers,  a USB-C port along with two USB 3.1 ports.