Have you ever wanted to write a story but couldn’t because your laptop was too slow? Having the right laptop is crucial if you want to write a book, be a writer, or just blog.
Why is it important to have a good laptop for writing? Think about it: you type for hours, creating wonderful worlds or interesting stories. You need a laptop that can keep up with your thoughts, let you write for long periods, and not shut down on you in the middle of a great idea.
Below is a quick list of the best laptop for writers in 2024: There are excellent options for all price ranges. Let’s see if they are on your laptop list.
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook – Best Budget
- Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M2) – Best Overall
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G – Best High-End
- HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) – Best 2-in-1 Laptop
- Dell XPS 13 (2022) – Best for Portability
Below are the specifications that I list that you need to look for in a writer’s laptop.
| Specification | Recommend |
| CPU | Intel i3 can handle basic writing, but I recommend Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 to ensure smooth multitasking and efficient writing. |
| RAM | Minimum 8GB of RAM for running multiple application when you are writing and use other tools. |
| Storage | SSD-type 256GB storage is sufficient for your daily writing work. |
| Display | Consider a 13 to 15 inch screen for better viewing and easy split-screen working. |
| Keyboard and Trackpad | Comfortable, responsive keyboard and trackpad are essential for long writing sessions. |
| Portability | Lightweight and durable build quality makes it easy to carry your laptop around. Aim for under 3.5 pounds. |
| Battery Life | Recommend up to 10 hours of battery life to keep you writing without constant recharging. |
The Best Budget
Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Chromebook offers incredible value for money, delivering reliable performance, a clear Full HD display, and a lightweight design at an affordable price. It’s perfect for writers who need a dependable laptop without breaking the bank.
PROS
- Affordable and lightweight
- Clear Full HD display
- Long battery life
CONS
- Limited storage and RAM
- Basic performance not suited for demanding applications
| Specs | |
| CPU | Intel® Celeron® N4500 |
| RAM | 4 GB / 8 GB LPDDR4 |
| Storage | 32 GB / 64 GB / 128 GB eMMC |
| Display | 15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) |
I can’t say this Chromebook is really good on its performance since it uses an Intel Celeron processor compared to others using Intel Core. If your main purpose is just to write and save money, then it is still a good choice.
The Intel Celeron N4500 with 8 GB of RAM is a total champ for handling basic tasks like web browsing and writing, even though it runs on Chrome OS. If you usually use web-based tools like Google Docs, then it is suitable for you because it seamlessly integrates with Chrome OS.
With a 15-inch Full HD wide display, you can split the screen for multiple tasks easily, which is essential for long writing sessions. The large-size trackpad and responsive keyboard are also plus points for this Chromebook.
Chrome OS is usually designed to be lightweight, weighing just 3.3 pounds, which means you can bring it with you anywhere, while the up to 10-hour battery life allows you to work throughout the day without constantly needing to recharge.
If you’re still concerned about a more powerful processor, then consider the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus.
The Best Overall
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M2)
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M2) is the best 15-inch laptop for writers, featuring a larger screen for better visuals and workspace, comfortable typing, quality audio, and powerful performance.
PROS
- Powerful performance
- Large, high-quality Retina display
- Long battery life
- Lightweight and portable
CONS
- Expensive
- Limited ports
| Specs | |
| CPU | Apple M2 Chip (8-Core) |
| GPU | Up to 10-Core GPU |
| RAM | 8GB to 24GB unified memory |
| Storage | 256GB to 2TB storage |
| Display | 15.3″ Liquid Retina display |
The Apple MacBook Air now comes with the M3 chip, which is touted to be 35% faster than its previous chip. However, I don’t recommend it because it is too much for your needs. M2 is enough for you to switch between tasks, handle large files, and run demanding programs efficiently.
The M2 chip Mac Book Air only has a 13-inch screen, which disappointed me before; fortunately, a 15-inch model will become available in 2023. Picking a good quality large screen display is also very important as a writer; make sure it comforts your eyes throughout long writing. A high-resolution Retina displays text that is sharp and vibrant, and the True Tone technology adjusts the display’s color temperature based on ambient light, reducing eye strain, which is especially handy if you, like me, often work in various lighting conditions.
I enjoy how the Magic Keyboard on the MacBook Air offers a comfortable typing experience with just the correct key travel and feedback. The large Force Touch trackpad allows a range of gestures and is quite sensitive, therefore facilitating smooth navigation.
At just 3.3 pounds, the MacBook Air is still light enough for convenient carry-on. And with its well-known impressive battery life of up to 18 hours, you can concentrate on your writing without worrying about a charger.
The Best High-End
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 with 5G
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G is the ultimate high-end choice for writers, with its versatile 2-in-1 design, blazing-fast SQ3 processor, and 5G connectivity. It’s lightweight, portable, and perfect for those who need top-tier performance and flexibility.
