The pen may have been mightier than the sword in the ’70s and ’80s when writers lugged heavy, thick scrolls and notes around. Now, keystrokes do the magic, and keyboards are our magic wands. That is why there is a constant demand for the best laptops for writers (on a budget).
Of course, your laptop is your best friend and companion if you write for a living. So, the aim is always to find a compatible one for you. For the most part, writers are focused on the keyboards. This is understandable since we are almost always jabbing away at those keys.
Finding a good laptop with compact and comfortable keys is a beautiful gift. Then there is performance, display, weight, portability, and good battery life.
While we know there is no perfect laptop for all writers because every writer prioritizes different features, we have discussed the 15 best laptops for writers. So you can go through the list and pick a laptop that meets your writing needs.
Table of contents
- #1. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
- #2. HP Envy 13
- #3. Google Pixelbook Go
- #4. Asus VivoBook 15
- #5. Acer Chromebook 314
- #6. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (9th Generation)
- #7. Surface Laptop 4
- #8. Huawei MateBook 14s
- #9. Dell XPS 13 (2020) 9310
- #10.HP Spectre x360 14-inch
- #11. Acer Swift 3
- #12. HP Elite Folio
- #13. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
- #14. HP Chromebook 14
- #15.Razer Book 13
- FAQs on the best laptops for writers
Best laptops for writers
#1. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core
Graphics: Integrated 7-core – 8-core
RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory
Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 Retina display
Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Our top recommendation for the best laptop for writing is the 2020 MacBook Air. Its remarkable battery life, thin and light design, and portability are its selling points as they make it ideal for carrying about. If you considered the previous Mac keyboards uncomfortable, these are now thankfully improved. The keyboard on the 2020 MacBook Air is a lot more solid and comfortable.
Apple’s most accessible MacBook, the M1 MacBook Air, also has a lot more power than you’ll require for only writing. So if you want to dabble in graphics design or video editing, you will not need a new laptop. The screen is pleasing to the eye if you have to work for extended periods, and the battery life is also an impressive feature.
#2. HP Envy 13
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i5-1135G7
GPU: Iris Xe
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256GB
Display: 13.3-inch, 1080p touchscreen
Size: 12.1 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
Weight: 2.9 pounds
There are a bunch of enticing characteristics, including a comfortable keyboard and a long-lasting battery in the HP Envy 13. According to a Laptop Mag battery test, the Envy 13 lasted 11 hours and 15 minutes with continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits. Every click on the keyboard gives a satisfying solid feeling thanks to the deep travel and evenly spaced keys.
The Core i5 CPU of the Envy 13 also offers respectable performance, enough to outperform several more costly versions with Core i7 processors. Additionally, the Envy 13 has a fast SSD performance, an affordable starting price, and a brilliant and colorful display. All perfect features to qualify as the best laptop for writers on a budget.
#3. Google Pixelbook Go
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core m3 – Intel Core i7
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 615
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Screen: 13.3-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) or 4K LCD touchscreen
Storage: 128GB – 256GB eMMC
While the Google Pixelbook Go may not be the best laptop, it is still one of the best Chromebooks in 2024. Beyond the impressive graphics, RAM, screen, and storage, it also offers a few positive attributes like its remarkable battery life of over 11 hours.
This should allow you to write for eight hours and still have reserved power for enjoying a good game. Additionally, it has a fantastic keyboard ideal for prolonged typing sessions and an amazing 1080p webcam that ensures you look your best when participating in video conferences with clients. The price could be fairer, but this is still one of the best laptops for writing.
#4. Asus VivoBook 15
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen size: 15.6-inch (1920×1080)
Weight: 4.3 lb (1.95 kg)
Memory: 4 or 8 GB (configurable to 16 GB)
Storage: configurable to 512 GB SSD
Processor: 3.6 GHz Quad-core AMD R Series, or Intel Core i3
The Asus VivoBook 15 is a bulkier, reasonably powerful, mid-priced laptop. It has a comfortable, full-size, backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad, and its 15.6-inch monitor offers a reasonable number of pixels. However, its size and battery life indicate it’s not the best choice if you prioritize portability.
This laptop offers a wide range of configurations and a good balance between power and affordability. Its larger size will make life easier on your eyes and wrists. The backlit keyboard is optional, making it ideal for writers.
