Best Laptop for Writers in 2020: Full Buyer’s Guide & Review


Gone are the days of inking down your articles onto a pad.

Even the most stubborn of writers (myself included) have had to forfeit to the fast-moving technology that’s now available.

Although the romantic ideal of carrying a journal sounds great, it’s not always practical. Plus, it is awesome to be able to travel around with all of our work in a compact, lightweight and innovative machine.

Here I list the ultimate laptops for writers, you can find one that suits your budget, writing style and overall requirements. Finding the best laptop for writers isn’t always easy and that’s why I have conducted this essential guide, find the best budget laptop, overall best and the laptop that I personally use.

Best Laptops for Writers

LaptopProcessor/RAM/Storage
1. MacBook Pro w/ Touchbari5 / 8GB / 256GB
2. Microsoft SurfaceIntel Pentium 4415Y Gold / 4GB / 64GB
3. Samsung ChromebookCeleron / 2GB / 16GB
4. Lenovo ThinkPadIntel Core i5 / 16GB / 512GB
5. HP SpectreIntel i7 / 16GB / 1TB

Best Cheap Laptop for Writers

Before delving into the unrivalled laptops for those honing their craft from the screen, first we take a look at the affordable models.

Here are two affordable laptops for writers, the Samsung Chromebook 3 and Microsoft Surface. The disparity between the prices of these two is huge, but read on and see why I believe you get a lot of laptop for your money.

Samsung Chromebook 3

Maybe I’m a confused individual, but I actually appreciate both Samsung and Apple (cue the dismay). I own a Samsung smartphone and an Apple Macbook.

Although I don’t believe the Samsung Chromebook matches the Macbook, it is irrelevant as they are in a different ball-park. This choice is a cheap laptop that is ideal for writers that are starting out and aren’t worried about using MS Word.

It is a version of a tablet in many ways- offering Google Docs as the prime files and you’ll need internet connection to make the most of the device.

In terms of price, it cannot be beaten- available on deal at the minute for under £110 ($136).

If you are searching for a writer’s laptop for around £100, you have found your new addition.

Cheapest on the list, yet it runs smooth.

Click here to find out more details on the Samsung Chromebook 3.

Reasons to Buy

  • It is super-cheap
  • Stylish design
  • Reliable brand
  • Next Day Delivery
  • Easy for beginners to use
  • Can be used in conjunction with Google Docs

Reasons to Avoid

  • Limited functionality
  • Can’t use Word
  • Limited memory

Specifications

  • 7-hour battery life
  • Weight: 1.1kg
  • Screen: 11.6 Inches
  • RAM Size: 2GB
  • Hard Drive Size:16GB

Microsoft Surface

Is cheap, fast and doubles up as a tablet.

Looking for a writer’s laptop for under £500?

The Microsoft Surface is a gem for those starting out. If you have started writing on the side or for fun, then the Surface is ideal. It can double up as a laptop and tablet.

The sleek machine, is the lightest surface yet and it still manages to project from a 10” screen display.

You’ll get use out of this invention, as it can be used for everyday tasks and is a lot of fun.

It is brilliant to use for a portable writing machine, as it boasts 9-hour’s of battery life when unplugged. With that said, we found that to be slightly inaccurate for our usage. When trialling it lasted for just over seven-hours but we did have the Internet connected in the background.

Out of the two affordable options, we’d go with this one. It is significantly more expensive but it will last for years to come.

Click here to find out more details on the Microsoft Surface.

Reasons to Buy

  • Available for under £500 ($625)
  • Delivery with Prime
  • It’s Microsoft
  • Simple to use
  • It is compact and portable
  • Doubles up as a tablet
  • Windows 10
  • Super-lightweight

Reasons to Avoid

  • Great as a tablet, but keyboard needs to be bought additionally
  • Limited memory

Specifications

  • 9-hour battery life
  • Weight: 0.56kg
  • Screen: 10 Inches
  • RAM Size: 4GB
  • Hard Drive Size: 64GB

Best Laptop Keyboard for Writers

For some, the keyboard is the last thing on their mind but it goes without saying that it is an imperative tool for writers in this day and age.

You can always add an external laptop to connect to your laptop but we take a look at laptops that already have everything that you need.

Often, writers like myself, ask for the following features:

  • Ergonomic- It needs to feel right and provide efficiency, you don’t want a huge keyboard but you don’t want tiny buttons. My fat fingers would end hitting two keys at once.
  • Feedback- What I mine by this, is that you can feel feedback when you type. Some of the modern laptops have forgotten this. We want to know we are typing, we want to hear a slight crunch and know we have hit the buttons.
  • Responsive- As much as it is nice to feel the button, we want it to react. We don’t want a keyboard that includes a hammer, to press down the keys.
  • Durable- For a laptop to last writers, it needs to be solid. Designed to last, because we write thousands of words a day.

Take a look at my top pick.

HP Spectre

Best keyboard and is an overall bespoke laptop.

Best laptop keyboard for writers, has to be the one on the HP Spectre. It has many other intriguing facets and the innovative design is mesmerising.

Whether you know much about computers or not, one look at this and you’ll be certain that it is one of the best on the market.

HP have always provided great laptops for writers. In-fact, a number of journalism offices and newspaper industries would often buy in HP laptops for their staff. When I worked in Birmingham Mail years ago, their choice was HP.

Things have changed in recent times, but regardless, HP still specialise for writers. They have a fantastic keyboard on this laptop.

As well as a full-size keyboard, it ultra-lightweight and it is portable. If you are low on battery then power it down and charge to 50-percent within 30-minutes, ensuring you waste no time.

Click here to find out more details on the HP Spectre.

