Looking for a new and improved, streamlined digital experience for all your writing and blogging needs? Look no further! From affordable options for struggling college students, to new and fancier equipment for tech-savvy creatives, there are so many different laptops for professional and amateur writers to choose from. Writing and blogging can take up a lot of time into making the perfect content, and writers might even spend hours in front of a screen to create the vision they pictured. Finding the best laptop for a writer can be extremely difficult.
Do you need a 2-in-1 laptop for all of your digital content needs? Or maybe a classic alternative that all the professionals have?
No more research needed here, we’ve got you covered:
Top 10 Best Laptops For Writers
1. Apple MacBook Air
[amazon box=”B0863D4XJW” description=” ” rating=”4.8″]
This classic Apple product comes with a high storage capacity and great battery life. It’s also easy to take on the go with its lightweight and extremely thin design. Likewise, this device garners a sleek and polished finish, making it easy to complete any type of work in style. Apple products are also equipped with custom video editing and graphic design tools if certain content needs to be enhanced. Lastly, the display is bright and colorful, making the process of working long hours much more enjoyable.
Specifications:
- 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Retina display with IPS technology; 2560-by-1600 native resolution at 227 pixels per inch with support for millions of colors, 16:10 aspect ratio
- 1.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i3, Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz, with 4MB L3 cache
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports with support for charging, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt (up to 40 Gbps), USB 3.1 Gen 2 (up to 10 Gbps)
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible. Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
- Weight: 2.8 pounds (1.25 kg); depth 8.36 inches (21.24 cm)
Sample Customer Review… I’ve had my MacBook for 4 months now and have not had a single problem. It is a little bit dirty, but that’s on my part because I need to buy cleaning stuff for it.
But overall the performance is amazing, it is still running fast and I absolutely love it. Buying this computer was the best thing I could have done, especially with being a college student. (It is worth it).
But if you want to play games on here and stuff… you will need to buy the pro and not the air.
The air is more for writing and doing different tasks related to that.
Overall, I am in love.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com
2. Google Pixelbook Go
[amazon box=”B07YMM4YC1″ description=” ” rating=”4.5″]
An affordable laptop (under $1,000), but just as useful and classic in design and performance. This laptop comes with 12 hours of battery life and is equipped with a quiet, backlit keyboard. Furthermore, this device is lightweight (just over 2 pounds) and easy to take when traveling. Likewise, the streamlined design makes it easy for writers to work at any point in the day.
Specifications:
- barely 2 lbs and 13 mm thin
- up to 12 hours of battery life
- 8th Gen Intel® Core™ Processor and Chrome OS
- The Titan™ C security chip and built-in antivirus software
- works with Google Pixel
- Up to 12 hours of use.
Sample Customer Review… Yes, Chromebooks have come a long way. For those of you who aren’t as tech-savvy and might be a bit confused as to which model to buy, who this is for, etc, let me tell you about how I use it. I am a writer. I run my own site and I am a contributor for other sites. This means I need to write and I don’t always have wifi. No worries, you can write docs and save them offline. This is the same with emails and other apps. You can save them and they will upload and send as soon as you have internet. So, you absolutely can use this without the internet. As I said, I run my own site, sometimes the code is off and I need to fix it. It is much easier to code on than using the keyboard on my phone. I also edit photos. Many Android photo editors work well on chrome os including Photoshop. You can edit photos without the internet as well. This also has a touchscreen so photo editing and app control are great. So, as a writer, website owner, coder, this works well. The Pixelbook Go is a great buy. It fits my needs, doesn’t slow down, is super fast, and stays updated with guaranteed support for 6.5 years after the release date. So, if you are a writer, blogger, website owner, coder, mild photo editor, or just want to watch media, etc; the M3 works very well. The memory should be plenty as well since it’s mainly for apps as you can store your photos and media in the Google cloud. I honestly can’t think of anything I dislike. It is sleek, attractive, and well built. The G Google placed instead of the chrome symbol is also a premium touch. I hope my review is helpful for clearing up any confusion. I am very satisfied with my purchase.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com
3. HP Elite Dragonfly
[amazon box=”B081RL1C27″ description=” ” rating=”4.5″]
A 2-in-1 laptop, the HP Elite Dragonfly is definitely a strong contender for different writers and bloggers. The multi-functionality of 2-in-1 laptops makes it easy to create all kinds of digital content. This laptop has powerful features while still pulling off a lightweight and sleek finish. Not only will writers be able to complete their work efficiently, but they will also be able to carry this device whenever they need it, making it one of the best laptops for writers to use.
