The 10 Best Laptops for Writers

Whether you’re a blogger, freelance writer, novel writer, or research writer. There’s one thing as important as having a giant vocabulary. Owning a lightweight laptop with a comfortable keyboard.

A laptop in this generation is a powerful and trustworthy partner for every writer.

In the US, at least 281,300 earn their livelihood as authors, writers, and editors. So, when it comes to tech it is important to have a reliable laptop. A machine that is portable, and gets the job done without breaking the bank.

For writers, the struggle to find a good computer to meet requirements is real. We have different requirements to deliver top-notch articles and assignments. Like designers and photographers, writers have specific needs when it comes to laptops. They don’t solely rely on Microsoft Word and a working keyboard. Writers need a beast processing unit as they simultaneously use many applications. To run all these without any lag, it becomes necessary to have a great laptop handy.

Quick Picks

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Top Laptops for Writers Reviews

#1 – Google Pixel Go

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The Google Pixel Go may not be the most powerful Google Chromebook. It still hoards enough horsepower to power all your writing projects. It boasts many features of the Pixelbook but comes without the expensive price tag. Before moving on to its specs, let’s look at its battery life. The laptop has a battery life of around 11 hours. This gives you enough juice to let you work for 10 hours straight. Even then you’re left with some battery to help you unwind with your favorite show.

The smooth keyboard is great for writers who work long hours. Your fingers glide across the keys to help you type articles with precision.

Besides the incredible keyboard, you get a webcam too. This comes especially handy when you are video conferencing with clients. It is a 1080p camera that makes you look sharp during all your video conferences.

Under the hood, you get an i7 processor to power your projects. The 13.3-inch laptop comes with a Full HD or 4K LCD touchscreen display. Overall, the Google Pixel Go is a device designed specifically for writers.

Pros

• Incredible battery life
• Comfortable keyboard
• Fast and powerful processor

Cons

• Not budget-friendly
• No biometric login

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#2 – HP Spectre x360 (2020)

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HP Spectre x360, the brand’s flagship model received yet another makeover in 2020. The fabulous laptop is now even more gorgeous thanks to the latest modifications. It comes with a stunning finish and a practical backlit keyboard.

However, its beautiful gem-cut exterior and superb looks are not all it has to offer. Powered by a 10th gen Intel i7 processor, the HP Spectre is among the fastest machines available. The laptop is great for multitasking and therefore it is tailor-made for writers.

The excellent keyboard design lets you type for hours on the go without fatiguing. To transfer files from different devices, you get multiple ports too. Its 2-in-1 touchscreen display makes it an idle choice for entertainment too.

In terms of performance, you get a super-fast processor with Intel Iris Plus Graphics. Moreover, its battery lasts up to 12 hours giving you the absolute freedom to work anywhere. 

Pros

• Backlit keyboard perfect for working in dark conditions
• 12-hours impressive battery life
• The sleek design turns heads wherever you go
• Ultra-portability, just as you need

Cons

• Expensive
• Can run hot at times

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#3 – ASUS Chromebook Flip C434

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For writers tight on budget, the ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is the ultimate option. You get impeccable specs and a sleek laptop for a very reasonable price. Even with the low price, ASUS left no stone unturned in manufacturing this product. For its aluminum chassis and stunning design, they have taken inspiration from the Apple MacBook Air (also in our list!). The 14-inch NanoEdge display paired with the 100% SRGB color gamut takes things up a notch.

What makes it a great Chromebook for writers is the Ergo Lift hinge. It angles the keyboard towards you, elevating the writing experience. The 360-degree hinge, on the other hand, makes it easy to use as a tablet.

Under the hood, the base version features an m3 processor. But you do get the option to upgrade to an i5 processor. With that, it boasts a 4GB RAM and up to 128GB EMMC storage.

The keyboard is one of the best with a 1.4mm travel delivering nice tactile feedback. If that wasn’t enough, the keyboard is completely backlit. The keyboard combined with the ErgoLift hinge makes this laptop perfect for writing. 

Coming to the battery life, ASUS claims it to be at least 10-hours. Moreover, the Chromebook features a USB-C port for charging. So, if you have a phone that uses the same port it’s a win-win.

Pros

• Affordably priced
• Backlit keyboard with a satisfactory 1.4mm key travel
• Lightweight and easy to use

Cons

• Does not feature many premium features
• Mediocre internals

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#4 – Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 Laptop

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If you’re a fan of futuristic designs, the Dell XPS is for you. This phenomenal laptop is a revolutionary addition to Dell’s Ultrabook series. Dell XPS paved the way for the design and quality standards of the present Ultrabook.

Adding to the sleek futuristic design, you also get powerful configurations. This ergonomically built laptop provides seamless computing abilities on the go.

As for the keyboard, it is a short-stroke chiclet style with great tactile feedback. The pressure-sensitive keys ensure a faster typing speed. This is of utmost importance to writers as it allows them to get things done faster. And the more they write, the more they can earn. Additionally, the palm rest area has a soft touch finish providing maximum comfort. What’s more, is it comes with a brightness-adjustable backlit feature.

