Are you a writer and confused about which laptop you should buy? Does shopping online and researching lead to even more questions? If yes, then you are at the right place. In this simple buying guide, we share with you the importance of finding the right laptop for a writer, why you need a laptop with a good processor, some tips and tricks to find the best laptop and the 9 best laptops for writers that you can consider buying with a list of their pros and cons.
By the end of this buying guide, you will be able to make an informed decision regarding the laptop you want for your needs.
How To Find The Best Laptops for Writers In The Market
Before we share the list of top 9 laptops for writers in the market, here are some important things to consider:
1. Weight
If you are a writer, a laptop would serve as your sacred diary, your study journal and your dependable notebook. You want it to be lightweight and rugged at the same time. It makes no sense to have a heavy laptop as it will defy the purpose of being able to carry it with you wherever you go. Therefore, consider the weight of the laptop before buying one. Ideally, buy a laptop that weighs less than 2 kg. If a laptop has the term ‘ultrabook’ attached to it, go for it because that would mean the laptop is light and power efficient.
2. Display
The display of a laptop is proportionate to the weight. For writers, any 13 inch and above model is considered ideal. If you buy a laptop with a smaller display, the keyboard will get crammed and any larger, the laptop’s weight will also increase. Furthermore, when it comes to the display resolution of the laptop, the higher, the better.
3. Keyboard
You want a comfortable and long-lasting keyboard to serve your writing needs. Even if you buy a compact laptop, make sure it has a full-sized keyboard, including all the keys for correction and easy navigation. A keyboard is also considered of good quality if it has clearly-defined symbols and letters. Moreover, you should have a good tactile feel when you use the keyboard for typing. Make sure that it is easy to press the keys with your fingertips as it will reduce the scope of making a typing error significantly.
4. Storage
Storage is another important consideration when buying a new laptop. You want a laptop offering a good amount of storage space so that you can store all your files in a hassle-free manner. Go for a model that offers a Solid-State Drive (SSD) rather than a typical hard drive because it will allow you to access all your files faster as well as boot your computer quicker. Opting for an SSD also helps in minimizing the weight of a laptop. Sometimes, there is also an upgrade option during a purchase.
5. Battery Life
It cannot be disputed that having a long battery life in a laptop is key if you live somewhere with long power cuts or are always on the go. Look for laptop models that have longer battery life so that even if you are traveling, you can work for hours without needing to charge your laptop.
6. Processor
A processor is the brain of any computer and you need it to be top-notch in order for a system to work flawlessly. Most writers can go with a basic processor. However, we need to take into account that research is a huge part of writing. Therefore, a laptop must be able to offer a pleasant internet browsing experience to its users. To achieve that, you can choose between two series of processors – AMD A4 and Intel Core i3.
7. Memory
Finally, no laptop is good enough without a decent memory. If you are thinking of buying a Windows laptop, you need a memory of at least 4 gigabytes for it to run smoothly and offer a good user experience. If you choose anything beyond that, even better!
Here are 9 Best Laptops For Writers
Following are the 9 best laptops for writers you can consider buying:
1. Apple MacBook Pro with M1 Chip
Apple is a giant in the gadget industry and its laptops are known to offer an unmatchable user experience. You can never go wrong with an Apple product. This New Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip is a great example of top-notch design and technology when it comes to laptops. Designed with the latest M1 chip of Apple, the all-new MacBook Pro offers improved GPU, CPU as well as machine learning performance to all its users. It has an acclaimed battery life of up to 20 hours (the longest that Mac has ever produced), which allows you to accomplish more without needing to charge the laptop frequently.
In addition to that, it boasts of an 8-core GPU which means you can enjoy graphics that are five times faster for graphics-intensive games and apps. The 8-core CPU also offers a 2.8 times faster performance so that you can complete your pending tasks quickly and smoothly without any hurdles. The 16-core neural engine of the laptop is a great addition for advanced jobs. With this laptop, you also get a unified memory of 8 GB so that all your tasks on the laptop are quick and fluid. For storage, you’re in luck as the laptop offers a super fast SSD storage to ensure that you can open files and launch apps instantly without any frustrating delays.