Specifications:
- 13.3-inch Display
- 1280 x 800 Max Screen Resolution
- Windows 10 Pro
- Weight: 3.89 pounds
- Intel Core i5
- Computer Memory Size: 16 GB LPDDR3
Sample Customer Reviews…
“I’m super happy with this laptop. The battery life is excellent, the screen size is just right for me and it’s light. The display is gorgeous too and the keyboard feels great spacing-wise for typing (I have small hands). Haven’t had any issues with bugs or anything like that. I would highly recommend this laptop.”
“This laptop is everything I wanted! It’s very lightweight, which was really important to me. But also has all the capabilities and bells I was wanting! Highly recommend! You won’t be disappointed!”
Read more reviews at Amazon.com
4. HP Chromebook
[amazon box=”B01KWCIC8C” description=” ” rating=”4.4″]
This is probably the most affordable laptop on this list. The HP Chromebook may be questionably cheap, but it still outperforms many other laptops in terms of speed, battery life, storage capacity, and more. This little device can be used simply for the purpose of writing and creating digital content, thus making it an absolute steal and the perfect find for Journalists and Bloggers.
Specifications:
- 11.6-inch Display
- 1366×768 Max Screen Resolution
- Intel HD Graphics 400
- Weight: 2.51 pounds
- Intel Celeron N3060, 1.6GHz, dual-core Processor
- Up to 12.5 Hours Battery Life
- Chrome OS Operating System
- 1.6 GHz Memory Speed
Sample Customer Review… This is my first Chromebook and I absolutely love it. It’s perfect for all of the reasons I bought it. I was looking for a simple and portable device, which would provide me access to my email, documents, and the internet in general. The HP 11.6-inch Chromebook does all of that and more. Google docs, sheets, and slides allow me to view and work on my projects when I am not at my windows computer. Best of all, it starts up in about 10 seconds, shuts down in 2 seconds and its battery lasts a really long time. If you’re looking for a quick and simple device to meet all of your internet needs and you don’t mind the screen size, this Chromebook is definitely worth consideration.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
[amazon box=”B07YNJ53F2″ description=” ” rating=”4.4″]
The best choice for journalists in terms of 2-in-1 laptops, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 acts as a fully functional laptop and tablet for writers to get creative and finish their work in a timely manner. Also, this laptop weighs a mere 1.7 pounds, which means it is lightweight and easy to take with you when traveling. However, there aren’t a lot of multi-functional features with this device other than writing and creating digital content.
Specifications:
- 12.3” Touchscreen with pen input
- 10th Gen Intel Core i7, i5 and i3
- RAM: 16GB 8GB 4GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD 512GB SSD 256GB SSD 128GB SSD
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics (i7, i5) Intel UHD Graphics (i3)
- Windows 10 Home
- Up to 10.5 Hours Battery Life
Sample Customer Review… The portability and comfort of the tablet with the functionality of a full-fledged laptop. I bought a Surface 3 several years ago and now… I can’t go back. I love these things too much. It comes with me everywhere. If you’re wondering why to buy a Surface which is twice the price of a laptop, here’s why:
1. If you read a lot of pdfs or e-books there is no comparison.
Using the pen on pdfs, the ability to jot down notes in word or pictorial form, the ability to create links to other information that can later be clicked on: Unmatched anywhere else
Turn it sideways and it’s a full sheet of paper for writing and notetaking
I’ll be honest, I’m a gamer and this is my gaming buddy. I pull up ESO maps and One Note allows me to mark up the maps I find online to check off what I’ve accomplished, rearranged, plan, it’s incredible
2. Versatility
I watch a lot of movies and tv on my advice. It’s comfortable, easy to hold, just the right size screen, phenomenal graphics, and good sound
As previously stated, I read on my device
I am a student. I Word Process a lot.
