The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted how people use technology. Given that a lot of people have begun working from home to stay safe, the demand for new laptops has been increasing in retail stores and online. This has caused some models to sell out or have extended shipping times.

The rise in demand isn’t the only trend that’s apparent in the laptop world. When you go shopping for a new laptop in 2021, you can also expect these technology trends as manufacturers step up their game:

1. Laptops Will Feature 5G for On-the-Go Web Browsing

5G, a term used to describe the fifth generation of cellular mobile communications, enables mobile devices to reach internet speeds of up to 20 gigabits per second. Network operators across the globe are racing to deploy a 5G network to serve a rising number of devices connecting to mobile networks.

Mobile phones aren’t the only devices that will be exclusively using 5G, though. This 2021, laptops will embrace support for 5G cellular networks. Tech giant Samsung has confirmed that its Galaxy Book Flex 2 5G will have a 5G feature thanks to the arrival of the 11th generation Intel Tiger Lake processing chip.

You can look forward to more computer manufacturers following suit and embracing 5G. This means that users can surf the web even when their laptop is far away from the Wi-Fi router. This feature is incredibly handy for remote workers who don’t want to connect to suspicious public Wi-Fi networks. It’s also beneficial for digital nomads and everyday travelers.

2. Mini LED Technology Will Improve Laptop Monitors

On top of better connectivity, new laptops will feature improved screens. Mini LED panels are beginning to make their way into the laptop sector, providing deeper blacks and better contrast than a traditional LCD.

Mini LED laptops do have a caveat. When they enter the market, they will likely fetch a high price. After all, you’re paying for a high-quality screen. Don’t worry, though. Much like other new technologies, the mini LED display will trickle down to more affordable laptop models.

3. Poor Battery Life Will Become a Thing of the Past

You can finally say goodbye to shackling your laptop to a power socket all day. The newer models that will enter the market can run on battery for several hours.

Case in point: the three laptops released in 2020 that have far exceeded consumer expectations. These three models have battery runtimes that last more than eight hours:

• LG Gram 14 – When CNET tested the battery life of this lightweight 2-in-1 laptop, the model registered a runtime of approximately 16 hours.
• Asus ExpertBook B9450 – The streaming video battery runtime tests revealed that this model clocked in an impressive average of 16.5 hours.
• Samsung Galaxy Book Flex 15 – Apart from the laptop’s breathtaking appearance, the model impresses with a lengthy battery runtime of 15 hours.

4. The Dual-Screen Laptop Will Debut in 2021

The idea of a dual-screen laptop has been floating around for a while now. Microsoft introduced this concept when it unveiled the Surface Neo in 2019. The tech giant, unfortunately, ended up pushing the release date to 2021. The major reason for the postponement is Windows 10X, a new version of Windows built from the ground up for new computers.

The good news is that Windows 10X and the Surface Neo will debut sometime in 2021. This may finally be your year to get your hands on (or at least see) a laptop with a dual screen and a new operating system to boot.

These trends give laptop enthusiasts a glimpse of what’s to come in 2021. These innovations will push laptop manufacturers to step up their game and create a trend that consumers will love.