Pros:
- Impeccable storage space
- Super fast processor to ensure you do not have to deal with hang-ups or slow browsing
- An active cooling system for an incredible user performance
- Retina display of 13.3 inches with incredible image detail and 500 nits of brightness
- FaceTime HD camera that comes with an advanced image signal processor, so you can make sharper and clearer video calls
Cons:
- Some users might consider the price of this laptop a bit steep but if you can afford it and can consider it as a one-time investment, by all means, go for it. It is the best laptop in the market for writers.
2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is another amazing choice for writers. It comes in a sleek black color and is packed with all the right specifications and features that you could possibly want in a laptop. This is a full HD lightweight device with a 14-inch display. Most on-the-go professionals opt for this laptop, thanks to its incredible performance and good looks. With an 8 GB system memory and a 512 GB Solid-State Drive, you can rest assured that with this laptop, you will have all the storage and memory you need for your writing.
Another great thing about this laptop is its processor. The Lenovo ThinkPad has an Intel Quad-Core i5-8265U processor, which means that you do not have to worry about your laptop hanging on you while you are in the middle of that important presentation. It also has a 1.60 GHz clock speed and a 6 MB Intel Smart Cache. The laptop comes with the original, in-built Windows 10 Pro and has a number of ports to plug in your headphones, charge your smartphone and more.
Pros:
- Optimal display resolution and screen size for writers
- Amazing processor and storage space
- Lightweight and power efficient for professional who work on-the-go
- Impressive battery life
- Responsive keyboard that feels good while typing
Cons:
- The price is a bit steep and can be the deciding factor for some users
- Does not offer the provision of a touchscreen, so you might want to look elsewhere if you prefer a laptop with one
3. Samsung Galaxy Book Ion
Next on the list is the very powerful Samsung Galaxy Book Ion with a 13.3-inch display. It boasts of QLED display which makes it effortless to stream, experience and browse amazing detail with 100% color gamut. The display makes the screen look vibrant even if you are sitting in direct sunlight. The laptop has a powerhouse processor with the formidable Intel Core i7 (10th generation). The laptop also boasts of an extra long battery life of up to 22 hours, which means that you can stream, browse and work to your heart’s content without worrying about the battery dying on you anytime soon.
Another great feature of this laptop is its wireless powershare. Thanks to this, you can easily charge your other devices that are wireless compatible using the track-pad by keeping it right on top of it. Moreover, the laptop offers an elevated experience to users, so you can navigate and type comfortably at a smooth angle.
Pros:
- Offers Wi-Fi 6, which is three times faster than the previous Wi-Fi generation
- Built-in Windows 10 is ready-to-go with all the familiar programs
- Backed by the intelligent Windows Hello as an added security feature
- Several USB ports for your ease and use
- You can choose between two configurations – Windows Home and Windows PRO
Cons:
- It does not have a discrete graphics card. The laptop uses Intel graphics and does not have an Nvidia graphics card.
- The laptop is a bit on the expensive side and might cause a significant dent in your bank account.
4. ASUS ZenBook 14 Ultra-Slim Laptop
The ASUS ZenBook 14 in Pine Grey is another noteworthy laptop in this list. It has a display screen of 14 inches and a full HD resolution of 1920×1080. The NanoEdge bezel display is anti-glare in nature, which is another added bonus. The processor on this laptop is packed with power as it boasts of the latest Intel Core i7-1165G7 Quad Core processor of 11th generation. The laptop has fast memory and storage featuring 8GB LPDDR4X RAM with 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD. The built-in camera of this laptop is world class for facial recognition and you can sign in with Windows Hello for added security.