I am an Excel nut. I spreadsheet like a crazy person. I attach a mouse and organize my life.
I spend a ton of time using video conferencing on this thing
3. Physical Perfection- It is not as light as a tablet, but for what it can do, totally worth the extra weight, which isn’t that much.
Just the right size screen which is touch and pen friendly.
Good battery life and easy and fast to charge.In my opinion, this is the perfect electronic device for my lifestyle.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com
6. Lenovo ThinkPad T490
[amazon box=”B087P7K41W” description=” ” rating=”4.4″]
A durable and long-lasting multifunctional option for Journalists with other hobbies and aspirations. The Lenovo Thinkpad has the ability to perform a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to writing and creating digital content. Equipped with 8GB of RAM, users are able to open a number of different sites and applications without any lag or other problems. Similarly, with its high definition 1920×1080 resolution, writers are able to work smoothly with stunning displays.
Specifications:
- Windows 10 Pro
- 14 inch 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) IPS display
- Intel Core i5-8265U (1.60 GHz, up to 3.90 GHz with Turbo Boost, 6 MB Cache, 4 Cores)
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Weight: 3.41 lbs
- Up to 15 Hours Battery Life
Sample Customer Review… I have used Lenovo ThinkPad’s for my day-to-day work and needed a solid reliable laptop for a family member and immediately thought about a Lenovo laptop for them for Christmas. I searched the available systems on the site and compared pricing to another supplier of the same model and specs and ended up buying directly from Lenovo. I added the Office 2013 perpetual license to the order and the 3yr local service warranty because I wanted to avoid having to ship it somewhere for repairs. Ordering was fast and easy and the laptop arrived within days and on time even during the chaos of 2020 Christmas time shipping nightmares. It took hardly any time to set up the laptop upon arrival for my family member and they love it. We had given her an HP pavilion a couple of years ago which was a horrible system and this time around we wanted something solid for them and this fit the bill. As I stated I have a Lenovo system, T460s, from work, and it’s still kicking butt even though it’s out of warranty (3yrs) and plan on using it until I’m told I need to upgrade because IT won’t support the system any longer.
Review from Lenovo.com
7. Acer Aspire E15
[amazon box=”B075FLBJV7″ description=” ” rating=”4.3″]
With SSD storage, this laptop is less likely to overheat and cause loud fan noises. Writers will be able to create the content they need without worrying about running out of storage, and other distractions. Furthermore, the high-level specifications on this laptop make for a streamlined writing and viewing experience. Creators can also experiment with graphic design and video editing to create the best possible content.
Specifications:
- 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor 1.6GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.4 GHz
- Windows 10 Home
- 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-backlit IPS display
- NVIDIA GeForce MX150 with 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM
- 8GB Dual Channel Memory, 256GB SSD
- 8X DVD Double-Layer Drive RW (M-DISC enabled)
- Secure Digital (SD) card reader
- Acer TrueHarmony
- 802.11ac WiFi featuring MU-MIMO technology (Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz)
- Bluetooth 4.1
- Gigabit Ethernet
- HD Webcam (1280 x 720) supporting High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- up to 15-hours Battery Life.
Sample Customer Review… I cannot express how satisfied I am with this purchase. I was hesitant to spend the amount I did on this but it has been a workhorse for a variety of purposes. Office products like Word and PowerPoint function easily and the keyboard size makes typing comfortable. Might I also mention the keyboard has backlights! The backlighting makes nighttime working without disturbing your bed partner much easier and there are options to turn it off or on as you desire. The only color is white, however. The screen is decent with what I consider a pretty standard 1080p resolution. I have one dead pixel since purchase but it isn’t really all that noticeable. I did add additional hard drive storage in the form of an SSD. DIY installation of said HDD was simple.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com
The Aspire does handle some games but does get pretty toasty processing the graphics so I would consider a laptop fan a must for any gaming. I have been able to run games like Civilization V, dead space 1 and 2, TABS, and crusader kings on various settings depending on the game and have not really had any issues once I had the graphics settings dialed in. Three USB ports are nice as well as the included SD card reader and one USB C port. For the 90s kids such as myself, it even has a CD/DVD reader. This computer had twice as much RAM as my prior computer so that was a nice bonus. I don’t really care that it isn’t a touch screen. Anyhow, I love this laptop and for the money, I think it’s a well-rounded portable computer solution. I am sure there is a comparable option that will perform to slightly higher processing and graphics standards, but this one suits me just fine.