Under the hood, you get a beast 10th Gen i5 processor. The speed paired with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage offers great performance.

Pros

• Adjustable brightness backlit keyboard
• Futuristic and sleek design
• Extremely comfortable palm rest area

Cons

• Poor port selection
• Average battery life

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#5 – Lenovo ThinkPad E15

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Owning a laptop from Lenovo’s ThinkPad series is a writer’s dream. However, their premium features and stylish looks cost a fortune deeming them unaffordable.

But with the ThinkPad E15, you can get your hands on one of the best laptops for writers without breaking the bank.

From a writer’s perspective, this laptop offers comfort along with many impressive features. It comes with ThinkPad’s award-winning keyboard with clicky keys and no flex. The key spacing is extremely comfortable and enhances the typing experience. The curved keys cradling your fingers elevates this experience. You can get the optional backlit keyboard to enhance it further but that costs extra.

For writers, the most redeeming feature of a laptop is its battery life. In ThinkPad E15’s case, you get a staggering 12-hour continuous usage battery life. The 15.6-inch screen size is bigger than most contenders on this list.

As for the specs, the base model features a 10th Gen Intel Core i3 processor. With that, you get 4GB DDR4 RAM and 500GB HDD. Granted they’re not the most impressive specs, but for writing purposes, they get the job done. For multitasking, we recommend upgrading the RAM to at least 8GB if your budget permits.

Pros

• Comfortable keyboard with curved keys
• Impressive battery life
• 15.6-inch full HD display

Cons

• Unimpressive under the hood specs

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#6 – ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop

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An undeniably powerful combination of power and ergonomics works amazingly for this laptop. The ZenBook 13 laptop boasts a solid construction with a brushed aluminum finish. Its design is very much like the MacBook Air that sets the bar for elegant design on laptops. With that said, the ZenBook 13 follows closely behind.  

Moving to the keyboard layout, you’ll find no oddities needing extra effort to press the keys. It offers a spacious layout with backlit keys with curved bottoms for comfort. The ASUS ZenBook 13 laptop provides a premium typing experience.

The laptop runs on the latest Windows 10 powered by an i5 processor. This makes it compatible with most applications that you’ll need on a Windows device. Furthermore, you get 8GB of RAM and a massive 512GB SSD storage.

Overall, the ASUS ZenBook 13 is a great tool for wiring novels, books, or reports for any writer.

Pros

• Incredible storage
• Easily accessible backlit keyboard
• The design resembles the MacBook Air
• Amazing battery backup

Cons

• May heat up at times

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#7 – Apple MacBook Air (2020)

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For all the MacOS lovers, this is what you’ve been waiting for. The Apple MacBook Air, one of the most premium and exquisite laptops you can own.

You’re probably wondering why it’s in the seventh spot on our list. If it’s so good, it should be further up the list.

You’re right, but we have a good reason. The MacBook Air is sleek and boasts several cool features, there’s no denying that. However, it is merrily accompanied by a very hefty price tag. The laptop is superb, but our only concern is its cost.

Even so, we couldn’t keep it off the list. It is undeniably one of the coolest laptops. The only catch is whether you can afford it. If you can, go for it.

It comes with a metal chassis forming a minimalistic exterior. What makes it stand out is its battery life. With the MacBook Air, you get the power of a day when fully charged. The laptop can keep you working for at least 10 continuous hours.

The previous iterations featured a mushy keyboard, but the 2020 variant is different. Apple switched from Butterfly keys to the scissor keys to form its “Magic Keyboard”.

Pros

• Great build and design
• Revised keyboard for smooth typing
• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Expensive

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#8 – Acer Swift 3

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Impressed by the Dell XPS 13 but don’t have the budget for it?

Then we suggest the Acer Swift 3, an ultralight affordable notebook. It costs half as much as the Dell XPS but performs just as good. But with the lower price, you may have to compromise on some features.

Coming to the keyboard, you get a clicky chiclet-style keyboard with backlit keys. The keys are well spaced out and offer a comfortable typing experience. As a bonus, users also get a Windows Hello enabled fingerprint reader with a big trackpad.

Its appearance can easily give you the impression of a premium laptop. The 82% screen to body ratio and metallic finish lends it a modern look. Even with an all-metal body, it weighs only 2.6lbs. With 11-hours of battery backup, you can leave all your worries and the charger at home.

To sum it up, the Acer Swift 3 is a complete package for writers who work long shifts.

Pros

• Impressive specs
• Easy on the pocket
• Visually appealing
• Incredible battery life

Cons

• Missing some important features

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#9 – HP Envy 13t

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The HP Envy 13t is a new generation laptop featuring incredible features. It is not only good looking but boasts many practical and impressive specs.

The 2020 model is thinner and better than the previous versions with the best screen to body ratio. It weighs only 2.8lbs but is a complete powerhouse. It boasts an impressive i7 quad-core processor with 8GB of RAM 256GB of SSD. Thanks to that the HP Envy 13t carries enough juice to perform the most intensive writing tasks. Apart from internals, you get a 13-inch full HD display that is easy on the eyes.