A NumberPad, backlit keyboard and ErgoLift hinge are some other noteworthy features of this laptop. The build quality of this laptop is incredible and it comes with an excellent battery life. The laptop is thin and lightweight, so you can use it on-the-go. The Hinge Lift on the screen is a cool feature that helps in cooling the laptop in case of overheating. Provides unrivaled versatility with HDMI, USB Type-A, Thunderbolt 3USB-C and a MicroSD Card Reader. The all-metal, ultralight design will be much-appreciated by you and it particularly suits professionals who do a lot of work while traveling. In addition to that, it supports fast charging, which is another cherry on the cake.
Pros:
- Excellent display and battery life
- Super fast processor
- Thunderbolt3 charging
- Comes with a protective pouch
- Sleek and good looking
Cons:
- No touchscreen
- The noise of the fan can become annoying after a while
5. Dell Inspiron
Dell is regarded as a premium brand when it comes to laptops. The Dell Inspiron 2-in-1 7391 model is a good laptop choice for a writer. It comes with the Windows 10 Home operating system and a screen size of 13.3 inches. The system memory is quite good at 8 GB and the SSD capacity is 512 GB with an additional 32 GB Optane. The laptop boasts of a 1.6 gigahertz Intel 8th Generation Core i7-10210U. So, you can stream, browse and type to your heart’s content without worrying about any hang-ups or hurdles in your work. It comes with Intel UHD Graphics and a full HD screen resolution of 1920×1080.
Another great thing about this laptop is that it comes with a 30-day trial version of Microsoft Office. The laptop has a natural finger-touch navigation, which allows users to make the most of their Windows 10 experience.
Pros:
- The presence of a Solid-State Drive helps in saving files quickly and storing more data
- The laptop has a 360-degree flip-and-fold design which provides users with versatility in different modes
- Inexpensive laptop if you don’t have an extravagant budget
- Starts quick and runs smoothly
- The design and function are quite good and writers can use it for their day-to-day work
- Both the touchpad and keyboard are quite responsive
- Easy to carry and work on-the-go for professionals who travel a lot
Cons:
- A bit heavier than the previous laptops on the list
- Irregular backlight in the keyboard
6. Microsoft Surface 3
This laptop from Microsoft is another amazing one that can help writers carry out their daily work with ease and skill. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 comes in 2 screen sizes – 13.5 inches and 15 inches, so you can choose the one you prefer. There are also 4 colors to choose from, i.e. Cobalt Blue, Platinum, Matte Black and Sandstone. This laptop from Microsoft has a clean and elegant design, making the the definite winner in the looks department. It is thin and lightweight with the starting model at just 2.79 pounds. This means that you can carry the laptop easily and work on-the-go.
Microsoft Surface 3 offers improved performance and speed to allow users to do what they want. Moreover, you enjoy the latest processor in this laptop, which is up to two times quicker than Microsoft Surface 2. You can also connect with external devices in more ways as Surface 3 comes with USB-A and USB-C ports to connect to displays, accessory charging and docking stations. Another great feature of this laptop is its battery life as it offers users a battery life of up to 11.5 hours.
Pros:
- Better connectivity than ever before
- Choose between two sizes as well as two elegant keyboard finishes
- Build quality is quite good
- The keyboard of this laptop is quite good and it will make the entire typing experience unmatchable for users
- It comes with Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Cons:
- The price can be a bit steep for some consumers.
7. Lenovo ThinkPad E595
The Lenovo ThinkPad E595 is another great find for writers. This laptop has a 15.6-inch screen and full HD resolution. This anti-glare, non-touch laptop is just what you need to accomplish all your written jobs in the near future. The laptop comes integrated with AMD Radeon Vega 8 Graphics and works on the AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Quad-Core Processor. With an 8 GB RAM and 256 Solid-State Drive Storage, you can rest assured that you will be able to open files and launch apps with effortless ease.
The laptop also offers a lot of connection ports so that you can connect external devices with ease. It includes a USB Type-A, (2.0), a USB 3.1 / 3.2 Gen 2 and two USB Type-A (3.1 / 3.2 Gen 1). It also has an HDMI port and a microSD card slot for the comfort of users. The laptop comes with in-built Windows 10 PRO and a 1-year warranty in case you come across any technical or hardware issues.