Reasons to Buy

  • Innovative Design
  • Fast Charge
  • Prime Delivery Available
  • World’s Longest Battery Life
  • Touch Screen Option
  • Fingerprint Reader
  • Security Switch (prevent camera hacking)
  • Windows 10
  • Super-lightweight

Reasons to Avoid

  • Great as a tablet, but keyboard needs to be bought additionally
  • Limited memory

Specifications

  • 14.3-hour battery life
  • Weight: 1.33kg
  • Screen: 10 Inches
  • RAM Size: 8GB
  • SSD: 256GB
  • Full HD Webcam

Best Laptop for Writers

Let’s get into the nuts and crannies and look at the best overall laptop.

What is the best Apple laptop for writers?

For me, it has to be the Macbook Pro. Initially I was unimpressed with the new keyboard and gimmicky touchbar. But I have to say, I absolutely love the innovation of this Macbook.

I had the classic Macbook Pro and I knew I had to keep faith, but I will let you in on a secret, I already had lots to moan about before buying it.

Despite this, I love my purchase and highly recommend the Macbook Pro 13-Inch with Touch Bar to everybody!

1.     Apple Macbook Pro 13”- with Touchbar

Best laptop for writers in 2020.

I opted for the touchbar, not because I felt it added much importance, but it is the model that comes with the faster processor amongst other features.

The keyboard takes some adjustments if you are used to an older model but once you get used to it, it is responsive, simple to use and the touch bar is an elegant added design.

It is super-fast, reliable and can be used for a lot more than just writing. I had the previous Macbook Pro for over six years and I very rarely had a day off it if I’m honest, which for me is actually a little embarrassing.

A little tip, try to avoid the i9, it is too fast for its casing. The laptop overheats as the over-performing intel needs more innovation before being put on the market. That is why we have recommended the i5 or i7 below.

Click here to find out more details on the Apple Macbook Pro.

Reasons to Buy

  • Beautiful and Elegant
  • Comes with Touch Bar
  • Lots of Memory
  • Super-Fast
  • Up to 10-hours Battery Life
  • Fingerprint Reader on Touch Bar
  • Own Security System
  • Ultra fast SSD
  • Thunderbolt/USB-C ports

Reasons to Avoid

  • Doesn’t have old ports, need adapter
  • Touch bar easy to knock for first week when typing

Specifications

  • 10-hour battery life
  • Weight: 1.37kg
  • Screen: 13.3 Inches
  • 2.3Ghz quad core intel processor i5
  • HD Webcam

2.     Lenovo Thinkpad

A close second, great for all projects.

The Lenovo brand is getting a lot of recognition in recent times and I never really understood that. I think it’s down to the great budget laptops that they provide but generally they are slower than what you’re led to believe.

After testing out the Thinkpad though, I was made to eat my words. This Thinkpad laptop is a great all-rounder and if you are a Windows lover then this is your best bet. It is available at a great price and is simple to utilise.

This is for the professional, a writer with an entrepreneur mindset. Boasting many facets including Windows Pro, which is simple to use yet brandishes a range of great features.

Charges fast, durable keyboard and it’s robust for travel.

Click here to find out more details on the Lenovo Thinkpad.

Reasons to Buy

  • Under the bonnet specifications
  • Fast intel processor
  • Memory storage
  • Super-Fast
  • Long battery life
  • Charges fast
  • Huge display at 15”

Reasons to Avoid

  • Heavier than other choices
  • Costs over £1,000 ($1,200)

Specifications

  • 11-hour battery life
  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Weight: 2.12kg
  • Intel i7
  • 16GB RAM
  • 512GB SSD

3.     Apple Macbook Air

For Apple lovers, yet still on a budget.

Want an Apple Macbook without the ridiculous expense?

Often as consumers, we bite off more than we can chew. Not every writer that goes for the Pro will use even close to its capacity.

If you are simply writing, then why not check out the Macbook Air?

It is available for under £800 and is a great alternative to their other models.

Also equipped with an i5 processor, it is responsive and made to last for a long time ahead. It’s a great way to get used to the trackpad and everything else that Apple offer.

As a writer, it can be great to use all of the trackpad signals and other features. That’s because we usually need more than one page loaded at once, even though I’d encourage you to plug into a monitor and extend the desktop, it is also great to slide from one page to another.

Check out information on browser then effortlessly swoop back to your MS Word document.

Whatever type of writer you are, you’ll love this edition. That’s coming from somebody who used to be sceptical of Apple. There’s no arguing their greatness today, even if their constant changes to the ports do drive me mad.

Click here to find out more details on the Apple MacBook Air.

Reasons to Buy

  • Beautiful and Elegant
  • Comes with Touch Bar
  • Lots of Memory
  • Lightweight
  • Super-Fast
  • Up to 12-hours Battery Life
  • Own Virus Defence
  • Ultra fast SSD
  • Thunderbolt/USB-C ports

Reasons to Avoid

  • Doesn’t have old ports, need adapter
  • There are better Apple Macbooks

Specifications

  • 12-hour battery life
  • Weight: 1.35kg
  • Screen: 13.3 Inches
  • 1.8Ghz quad core intel processor i5
  • HD Webcam

Verdict

We all have our own preference when it comes to laptops and sometimes it’s a case of upgrading our setup with a monitor, portable keyboard or other additions.

For me it’s a no-brainer- Apple boast the best laptops, full-stop!

They are great for writing and with the trackpad and gestures you can easily navigate through all of your files, ultimately speeding up your job.

We have also found the laptop with the best keyboard and two laptops available on a budget. Click onto any of the links above to get more information from Amazon.

Dtreasure

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