#5. Acer Chromebook 314
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 1.1Ghz (dual-core)
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 600
RAM: 4GB
Screen: 14-inch LED; high definition 1366 x 768 pixels
Storage: 32GB
An Acer Chromebook is perhaps the best option if you’re looking for a cheap laptop for writing. Although they are less expensive than Windows laptops, they have longer battery life since they use less power. However, it would be best if you remembered that since Chromebooks run Chrome OS rather than Windows, you can’t use all the typical Windows apps.
The good thing is since Chrome OS has word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs, this is not a problem for writing. Plus, you no longer need to be connected to the internet to use a Chromebook, so you may work pretty much anywhere.
Then there is the aesthetically pleasing feature this 14-in Chromebook 314 offers and the comfortable keyboard, making it the solid choice of laptops for writers on a budget.
Read also: How To Update Zoom On Chromebook
#6. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (9th Generation)
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i5-10310U; Core i7-10610U
GPU: Intel UHD
RAM: 8GB; 16GB
Storage: 256GB; 512GB
Display: 14-inch, 1080p or 4K
Size: 12.7 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
The keyboard is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon’s secret weapon. The keys reward you with a tactile bump with each click as soon as you get used to it. They are generally quick and responsive.
Additionally, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon has an exceptional battery life, managing 15 hours and 39 minutes of operation at 1080p (web surfing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits).
Despite having an incredibly thin 0.6-inch chassis and weighing only 2.5 pounds, the X1 Carbon has passed 12 military-grade durability tests, proving that it can withstand extreme environments. So, this is the best laptop for writers who would be writing on the go, seeking quick performance, durability, a pleasant keyboard, and respectable battery life.
#7. Surface Laptop 4
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Up to Intel Core i7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
RAM: 8GB – 32GB
Screen: 13.5-inch PixelSense (2,256 x 1,504) touch
Storage: 256GB – 1TB
As writers, we understand the need for the portability of our laptops. So if this is a top priority for selecting your laptop, this Microsoft Surface is a fine option. It has a lovely screen, a comfy keyboard, and a super feel that adds to the luxurious typing experience.
Writers who frequently travel or prefer to work in coffee shops and freelancers will surely appreciate its slim and light design. This laptop is excellent for writing even with its too few ports.
#8. Huawei MateBook 14s
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: 11th-generation Intel Core i3 – i7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 8GB – 32GB
Screen: 13.3-inch diagonal BrightView LED FHD, 400 nits – 13.3-inch diagonal BrightView LED 4K UHD HDR-400 550 nits
Storage: up to 2TB SSD
Although the common widescreen aspect ratio for laptops is 16:9, which is fantastic for watching movies, the Huawei MateBook 14s offers more vertical space with a 3:2 aspect ratio, now perfect for writing.
The more horizontal orientation of 16:9 often demands scrolling up and down vertically oriented papers, which is not usually the most convenient arrangement. Now, with this perfect laptop for writing, you can view more text on the screen at the same time.
Besides the perfect viewing experience, the laptop is stylish and the screen is also excellent. The device’s performance is also rather outstanding, more than adequate for writing, and the keyboard is pleasant to use.
#9. Dell XPS 13 (2020) 9310
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7
GPU: Intel Iris Plus
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD
Display: 13.4-inch, 1080p
Size: 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 2.8 pounds
The Dell XPS 13 features are spectacular in almost every category. The keyboard has as much room as possible on the XPS 13’s deck. And thanks to its edge-to-edge design, the keys are even more prominent, and there is more than enough room for writers with larger hands. So, using the keyboard is often enjoyable and comfortable.
From a battery test, the battery life was going at 12 hours and 39 minutes (continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits). Its extended battery life is impressive given that it has 16GB RAM and Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor. This laptop is an absolute delight on all fronts, thanks to its dazzlingly bright display, loud and clear audio, and attractive aluminum design.
Read also: How To Update Zoom On Chromebook
#10.HP Spectre x360 14-inch
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: 11th-gen Intel Core i5 – i7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Screen: 13.5-inch WUXGA+ (1920 x 1280) IPS Touch – 13.5-inch 3K2K (3000 x 2000) OLED Touch
Storage: 512GB – 2TB
With the increasing demand for 14-inch laptops, HP’s Spectre x360 is now available. And just as the 13-inch model was in high demand and esteem, the 14-inch is no different, consistently earning a spot in the best laptops for writers on a budget. Except for a more significant real estate for the screen, this new model has the same alluring gem-cut design and performance.
It is a little more thanks to the Tiger Lake CPUs that power it. It is undoubtedly the best laptop for writers, journalists, and bloggers who need enough touch screen space while writing, researching, or fact-checking their next article.
