Best Laptop for Writers

When a professional writer goes into an electronics store, or shops online, for the best laptops for writers, there are several things we’re looking for.

We don’t necessarily need to invest in gaming laptops with high-end dedicated graphics. We will forever debate whether personal computers are better than a Macintosh. And while mobile apps make some software options easier to access while traveling, that small QWERTY keyboard will become a nuisance while trying to create long-form documents. But those debates are for another day.

We do, however, need to know the specifications for random-access memory (RAM) gigabyte (GB) when it comes to storage, and size and weight (for portability, specifically for traveling writers and reporters). For non-tech lingo writers who need to be able to explain what their top priorities are for writers, here are a few ideas:

• enough storage space to save documents (cloud software like Google Drive and Dropbox are OK but we need hard drive options as backups)
• reasonable bandwidth to be able to house any graphics or images that go with the article or blog
• quality video software for interviews
• editing software (preferably already downloaded on the laptop)
• digital pen options (ex. Windows Ink) for signing contracts and other digital documents
• an operating system that can run efficiently with multiple windows open.

Even professional writers who are still holding on to that hand-held notebook will need a laptop at some point. Prioritizing the best battery life laptop will be essential as well because a laptop has no business being treated like a desktop. Let’s use these 12 options for inspiration in a writer’s daily life.

Best Laptops for Writers

1. HP Pavilion X360 15.6’’ 2-in-1 Touchscreen

This two-in-one convertible 360-degree flip-and-fold design is incredibly useful for bookworms and online news readers. Fold in tablet style and read the same way you would with a spiral notebook. If you prefer to tap along to turn the pages instead of using the touchscreen, a Stylus Pen is included. (This laptop is compatible with Microsoft Ink.)

Key Features

• 6-inch touchscreen
• Intel i5-7200U
• 8GB system memory
• 128GB on hard drive
• Up to nine hours of battery life

In addition to making reading e-books, digital magazines and longer articles easier to read, this flip-and-fold design also comes in handy for video viewing from the HD Webcam. While audio interviews from programs such as Uber Conference work well, for journalists who need to see their interview subjects, it is very important to have trustworthy equipment for audio-video interviews.

The full HD, WLED backlit display (1920 x 1080) on this screen is sufficient for both, as well as the Bang & Olufsen dual speaker. For users who are nostalgic for the start menu from Windows 7, enjoy this plus new features in this laptop’s Windows 10 64-bit home.

Cons

• No backlit keyboard option
• No optical drive
• Keys and mouse exposed but locked in Tablet mode (handle bottom flipped area with care)

While pretty much all newer laptops do not have a disc drive included in the machine, many (like this one) have an option to plug in external disc drives (i.e., HP external DVD±RW DL SuperMulti Drive) to have access to older files that haven’t already been saved on the cloud or other data-saving software.

2. HP – Spectre Folio Leather 2-in-1 13.3″ Touch-Screen Laptop

If you’re moonlighting as an interior designer and want to jazz up your home office, this cognac brown folio leather laptop is a sight to behold. And if you get a matching leather padfolio, it will give your office that much more pizzazz.

Key Features

• 3-inch touchscreen
• HP finish in cognac brown
• Pebbled leather finish and dark ash silver
• 8GB system memory
• 256GB on hard drive

Although it is clearly a snazzy looking computer, it’s more than just looks. The convertible laptop only weighs approximately 3.2 pounds and is .6 inches thick, making it that much easier to read in tablet mode. The folio leather cover comes in handy to support the three-angle options to watch videos, news reports, etc.

This kind of laptop flexibility comes in as handy as a book stand for those who would rather read e-books, magazines and/or news online. There is also a built-in HP TrueVision HD webcam with a dual-array digital microphone.

Cons

• Not ideal for animal friendly users

Additionally, this laptop comes with a backlit keyboard, an essential need for writers who are night owls but don’t want to disturb their partners by needing a light on while they work.

