Best Laptop For Writers in 2023 (Top 7 Trusted Reviews)

What are the Best Laptops for Writers?

My picks for the best laptop for writers align with three categories of what writers find most important in terms of value, functionality, and capability based on my research in writers’ blogs, forums, and social media.

I found that some writers thought the price was most important; some relied on more features and functionality, while others favored more performance, perhaps as an indication that writing was only one component of its use.

My results and recommendations are below, along with detailed product descriptions.

Top Picks: Laptops for Writers

What Did I Base My Laptop Picks On?

Put simply, I based my picks on… you guessed it – writers! Who else would know? I scoured social signals throughout forums and other online communities of writers and based the following picks on actual discussions among real writers.

The important features came from these three dedicated writing forums and communities:

• Writingforums.org
• Writer-forum.com
• Writingforums.com

Thousands of conversations are going on daily on Reddit and Quora forums that contributed to my picks as well.

Finally, I’m a member of two Facebook writer’s groups, Writers Helping Writers and The Writers Forum.

I have owned Dell, HP, Microsoft, Acer, Asus, and Compaq laptops, and a Macbook. I’ve test-driven dozens of others (for their keyboard feel, portability, and display) at various retail outlets where available.

Now, on to the list.

1. Lenovo Ideapad Chromebook Flex 3 (11″)

Overview – BEST PRICE

The Lenovo Ideapad Chromebook Flex 3 is a versatile, budget-friendly, and lightweight Chromebook with a solid range of features and capabilities. It’s perfect for taking it with you on the go, and for writing for hours on battery life.

The 11.6″ screen can be rotated 360 degrees for viewing in tablet, tent, or table mode, which isn’t always essential for writers but is still a neat feature.

Key Features

• Chrome Operating System
• 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage – enough power and plenty of memory for writers and students.
• MicroSD expansion slot for an additional memory card.
• 11.6″ HD Touch Display with Reduced Glare and Backlit LED that reduces eye strain.
• Responsive soft-touch keyboard.
• Battery life is up to 10 hours on a single charge.
• Wifi and Bluetooth capable.

Pricing

$179 – $229

It would be pretty difficult to beat the price of the Lenovo Chromebook. For a writer, it has everything you need in a highly capable, lightweight laptop.

It typically ranges from $179 to $229, depending on sales pricing.

What I Like/Dislike About this Laptop for Writers

Like:

• Compact, lightweight, and super portable.

• Responsive touchscreen with 2-in-1 versatility.

• Responsive keyboard with the perfect “give and take.”

• Great price.

• Integrates with Google services.

Dislike:

• Could do better with battery longevity, but that’s a trade-off with weight and cost.

• Limited storage capacity, but the availability of cloud computing and the needs of an average writer should make this a minimal concern.

My Take

This is my pick as one of the best laptops for writers. It offers all the productivity tools and performance capabilities a writer should need to be effective. It’s lightweight, portable, and features a great-feeling keyboard with excellent click and responsiveness.

For the performance, value, features, and reliability, you just can’t go wrong with this Lenovo. While it might not be the best choice for power users who need a lot of storage and computing power, it will serve writers and students very well.

It boots up super fast, and it’s just a really nice compact Chromebook.

2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4

Overview – BEST VALUE

This Surface laptop is a sleek and minimalist laptop with impressive style and performance. It’s a fantastic option for writers seeking portability and a little more battery longevity and computing power than my number one choice.

Key Features

• Windows 10 Operating System (eligible for free upgrade to Windows 11).
• 8GB RAM is typical and plenty for a writer, but you can get up to 32GB of RAM.
• Two USB ports.
• Responsive comfortable keyboard.
• 13.5″ PixelSense Touch Display with Gorilla Glass for extra durability.

Pricing

$799 to $999

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 ranges from $799 for basic models to over $999 for models with more memory and computing power.

The basic model should be quite ample for the needs of a typical writer.

What I Like/Dislike About this Laptop for Writers

Like:

• Battery life is excellent, lasting 17-19 hours on a full charge. Imagine writing for the whole weekend without having to charge it.

• Lightweight stylish design.

• High-quality touchscreen display with pen support.

Dislike:

• Limited port selection. There are only 2 USB ports and no SD expansion slots.

• Pricey option for what a writer might need.

My Take

The Microsoft Surface laptop for writers is a fine laptop. The portability and battery life are outstanding and make it a highly desirable option for writers.

It deserves this high spot in the list of best laptops for writers.

Its long battery life, high-quality display, and performance options make it a reliable choice for everyday tasks and content creation.

However, users requiring more connectivity options may find the limited ports a drawback. Overall, the Surface Laptop 4 is a solid investment for those looking for a premium Windows laptop.

3. Google Pixelbook Go

Overview

The Google Pixelbook Go is another great lightweight capable laptop for writers. It’s user-friendly and can handle the productivity and entertainment demands of any writer.