#11. Acer Swift 3
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: up to Intel Core i7-8565U
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce MX150, Intel HD Graphics 620, or AMD Radeon Vega 8
RAM: 4GB – 8GB
Screen: 14-inch FHD (1,920 x 1,080) ComfyView IPS – 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080)
Storage: 128GB – 1 TB HDD, 16 GB Intel Optane Memory
The Acer Swift 3 is a good laptop with enough power for work and study once you look past its simple design. The Swift 3 is an affordable laptop (different from the other Acer model, Switch 3), yet it boasts a simple aluminum body and more powerful features.
This laptop is amazing to use thanks to its spacious trackpad and backlit keyboard, providing a comfortable typing experience. This is one of the best writing laptops available on a budget if you plan to write frequently, whether at work or on the go.
#12. HP Elite Folio
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen2
GPU: Qualcomm Adreno 690
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256GB
Display: 13.5-inch, 1920 x 1280-pixels
Size: 11.75 x 9.03 x 0.63 in
Weight: 2.9 pounds
The HP Elite Folio is the best laptop for writers who frequently travel with its extended battery life and small keyboard. Although the 13.5-inch frame may not be ideal for individuals with large hands, its modest weight guarantees you will effortlessly move around.
If you consider its battery life, then the focus on portability becomes even clearer. The Elite Folio delivered a staggering 16 hours and 21 minutes of endurance on the battery test, with continuous Web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness.
#13. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: MediaTek Helio P60T Processor
Graphics: ARM G72 MP3 800GHz
RAM: 4 GB LPDDR4X
Screen: 10.1” FHD (1920 x 1200) IPS, glossy, touchscreen, 400 nits
Storage: 64 GB eMMC
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an affordable laptop for taking notes from anywhere. It has a detachable keyboard, making it quite portable and affordable.
Its battery life is almost 22 hours, so you could travel with it to take quick notes for some hours every day without worrying about running out of power.
However, there are drawbacks, like the small and less than comfortable keyboards. So, you could use the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet to take notes quickly rather than typing up numerous pages of text.
#14. HP Chromebook 14
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Celeron N2840 – N2940
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
RAM: 2GB – 4GB
Screen: 14-inch, HD (1,366 x 768) BrightView
Storage: 16GB – 32GB eMMC
The HP Chromebook 14 is a fantastic option if you want the best laptop for writers on a budget. With the word processing software, it performs well and is very inexpensive. Plus, as a Chromebook, it works particularly well with Microsoft’s online Word software and Google Docs.
You can rest assured that you won’t experience eye strain or weariness when using this laptop to write because of the superb keyboard and the bright, lively screen. With the HP Chromebook 14, you will get a modest, durable, on-budget laptop for writing.
Read also: 10 Best College Student Laptop Discounts You Can Get
#15.Razer Book 13
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core 1165G7
GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 256GB M.2 PCIe SSD
Display: 13.4-inch, 1920 x 1200, 60Hz
Size: 11.6 x 7.8 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 3.1 pounds
The Razer Book 13 is a competent laptop for writers that shows off the company’s significant investment in productivity. Its keyboard is large enough for anyone with large hands to work effortlessly and provides that firm, gratifying feedback.
Additionally, it has one of the most extended battery life of any Razer laptop, lasting about 11 hours and 44 minutes. However, the Razer Book 13’s vibrant and clear display is where it truly shines. This can be a good option if you’re seeking a laptop that can blend work and fun.
FAQs on the best laptops for writers
The MacBook Pro is the best for writers (not on a budget). It features a comfortable keyboard, and is powerful enough to allow you to do just about anything, like listen to music, edit videos, play computer games, and more.
Yes, Chromebooks are the best laptops for writers on a budget. They are portable and ideal for writers who love to travel, work in coffee shops, libraries, etc.
You can write with any laptop as long as you have a word processor like Microsoft Word.
But to choose your best laptop for writing, you should consider your essential features and other uses for a computer.
Some key factors to consider the best laptop for writers include comfortable screens and keyboards, battery life, and portability. You may also prioritize a touch screen or writing pad, ample storage capacity, and port space. If you find a laptop that ticks all these boxes, you are Gucci!
Conclusion
There, you have it! – the 15 best laptops for writers in 2024. If the numerous options on the web were overwhelming, we have distilled the list to our top 15 choices, covering features from screen size to compact keyboards, long-lasting batteries, and lots more.
Browse our collection and find the best laptops for your writing career.
References
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