3. HP Elitebook 8470p 3rd Gen Intel Core i5

The look of this mouse is a bit more old-fashioned than the newer touchpad mouse options. But if you feel more comfortable with a touchpad mouse that has the two-button options for right-clicking and left-clicking as needed, this design is the way to go.

Key Features

• 14-inch LED-backlit HD anti-glare display
• 8GB system memory
• 320GB on hard drive
• Aluminum unibody frame
• Touch Fingerprint Sensor

Another fun feature for this Windows 10 Pro laptop works for night owls, too. Although the 64-bit laptop does not have a backlit keyboard, there is a light button near the Webcam area so you can see your laptop better in dim or dark places.

Additionally, if you are someone who just does not have the memory for countless passwords, a simple fingerprint sensor will allow you to log into any password-saved site once you type it in the first time.

Cons

• Certified Refurbished only has a 90-day money back guarantee

Although tough fingerprint sensors are a lifesaver on any laptop, the only downside of using these on a regular basis with your primary laptop is it’s very easy to forget those passwords, too. A quick trip to the library or a friend’s house may leave you completely in the dark about what your passwords are on each side.

Consider keeping a backup (secure) digital document or pocket-sized book to store your passwords if you depend on this sensor. Otherwise, you will more than likely end up locked out of your laptop at some point.

4. Lenovo Flex 5 15.6″ FHD IPS Touchscreen

This ENERGY STAR certified laptop has a flip design with virtual sound that comes in handy for streaming music and movies, as well as other kinds of web content. In addition to leisure activities, quality streaming options comes in handy for entertainment bloggers and writers, too.

Key Features

• 6-inch touchscreen
• Fingerprint reader
• Up to 10.5 hours of battery life
• 16GB system memory
• 512GB on hard drive

The two-in-one tablet has a convenient display on any surface, with the help of its 360-degree hinge. The USB 3.0 port can be used to charge other electronic devices even when the laptop is off. The on-processor graphics come in handy for basic photo editing. And the backlit keyboard comes in handy for late-night work.

Cons

• Windows Ink pen not included
• No optical drive

New, used and refurbished products purchased from individual sellers on the marketplace may have return policies that vary from Amazon. Buyers who purchase laptops directly from Amazon have a 30-day window for a full refund.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro

For a travel writer, lugging around a heavier laptop will either be a nuisance for carry-on bags or make you pack much smarter to avoid the extra charge.  But this laptop is ideal for its small size, weighing only 1.69 pounds.

Key Features

• 3-inch touchscreen
• Card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC)
• Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Professional
• 4GB system memory
• 128GB on hard drive

Built for Windows Ink, this laptop comes in handy for writing, typing, drawing and viewing contracts to sign while you’re on the go. Light enough to be a smartphone, you can also take advantage of video and photo opportunities. It has an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera and a 5 megapixel front-facing camera.

Cons

• Windows Ink pen not included
• Cover not included

If the color of the Microsoft Surface Pro Signature Type Cover matters to you, there are options in black, cobalt blue and burgundy, along with the platinum version shown here.

6. 2018 Flagship Premium Newest Acer Nitro

While there are countless reports comparing how much more gaming laptops are versus a traditional laptop, that’s not always the case. As with any other laptop, you may just have to prioritize what are technology deal-breakers and what aren’t. And what if you’re a writer who enjoys gaming or a writer who enjoys writing about games?

Key Features

• 6-inch touchscreen
• Built-in Webcam
• Backlit keyboard
• 8GB system memory
• 128GB on hard drive

On this Windows 10, 64-bit laptop, gamers who are writers can enjoy its video quality (NVIDIA GeForce GTZ 1050 Ti with 4GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM) and Acer TrueHarmony technology. But a gamer laptop can still be used just like any other laptop, writing away when you want to take a break. Or, toggle between the gamer options and general writing software to discuss the two.

Cons

• Gamer computers may have options that will be obsolete within a few years
• Regardless of deals, writers who are not gamers may not take advantage of gaming features

Can a gamer laptop be used as a normal laptop? Yes. It is definitely overkill if you have no interest in gaming though—unless you can get a really good deal and potentially please your kids (gamer friends and family) too.