The Envy 13 offers one of the most comfortable keyboards in this list. It is well spaced out with bright backlit keys to provide a decent typing experience. Additionally, the keyboard deck raises a few millimeters when you open the lid. This elevates the experience by providing it with the perfect ergonomics.

The HP Envy 13t is a great laptop for writers who write long content with lots of images. Autobiographies, novels, or books that need a lot of typing are easy to write on this marvelous laptop.

Pros

• Beautiful 13-inch display
• Perfectly executed ergonomic keyboard
• Lightweight and portable
• Amazing looks

Cons

• No Thunderbolt 3
• 4K model has a short battery life

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#10 – Microsoft Surface 3 Laptop

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If budget is not your primary concern, the Microsoft Surface 3 is a one-time investment. If you liked the Surface Pro 3, then this laptop is just for you. It packs similar designs and features in a slightly smaller body.

This notebook is available in two sizes-13-inches and 15-inches. However, the keyboard size on both models is the same. So, we suggest getting the 13-inch variant to ensure maximum comfort and portability.

You get a solid no flex keyboard with a snappy 1.3mm of key travel. Moreover, you can also select from two deck finishes-metal or Alcantara. The Alcantara finish offers a high-end artificial leather platform for extreme comfort. It provides an excellent platform to rest your hands on for longer periods. 

About specs, the range begins with an i5 processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD storage. There is an upgraded variant, but for writing these specs seemed more than enough to us.

Pros

• Multiple screen sizes available
• Robust aluminum construction
• Snappy no flex keyboard
• Two deck finishes-metal and Alcantara

Cons

• Hefty price tag

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Buying Guide

There are thousands of laptops available in the market to choose from. Besides the budget, there aren’t many factors people consider when buying one. But would a budget laptop suit your needs as a writer? Not quite.

If you can’t open up multiple programs together, you will need more time to get the job done. If your OS doesn’t support the different tools, you won’t be able to work as you need.

Here are five things for you to consider when buying a laptop as a writer.

Screen Size

A small screen ensures portability. But it also means you get little space to work in. For writers, it is important to be able to see the content. So, we suggest not settling for a machine with a screen size below 13-inches.

Get a lightweight 13 to 15-inch laptop for portability and easy usage.

Screen Resolution

In this technical era, there’s no reason to settle for a resolution less than full HD or 1080p. Having more pixels lets you read pages with ease and is great when stacking two windows side by side. This is a great feature when multitasking on your laptop.

Operating System

Windows is the most versatile and practical operating system at present. Most writers use Microsoft Word or Excel for their projects. It only makes sense to get a machine with that OS in-built.

However, if you use the Mac OS interface, pick a laptop from the Apple ecosystem. Chromebooks on the other hand feature a different OS, the ChromeOS. It has a little less functionality than Windows and Mac OS but works just as well for writers. MS Word runs on both Mac OS and Windows, so you won’t have a worry about missing out on your favorite word software.

Keep in mind though that many programs that runs on Windows may not run on Mac OS. You need to look at your job to check if you need any such Wndows-based programs. There is a workaround, as you can always install Windows even on Macbooks, but that takes a bit of time.

Battery Life

Most of us have access to a power outlet when working. Even so, getting a laptop with at least 8 hours of battery life is a smart choice. This is especially important if you travel a lot or in case of an emergency. Having a good battery backup can be extremely important in urgent situations.

Keyboard

For the keyboard, there are only two things to look for-snappy and responsive. For writers, wrong keyboard layouts can deteriorate the writing experience significantly. Ensure there is enough space between keys and the keyboard is backlit. You might also want to get hold of a backlit keyboard – important for typing in low light conditions.  

Power

Now, you may have different things to do except writing. For instance, it could be designing an infographic, working on that WordPress site or creating an illustration. You may also want to be able to use speech dictation software like Dragon Professional to help write quicker. For these, you need a laptop that packs in at least some bit of juice. Take a look at the RAM on offer – you need at least 8 GB to get going. You will also need a graphics card if you are looking at designing.

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Frequently Asked Questions — FAQs

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Conclusion

Being a writer is a challenging profession. You must be creative, and artist, and a researcher, all at once. One mistake and the entire article could lose meaning. For this, it is important to own a laptop that meets our needs. A comfortable machine that lets us type non-stop without fatiguing.

When buying a laptop, writers must consider five main factors:

• Screen Size
• Screen Resolution
• OS
• Battery Life
• Keyboard

Based on these, and, of course, your budget, you can pick the best laptop for writing by yourself!

Sources:

• Clippingsme Editors’ Picks
• Why Every Writer Needs a Writer’s Notebook
• Best Writing Apps and Software
• TheTechMag’s Video: TOP 6: Best Laptops for Writers
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• Best Gaming Laptop Under $1500
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• Best Laptops For Computer Science