It has a magnesium alloy body that makes it both lightweight and durable. It is rugged, quiet, and very portable. The funny thing is it only comes in Black and another color called Not Pink.

Key Features

• Powered by Chrome OS.
• Available in 8GB or 16GB RAM, but other options are available. There’s also plenty of storage for a writer with 256GB.
• 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor standard.
• Options 13.3″ HD display or 13.3″ 4K Ultra HD display. The former should suffice well for writing duties. This article should convince you you don’t need 4K Ultra HD as a writer.
• Up to 12 hours of laptop battery life.
• Has 2 USB-C ports and is Bluetooth capable.

Pricing

$649 to $1399

Pricing varies depending on selected features and performance.

Prices range from $649 for the basic 8GB model, which is perfect for writers, to $1399 for the high-end memory and computing power.

What I Like/Dislike About this Laptop for Writers

Like:

• Touch and feel of the no-nonsense keyboard – comfortable and responsive for writers

• Very lightweight and portable laptop.

• Impressive battery life.

• High-definition options for the display.

Dislike:

• Price is a bit high for a Chromebook.

• Limited number of USB ports.

My Take

The Google Pixelbook Go is an excellent choice for users seeking a lightweight, reliable, and user-friendly Chromebook.

Its long battery life, high-quality display, and smooth performance make it dependable for writers, students, journalists, and bloggers alike.

Overall, the Pixelbook Go is a solid investment for writers who value portability, simplicity, and a seamless Chrome OS experience.

4. Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 (15″)

Overview

Well, we’re back to Lenovo. This Ideapad is quite a step up in capabilities and features from the Flex 3 listed in the top spot, but it brings an increase in price too.

It’s another versatile and stylish 2-in-1 laptop that any writer would love to own. It has a durable 4.4lb aluminum body. It’s a bit heavier than some of the other mentions but it’s still satisfyingly lightweight and portable.

Key Features

• Equipped with Microsoft Windows 10 OS

• Very large FHD 15″ 2-in-1 touch display

• 10th Generation Intel Core i5

• Ample 8GM RAM and 256 GB of storage

• Backlit full-sized keyboard

• 3 USB ports, HDMI port, and SD card slot

• Supports Wifi and Bluetooth

Pricing

$549 – $699

The Lenovo Ideapad Flex 5 fluctuates between $549 and $699, depending on sales and other models being marketed.

What I Like/Dislike About this Laptop for Writers

Like:

• Comfortable full-size backlit keyboard, great for working in low-lighted areas.

• Quiet operation.

• Decent battery life of 10 hours.

• Built-in webcam.

Dislike:

• It’s a bit heavier than the other laptops mentioned.

• Battery life could be better.

My Take

I like the Lenovo line of laptops and Chromebooks for writers. I think they get the keyboard right where writers are concerned. The keys have just the right amount of “click” and spring-back.

Lenovos are very portable and rugged, and this one is no different. It is highly worthy of being in the discussion about the best laptop for writers.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 8

Overview – BEST PREMIUM

The Surface Pro 8 is the latest addition to the famed Microsoft Surface lineup at the time of writing this review.

It’s a masterpiece blend of power, versatility, and portability that would make any writer, blogger or author drool.

It has a lightweight allow body that puts it at just under 2 lbs, which is pretty close to best-in-class.

This Surface Pro comes with not only one camera but two cameras. There’s a 5 mp camera in the front and a 10 mp camera in the back. Both are capable of capturing 1080p video.

Key Features

• Sports a Windows 10 OS, upgradable to Windows 11.
• Features a 13-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen display with a 2880 x 1920 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate.
• Powered by 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and 32GB RAM. This is tops for writers who need to multitask and create complex content.
• Comfortable backlit typing keyboard.
• 2 USB ports, Wifi and Bluetooth capable.

Pricing

$999 to $2,099

Pricing starts at $999 but quickly increases to $2,099 with all the bells and whistles. As a writer, the $999 version is more than enough computing power and capability.

What I Like/Dislike About this Laptop for Writers

Like:

• Lightweight design.
• Quality of the best the Microsoft Surface line has to offer.
• Battery life is an impressive 16 hours on a single charge.
• Stunning high-resolution display that works well in high ambient lighting environments.

Dislike:

• Price, and how fast price increases with added features and performance.
• Limited number of USB ports
• Keyboard is not included. Be mindful of that when buying. The $999 Surface Pro 8 comes with a keyboard included.

My Take

The only reason I don’t place it higher on the list is because of the price, but this laptop is a beast for writers. It has terrific battery life and certainly belongs among the best laptop for writers.

It’s so comfortable and lightweight and is an absolute pleasure to travel with and work on in all sorts of positions.