While it makes the most sense to invest in a gaming laptop if you enjoy gaming, even if you don’t, you might as well find out what else the laptop does. You may find a cool new topic to create content on.

7. Dell XPS 13

If working indoors (whether at a coffee shop, home or the office) is not your thing and you prefer hanging outside, this laptop is for you. The anti-reflective screen helps you avoid constantly trying to adjust the screen to keep away surrounding distractions. The black carbon fiber also feels soft on skin and doesn’t feel as cold as all-aluminum laptops in cooler areas.

Key Features

• 3-inch touchscreen
• 400-nit brightness
• Made from single block of aluminum instead of individual pieces
• 16GB system memory
• 1TB on hard drive

If you are a writer who participates in regular online chats, specifically for long periods of time, sitting in one place can be brutal. As long as you don’t also have to talk to clients on video mode, enjoy strolling along (in a quiet place) during your meeting.

The XPS 13 feature responds as far as 14 feet away due to the multiple (four built-in) microphones. The “world’s smallest 13-inch laptop” (weighing 2.67 pounds) also has Microsoft Cortana and Waves-enabled speech technology, which can hear you over background noises.

Cons

• Reviewer reports that backlight on keyboard won’t stay on consistently
• Reviewer reports battery drain in as little as three hours
• No optical drive

If you prefer other visual options, this laptop is also available in silver and rose gold. While the software may change the maximum amount of battery life per sitting, expect up to 13 hours while using less-strenuous programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel.

7. HP Envy Touchscreen Laptop

Television ownership has taken a sales nosedive since 2019. According to the U.S Energy Information Administration, an average of 2.3 televisions were in American homes in 2015. In 2009, that average was 2.6 televisions per household.

With streaming-only films and streaming-only television shows popping up as much if not more than entertainment on regular television, it makes sense. So for writers trying to save a few bucks, investing in a laptop with a quality screen to watch shows online is a good investment.

Key Features

• 3-inch touchscreen
• SuperMulti DVD drive
• Backlit keyboard
• 16GB system memory
• 1TB on hard drive

Whether you want this full-screen option for leisure purposes or to stay updated on the latest TV shows, movies and web-only options, this 1920 x 1080 resolution screen is large enough to enjoy a day of streaming and working.

Cons

• Replacing the battery will more than likely require paying professional IT people

This built-in TrueVision HD IR camera with a dual array digital microphone also comes in handy for interviewing. Use one-half of the screen for interviews and the other half to type notes. With Windows 10 and Microsoft Edge’s Web browser option to write directly on the screen, you can literally write notes if typing is too loud.

9. 2019 New ASUS Q405UA Premium Flagship

In addition to the fingerprint reader making it easier for people who are bad at remembering passwords, there’s another reason this built-in feature comes in handy.

In public settings where you may not feel comfortable typing in your passwords, or have a few too many people looking over your shoulder, a fingerprint login shows nothing. That won’t stop potential onlookers possibly looking at your screen, but at least no one can see you type your way to that screen. (You might want to stay off of public WiFi though.)

Key Features

• 14-inch touchscreen
• Convertible 360-degree flip-and-fold design
• Backlit keyboard
• 8GB system memory
• 1TB on hard drive

This silver touchscreen laptop has a battery life of up to six hours. The collapsible option is useful if you would rather read in Tablet mode. Or, set up in Tent mode when you want to take notes and work hands free while viewing your laptop.

Cons

• No optical drive

As with all flip-and-fold laptops that have the option for Tent design, make sure your laptop is on a stable surface. Keep an eye on it when getting up suddenly. At 3.55 pounds, the lightweight feel of this laptop is convenient. But the ease to pick up and carry it may also make any laptop, regardless of brand, more likely to fall in this position with the screen uncovered.

10. Lenovo 2019 Premium Flagship Yoga

Available in iron/platinum gray, this laptop is slim and sleek with a 40 percent performance boost and impressive pen responsiveness.