Pros:
- High-quality build and decent performance
- Sleek and light
- The keyboard is exceptional and makes for an effortless typing experience
- Fluid and smooth laptop that is easy to set up and comes with an easy-to-understand instruction manual
- Long battery life, which means that you will not have to keep charging it from time to time
Cons:
- Resolution and screen quality could be better
- Some users have complained of occasional freezing problems with the screen
8. ASUS VivoBook S13
ASUS is considered to be one of the best laptop brands in the market today and there is no reason why writers should not consider it as their next buy for their profession. The ASUS VivoBook S13 Thin and Light Laptop is everything it promises to be. You can choose from two screen sizes – 13.3 inches and 15.6 inches. The laptop also comes in three stunning colors for you to choose from so that you are spoilt for choice – Dreamy White, Indie Black and Transparent Silver. Moreover, it comes in-built with Windows 10 Home and a memory of 8 GB.
In addition to that, the Full HD NanoEdge bezel display is perfect for those movie nights as it comes with a stunning 88% ratio of screen-to-body. The processor in this laptop is Intel Core i5 – 1035G1, so you know that the laptop will be super fast and you’ll be able to launch apps quickly. The keyboard is ergonomically built with a convenient backlight and a fingerprint sensor that can be activated using Windows Hello so that you can enjoy added security at all times.
Pros:
- Comprehensive connections that include HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, USB 3.2 Type-C, USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 Type-A
- Textured metal chassis that looks sleek and elegant at the same time
- A revolutionary diamond-cut design so that users can open the lid with ease
- Color-blocking enter key
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that it is a bit challenging to get used to the screen touchpad of the laptop.
- The power switch is next to the DELETE key on the laptop which can sometimes result in a premature shutdown.
9. Acer Aspire A515-55-56VK
Last but definitely not the least is the Acer Aspire A515-55-56VK. If you are a writer and are looking for a solid and dependable laptop, this is the laptop to buy. Priced reasonably, this laptop comes packed with all the features you need to make you productive and efficient at work. The laptop runs on the Intel Core i5 – 1035G1 processor of 10th generation. With an 8 GB memory and a 256 GB SSD storage space, you will be able to save all your important documents safely and without any hassle.
Some other noteworthy features of the laptop include a backlit keyboard, HD Webcam, Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 and a Fingerprint Reader. The laptop also has a pretty good battery life of up to 8 hours. It comes in-built with Windows 10 Home and users can enjoy comprehensive connectivity, including HDCP Support and an HDMI Port.
Pros:
- Incredible sound and video quality
- Lightweight yet solid build
- Slim keyboard with all the necessary function keys for an easy typing experience
- You can even upgrade the system with the help of a skilled technician
- Good for light gaming or work-from-home depending on your needs
- Inexpensive laptop if you have a tight budget and you need a laptop only for your writing job
Cons:
- Not the most powerful as compared to other laptops on this list
Conclusion
The joy of being able to express yourself with mere words is unmatched, but it can be diluted by a poor laptop. If you are a writer, you will naturally have to type a number of assignments, the first order of the day is to choose a good laptop for yourself. You will need a laptop with not just a good keyboard but also a good processor so that it does not start hanging up shortly after you buy it.
These are the top 9 laptops that writers can consider buying for their professional needs.
We live in an age of technology and commercialization where new and improved processors are being introduced to the market every day. With so many choices in the online and offline world, despite your research, it can get rather confusing to find the right laptop to fit your needs. To add insult to injury, a laptop might have some amazing pros but a few cons, which might make it difficult for a user to decide if the pros make up for the few cons in a laptop.
Fortunately for you, we have done all the homework and come up with this list of the best 9 laptops for writers. This list contains laptops with different prices, so you can choose the one that falls within your budget and best meets the specifications you are looking for.
Happy shopping!