8. HP Spectre x360
[amazon box=”B0773JVW5Z” description=” ” rating=”4.2″]
The HP Spectre x360 kills the game in its new and improved design, making it sleek and stylish. This laptop is not only great for work, but it also has the ability to conquer more than one task in one go. Additionally, the touchscreen display makes the device easy to use at any location. Whether you’re looking to work diligently at your desk, or at the comfort of your own bed, this laptop’s design makes it extremely versatile. Finally, the stunning backlit keyboard makes it easy and satisfying for writers to complete any task in no time.
Specifications:
- 12-inch standing screen display size
- Intel UHD Graphics 620
- 1 USB 2.0 Port + 1 USB 3.0 Port
- Up to 14 Hours Battery Life
- Windows 10 Home
- 1920 x 1080 Pixels
- 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8550U (1.8 GHz base frequency, up to 4 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology
- 13.3″ diagonal FHD IPS micro-edge WLED-backlit touch screen with Corning Gorilla Glass
Sample Customer Review… Trying to decide on a laptop is impossible these days. Most top-end ones like the HP Elites, Dell Xps, or Apple Macbooks are all pretty much in line with each other. I choose this one because it had everything I wanted at a reasonable price point and I am very happy with it. I love the look and feel of it. Very sturdy and has that feeling of a solid build. It works amazingly fast with the SSD and the screen is beautiful. The touch screen is great even though with any laptop, you don’t use it as much as you think. The included pen works awesome too. Overall, I am so happy I bought the HP. If you’re looking for a new top-end laptop, you will not be disappointed.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com
9. Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
[amazon box=”B07DMKND3Z” description=” ” rating=”4.2″]
The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is easy to carry around with its light and flexible design, making it easier for writers to complete their work while traveling. The keyboard is fully functional and excellent in both quality and design, which is an important feature for any worker reliant on their laptop devices. Finally, this laptop is equipped with top-notch graphics and processors, making displays and functions extremely pleasing to the eye.
Specifications:
- 13.3 in Full HD InfinityEdge touchscreen
- 1920 x 1080 resolution
- Intel Core i7-7Y75 4M cache with Turbo Boost Technology up to 3.60 GHz
- RAM: 8GB LPDDR3 1866 MHz
- Hard drive size: 256GB SSD
- Windows 10 Home, 64-bit
- 2-in-1 PC
- Intel HD Graphics 620 with the shared graphics memory
- Ports:1 Thunderbolt 3 (4 lanes of PCI Express Gen 3) with PowerShare, DC-In & DisplayPort 1 USB-C 3.1 with PowerShare, DC-In & DisplayPort Microphone input/Headphone output combo LAN (10/100/1000
- Up to 15 Hours Battery Life
Sample Customer Reviews… “This laptop is incredible. The seller listed it as like new and it really did seem that way. No wear and tear whatsoever. Highly recommend it if you want a good deal. Plus this XPS 13 is the greatest laptop I’ve ever owned. So smooth and fast. Perfect if you like taking handwritten notes with the dell active pen as well.”
“Great laptop. Small, light, powerful. Exceeds expectations and very happy about purchasing.”
Read more reviews at Amazon.com
10. ASUS ZenBook
[amazon box=”B01M18UZF5″ description=” ” rating=”4.1″]
This model is sleek and lightweight, making it a superior option for full-time writers and bloggers, and the final product on this list. Perfect for traveling and writing on the go, writers will find that this laptop makes the whole experience so much easier. Moreover, this laptop is known for its efficiency and long-term battery life.