Key Features

• 6-inch touchscreen
• Fingerprint reader
• One-year UpgradePro limited warranty
• 8GB system memory
• 256GB on hard drive

What makes Lenovo laptops cooler is not just how eye-catching they are. There’s also the option for the Lenovo Active Pen 2. Fashion writers may find this option intriguing.

Use the Bluetooth-enabled pen to draw, color and paint. And for road warriors who have to bounce from place to place, this laptop (with Windows 10 software) may be a good backup plan for your smartphone GPS. Open an online map and just draw on your laptop to access turn-by-turn instructions.

Cons

• No optical drive
• Several reviewers on the manufacturer site reported screen glitches (screen flashes gray and black)

Yoga 730 models have an estimated battery life of up to nine hours with ultra-high definition (UHD) display and 11 hours with full-high definition (FHD) display.

11. Acer Chromebook 15

If you happen to be in one of the households that skipped on TV and watch TV and streaming-only shows online, there’s a valid argument to be made for why you might want to have an extra laptop—but cheaper.

If you’re a writer who needs background noise, or someone who wants to “watch” something while you work, it’s a bit hard to do this if you’re utilizing the main screen for work. Why not test out something smaller to work on while you watch interviews, videos or any other reference material on one screen while working on the other?

Key Features

• 6-inch touchscreen
• Built-in virus protection (included)
• Google apps on every Chromebook
• 4GB system memory
• 32GB on hard drive

With the Google Play Store ready for all of your shopping needs, enjoy all of the books, magazines and other apps that your heart desires. And if you just want to use your Chromebook for converting Microsoft files to edit and work in Google Docs, Google Sheets and Google Slides, this 180-degree, lay-flat design laptop is all set to do so. Enjoy up to 12 hours of battery life.

Cons

• Internet connection required for auto-updates

With built-in storage for offline use and an additional 100GB of Google Drive space, this is as good of a time as any to organize your files. This includes pictures, which can be seen on this laptop with 41 percent more pixels than an HD display.

If you’re one of those writers who saves everything (photos, videos, documents) to a desktop and no folders, this Chromebook is the “spring cleaning” reminder you need.

12. Google Pixelbook 12.3″ Touchscreen

Google Pixelbook is the first laptop with the artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant, Google Assistant, built inside of it. Apps like these come in handy if you have a checklist of projects that need to be done and need to keep track of deadlines. Forget wasting paper and pen. Speak into the mic and let Google organize your assignments for you.

Key Features

• 3-inch touchscreen
• Backlit keyboard
• FEATURE
• 8GB system memory
• 128GB or 256GB on hard drive (you choose)

With a weight of 2.45 pounds, this is an easy option to bring during traveling excursions. And the Tablet or Tent options make laptops like these much easier to work with on plane tables in comparison to broader, bulkier versions.

Cons

• No optical drive

Whether you’re partial to Google Assistant or Slack, YouTube or Vimeo, Infinite Painter or Pixlr X, Google Photos or Shutterly, and more, personalize what apps fit your workday and enjoy.

Bottom Line

If you’ve strolled into an electronics department recently, you’ll notice how popular “Windows Ink” compatibility has become. While there are software options (ex. Adobe) that allow you to type a digital signature or choose a default signature for contracts, nothing beats your own actual signature.

Whether you choose one of the pricier options (ex. Wacom Bamboo Ink Smart Stylus Black Active Touch Pen Stylus for Windows 10) that writes like a pen or one of the more economical options (ex. Insignia – Slim Stylus Ergonomic Stainless Steel Pen) that has the ability to get a close-enough signature, writers who regularly create digital presentations or sign online documents will want to keep touchscreen features and accessories in mind.

While you could always buy these accessories separately, some laptops that may initially seem more expensive than others include these accessories with them. Do the math on what it would cost to buy them later versus taking advantage of these writer perks now.

For more product reviews, including a protective laptop case for your purchase – visit the Ram Research homepage!