6. Apple MacBook Air M1

Overview

The Apple MacBook Air is an ultra-portable laptop that will cater to and impress any writer, blogger, or journalist. It is constructed of an aluminum chassis that weighs in at just 2.8 lbs.

It’s M1 processor is packed with power and performance. Just holding the MacBook Air will convince you of its quality and uniqueness.

Key Features

• The MacBook Air M1 processor combines an 8-core CPU, an 8-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine for machine learning tasks.
• The MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600.
• Comes with 8GB or 16GB or RAM, and up to 2TB of memory.
• Battery life is best in class at 18 to 20 hours.
• 2 USB ports, Wifi and Bluetooth capable.
• The MacBook Air also comes with a 720p front-facing camera.

Pricing

Apple MacBook starts at $999, but the price goes up depending on selected options.

What I Like/Dislike About the MacBook Air

Like:

• Spectacular M1 chip performance. The Macbook Air boots up in seconds and handles multitasking like a pro.
• Battery life is like no other laptop.
• Comfortable keyboard.
• Stunning high-quality retina display

Dislike:

• Limited ports
• Price is comparatively higher than the others.
• No touch screen

My Take

It wouldn’t be a ‘best of’ list without a MacBook Air. Apple MacBook Air laptops stand alone in a class of their own. You can bet you’ll get the best quality, but it’ll cost you more.

If price is not a major factor for you as a writer, you can’t beat the MacBook Air for its ultra-portability, keyboard feel and responsiveness, display, and computing power.

It is definitely one of the best laptops for writers.

7. Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Yoga

Overview

There’s another great Lenovo laptop for writers, authors, and other creative professionals. It’s a premium laptop, a bit pricier than the other selections, that combines the flexibility of a 2-in-1 with the ruggedness of a traditional laptop.

Built to meet U.S. military standards, the X1 Yoga weighs 3 lbs and is made to withstand harsh conditions and excessive daily wear and tear.

It’s the perfect travel companion for writers, able to survive extreme temperatures, drops, and spills.

One of the best laptops for writers, the X1 will enable writers to stay productive and inspired on the go.

Key Features

• Comes with Windows 10 Pro OS installed.
• 14″ touchscreen display available in Full HD (1920×1080) IPS or 4K UHD (3840×2160).
• Powered by 11th Gen Intel Core processors with 32GB RAM and 2TB or memory for superb speed and performance.
• Battery life is an impressive 15 hours.
• Features a fingerprint reader, IR camera with facial recognition, and a webcam privacy shutter for advanced security.

Pricing

Pricing starts at $962 so it’s definitely a premium laptop, among the best laptops.

What I Like/Dislike About this Laptop for Writers

Like:

• Excellent speed and performance thanks to the processor and RAM.
• Impressive battery life at 15 hours. It beats most of the others on the list.
• Advanced security features.
• The superior backlit keyboard is both comfortable and responsive.

Dislike:

• At 3 lbs, the X1 is heavier and bulkier than most of the other laptops on the list. Battery life and military standard construction
• Priced a bit high for the needs of a typical writer.

My Take

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 is a remarkable convertible laptop that truly stands out, and its price reflects this distinction.

The impressive battery life, superior keyboard, and solid construction all contribute to an undeniably premium user experience.

It’s not particularly a budget laptop, but one of the best laptops for writers and so much more.

Its performance and features give it the potential to be so much more than just a writing laptop.

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Best Laptop for Writers: What Matters and Why?

Writers’ requirements for a laptop tend to be different from those of more technically demanding professions, such as developers and gamers who prioritize advanced computing power, high-end performance, and superior display graphics.

Instead, typical writers seek laptops with comfortable, responsive keyboards, quick boot-up times, extended battery life, and reasonable pricing.

The following summarizes what I found matters most to writers based on genuine social engagement and forum discussions.

• Almost always: Soft responsive comfortable keyboard (hush keys)
• High on the list: Keyboard with snap and give (not flat)… they like clicky and light keys. These three laptops have the best keyboards for this preference:
  • Google Pixelbook Go
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
  • Lenovo Thinkpads
• Good portability
• High-quality large screen (with low strain on the eyes)
• Long life battery
• Good computing power
• Bluetooth capability for listening to music with headphones while writing.

These were the most prevalent features discovered during my research. If you’re a writer, I hope they meet your expectations as well!

Best Laptop for Writers Wrap Up

From lightweight Chromebooks to powerful MacBook Airs, each of these laptops has unique features that cater to different preferences and budgets.

Ultimately, the Lenovo Ideapad stands out as the bottom-line best pick for its combination of price, performance, comfort, and reliability.

As a writer, it’s essential to choose a laptop that not only meets your individual needs but also enhances your overall writing experience.

With this comprehensive list, you’re sure to find the perfect laptop to accompany you on your writing journey.

So, pick your favorite, power it up, and let the words flow!