Specifications:
- Intel Core i5-7200U 2.5GHz
- 8GB LPDDR3
- Intel HD
- 256GB SSD
- Windows 10 (64bit)
- HD Webcam
- Bluetooth 4..1
- includes adapter
- user manual
- warranty card
- 2x USB 3.0
- 1x USB3.1 Type C (Gen 1)
- 1x Headphone-out & Audio-in Combo Jack
- 1x Micro HDMI
Sample Customer Review… This computer is amazing! This computer is super thin and lightweight. It’s really fast with no problems at all. I travel a lot and this laptop has been a huge addition to me as it’s easy to transport and carry around. The battery life is really long so it makes using it anywhere, anytime really easy and simple. The only downside is that it only has a micro HDMI port, which means I’ve had to buy adapters for it so I can plug in regular size HDMI and VGA plugs (because it also doesn’t have a VGA port). Other than that the computer is fast and I just plain like to use it every day.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com
Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Purchasing a Laptop for a Writer
Different laptops are more suitable to the writing profession than others, and each writer has preferences in what they personally need in a laptop. Here is a guide to help you in your choice out of the many laptops for writers.
The Keyboard
It is a given that writers will use their laptop’s keyboard extensively. Avoid less durable keyboards in favor of those built to last, even if it means choosing a less desirable design. Keyboards which can’t handle intense daily typing will not make a good investment for a writer.
Backlit keyboards are a priority when looking for the best writing laptop. The versatility allows writing in low light and complete darkness- whenever that writer’s block happens to crumble, the laptop is capable of allowing your frenzied late-night bursts of creativity without disrupting your partner’s sleep routine.
The Screen
Writers might not need an intense professional screen display, but they do need one that is reliable. For writing and reading, look for laptops with clear displays that aren’t as draining on the eyes after many hours of staring at the screen.
Furthermore, if you tend to get headaches after writing for many hours, avoid compact laptops with smaller screens in favor of larger screens, even if they aren’t as portable.
The Weight
Writers tend to travel to coffee shops, libraries, and cafes when devoting time to their current manuscript.To find the most practical laptop for a writer, weight should be taken into high consideration. Lightweight, portable laptops tend to be favored by professional writers. Lighter options are less likely to strain their shoulders or back when writers tote their laptops across town. Even if the heavier laptops come with fancier bells and whistles, it won’t benefit a writer in the long run. Writers also travel often, and portable laptops are more manageable in this case.
The Longevity
Writers, authors, and journalists sustain their careers on their laptops. To them, buying a laptop is a long-term investment not to be taken lightly. Time should not limit the performance of the laptop, and minimal necessary maintenance is preferred.
A writer’s laptop should be reliable and have a high level of storage. Professional writers tend to use laptops daily for many hours straight, so performance is a very important factor. Highly durable yet lightweight laptops are key. They should be built with quality materials that won’t restrict portability with added weight.
Different software is more vulnerable to computer viruses, so make sure to research IOS v. Windows v. Chrome based on the level of research and storage needed in your writing. If a laptop has less quality anti-virus software, or limited storage, your files could be more vulnerable. To increase storage, iCloud and OneDrive can help with overflow.
The Battery
Writer’s need a laptop with a long and reliable battery life.
You don’t always have access to a power outlet when on the go, but need to be able to submit the latest version of your novel or article by your deadline. Laptops with a smaller battery life might be more affordable, but won’t benefit you in your career as a writer. Splurge on a laptop with a longer battery life.
The Price
Plenty of affordable laptops have long battery lives and plenty of storage. A quality laptop is a necessary investment for a writer, but shouldn’t drain their savings. Writers do not need high processing speeds that are necessary for photography, gaming, and programming. Laptops in the middle of the road work perfectly for browsing and writing.
Conclusion
Overall, the most reliable option to choose from here would have to be the Apple MacBook Air. It is a great and lightweight laptop to take with you to work anywhere you’d like. Its performance is unbeatable, and its ability to create endless amounts of digital content is extraordinary.
On the other hand, since MacBooks and other Apple products may not be as affordable as the other options listed here, it might be wiser to go for the cheaper alternatives. As you settle into a more comfortable economic lifestyle, it might finally be time for a much-needed upgrade.
As a writer working long hours creating content behind a screen, keeping updated with the best equipment possible is important. The best laptop for writers isn’t always going to be one set product, and not everyone is going to agree with our choices. New technology is constantly being released with streamlined designs that make doing work that much easier. It all starts with choosing the best possible device for you.
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By Chelsea Atmaja and Alexis Enderle