PROS
- High performance with the SQ3 processor
- Versatile 2-in-1 design
- Lightweight and portable
- 5G connectivity
CONS
- No large screen (13 inch)
- Keyboard sold separately
| Specs | |
| CPU | Microsoft SQ 3 processor Neural Processing Unit (NPU) |
| GPU | Microsoft SQ 3 Adreno 8CX Gen 3 |
| RAM | 8 GB / 16 GB LPDDR4X |
| Storage | 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB SSD |
| Display | 13″ PixelSense display, 2,880×1,920 |
You can turn this laptop into a tablet or a laptop, depending on what you need. Remember that the screen is only 13 inches, which may seem small to people who are used to bigger screens. The cool thing about it is that it has a 120Hz PixelSense display. In other words, scrolling and clicking on the screen feel very smooth and quick.
Also, its Surface Slim Pen 2, use it on a 120Hz update rate screen, how good the smoothness and quick responsive feeling are. If you want to change how the pen works for you, you can customize the pen’s settings based on your needs. The keyboard design incorporates a built-in pen slot for safe storage and charging of your pen.
It has the first 5G technology in the Microsoft Surface Pro Series, which is a highlight. Yes, you can stay connected anywhere with the Surface Pro. You can do your research, store files in the cloud, and use all of your contact tools quickly, anywhere, and anytime.
The drawback is that its touchpad area is small and clicking feels very stiff and awkward. Overall, the experience is bad. Therefore, if possible, it’s better to use the pen when working with it.
The Best 2-in-1
HP Spectre x360 (2024)
The HP Spectre x360 14 (2024) is the laptop to choose if 2-in-1 laptop is your top priority. With an OLED touch display, and robust performance, it’s ideal for writers who work on the go and need a laptop that can keep up.
PROS
- Outstanding battery life
- Vibrant OLED display
- Portable 2-in-1 design
CONS
- Expensive
- Slightly heavier than other ultrabooks
| Specs | |
| CPU | Intel® Core Ultra 5 125H / Core Ultra 7 155H |
| GPU | Intel® Arc™ Graphics |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD |
| Display | 14″ diagonal, 2.8K (2880 x 1800), OLED, multitouch-enabled, UWVA, edge-to-edge glass, micro-edge, Low Blue Light, HDR 500 nits |
Using Intel Core Ultra processors, this year’s Spectre 14 can give you satisfying performance for all your writing demands. It is perfect if you want to keep research tabs, word processors, and editing tools open at the same time; it manages several applications at once without lag.
Additionally, the powerful processor isn’t just for writing. It can be used for more intense tasks like video editing, photo editing, or working on multimedia projects with Adobe software. It can handle it all.
Of course, no laptop is perfect. The trackpad is generally good but could use better palm rejection. I sometimes accidentally moved the cursor while typing, which can be a bit annoying and might require you to adjust your writing posture a bit.
One thing I love about the Spectre 14 is its versatility. It’s ideal for writers who like to brainstorm or outline their ideas in different ways. The touchscreen and included active pen make it simple to take quick notes or sketch out ideas, offering a flexible approach to your creative process.
Notice that the HP Spectre x360 is a premium device, and its price reflects that. It might be a bit of an investment if you’re on a tight budget, but the features it offers make it worth considering.
But if you’re looking for a 2-in-1 laptop that you can rely on as your primary work device for over three years, the Spectre x360 is an excellent choice.
The Best for Portability
Dell XPS 13 (2022)
The Dell XPS 13 (2022) combines ultra-lightweight design (2.59 pounds) with impressive performance and a stunning InfinityEdge display. It’s perfect for writers who prioritize portability without compromising on power or quality.
PROS
- Ultra-lightweight and portable
- Stunning InfinityEdge display
CONS
- No large screen (13 inch)
- No higher refresh rate screen (only 60Hz)
- Limited port options
| Specs | |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1230U (12 MB Cache, 10-Core, 1.0 GHz to 4.4 GHz) |
| GPU | Integrated Intel® Iris Xe Graphics |
| RAM | 8 GB / 16 GB / 32 GB LPDDR5, 5200 MHz, integrated, dual-channel |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB SSD |
| Display | 13.4″ InfinityEdge Display |
The premium build quality of the XPS 13 is well known; hence, the 2022 model is not an exception. Made of low-carbon aluminum and glass, it feels sturdy and resists fingerprints.
Weighing just 2.59 pounds, it’s lighter than the MacBook Air, and at 0.55 inches thick, it’s super portable. You can easily slip it into your backpack without taking up much space.
The 13.4-inch display, though on the smaller side, comes in FHD+ and touch-screen options. With 500-nit brightness, the screen is clear in various lighting conditions, though I do miss having an OLED option.
The keyboard’s tactility is good and the touchpad is smooth and responsive. Also, the keyboard provides a two-stage backlit, so you won’t have any trouble seeing the keys at night. The only small problem is that the arrow keys are too small and hard to use.
The battery life can up to 11 hours, but it’s not quite as good as the MacBook Air’s. One problem with the XPS 13 is that it doesn’t have many ports. USB-C and Thunderbolt 4 ports are all it has. It comes with a USB-C to USB-A adapter and a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter that you can choose to use instead. However, you may need more adapters or docks to connect all of your devices.
I also suggest investing in a monitor and external keyboard to maintain a comfortable and healthy posture while working long hours.
One more, writing doesn’t require a very high-performance device, so you can skip the gaming laptop. Happy writing!
