What Is The Best Laptop for Writers? 2022 Top 5 Comparison
So, you’ve decided to throw away the old typewriter and enter the 21st century.
Now it’s time for you to start your next novel on a sleek, new machine. But not just any machine… You should opt for one of the best laptops for writers!
But aren’t all keyboards the same? Nope.
What about the screens? Double nope.
There’s actually quite a bit to look for when looking for laptops especially when choosing your next writing platform. But don’t worry, I got you covered. I’ve gone out and done the research on what I find to be the 5 best laptops for authors!
Let’s check it out.
What are the best laptops for writers? Here’s our top 5 list:
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1
- Apple MacBook Air
- Microsoft Surface Go
- Lenovo Yoga C930
- Acer Chromebook
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3
- ASUS Chromebook Flip
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7
- Google Pixelbook Go
- ASUS VivoBook 15
Best computer for writers comparison chart (top 10 highest rated)
What are the different types of writers’ laptops?
There are many types of writers’ laptops that you may need, and which one you pick will depend on what you need. Do you travel a lot, write in a cafe? Or prefer to sit at home on your couch? Here are some examples of the different types:
- PCs
- Macs
- Chromebooks
- Laptop/tablet hybrids
- Flip laptops
- Budget laptops
Best computers for writers in-depth reviews
1. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 (Best Laptop for Writers Overall)
Latest Gen 8 Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 14" FHD Ultrabook (400 nits) with 10th Gen Intel i7-10510U Processor up to 4.90 GHz, 1 TB PCIe SSD, 16GB RAM, and Windows 10 Pro
- Outstanding Battery Life: Rated Up to 19.5 hours (MM14) and Up to 13.5 hours (MM18) by...
- With WiFi 6 AX201 802.11AX (2 x 2) Wireless, you get fast and reliable connections, even...
- HD 720p webcam with ThinkShutter privacy cover, Fingerprint Reader, Backlit Spill...
- Ports: 2 x USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) Intel Thunderbolt 3 (DisplayPort, Data transfer), 2 x USB 3.2...
- Tested against 12 military-grade requirements from the Arctic wilderness to desert dust...
My top pick as the best laptop for writers is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon. This Lenovo claims to be an Ultra-No Brainer choice.
Serious words there, Lenovo. But they back every one of them up. It weighs in at just under 2 and a half pounds putting it in contention for the lightest laptop around. And it’s power… Oh boy. It comes available with an 8th Gen Intel Core vPro. Couple that with 16 GB of memory and 1 TB of SSD storage, and you have one heck of a machine. But it isn’t just all muscle. It comes with some awesomely awesome features including:
- Intel Thunderbolt 3 Technology
- Rapid Charge Capability–Go from 0 to 80% Battery in just one hour!
- Voice Command capable with Cortana Premium
- ThinkShutter
- and much, much more!
There’s definitely a reason this PC takes our spot at Numero Uno!
Pros
- High RAM and SSD storage
- Powerful processor
- Great battery life
- Rapid charge technology
Cons
- There is a restocking fee if things don’t work out
2. Apple MacBook Air (Best Mac)
2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop: Apple M1 Chip, 13” Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, FaceTime HD Camera, Touch ID. Works with iPhone/iPad; Gold
- All-Day Battery Life – Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life.
- Powerful Performance – Take on everything from professional-quality editing to...
- Superfast Memory – 8GB of unified memory makes your entire system speedy and responsive....
- Stunning Display – With a 13.3” Retina display, images come alive with new levels of...
- Why Mac – Easy to learn. Easy to set up. Astoundingly powerful. Intuitive. Packed with...
Now this girl, she ain’t a Mac user or Apple fanatic. I had an iPhone 4s back in the day and that was it. (And yep. I had a Zune.) But you got to give credit where credit is due. Apple’s MacBook Air is so awesome, it’s making me thinking twice about buying a Mac, since it’s one of the best laptops for writing a novel. These laptops pride themselves on being the thinnest and lightest full function laptop around (important for a laptop for writers), and the newest model isn’t any different. But that’s not it, the MacBook Air boasts some seriously luxurious features. It comes equipped with Touch ID–meaning all you need is your fingerprint to unlock it. Or it’s newly revamped backlit keyboard for your darkly lit pleasure. And with up to 16 GB of memory and 1.5 TB of SSD storage, this laptop will be sure to handle any task thrown its way.
Pros
- Incredible design
- Powerful machine
- Beautiful screen
- Built to last
Cons
- Macs are often expensive for what you get
- Built to integrate better with only Mac software
3. Microsoft Surface Go (Best for On the Go Writers)
Microsoft Surface Go with Type Cover Bundle 10" Touchscreen PixelSense Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y 128GB SSD Windows 10
- 10" Touchscreen PixelSense (1800 x 1200) Display, Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y Processor (1.60...
- 8MP Rear-Facing Camera, 5MP Front-Facing Camera, 1x USB-C,1x Surface Connect Port, 1x...
- WiFi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1,Stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium, All-day battery...
- Surface Black Type Cover Included, Intel HD Graphics 615
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro, Dimensions: 9.65” x 6.9” x 0.33”, Weight: 1.15 lbs
Powerful enough to be a laptop. Portable enough to be a tablet. What exactly is the Microsoft Go?
It’s an amazing hybrid that finds its way onto our list of the best laptops for writers.
The Surface Go comes with a ten inch Pixel Sense display that provides touch screen capabilities and touch pen use. Or simply connect the keyboard and it turns into a mini-laptop. Since the case and the keyboard are one in the same, this is an awesome laptop for writers who tend to work away from home. Whether you’re adventure blogging from Cebu or writing that screenplay at your local coffee shop, the Surface Go is perfect for you.
Wrapped neatly inside its Gorilla Glass shell is up to 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB SSD storage. Overall, it provides a unique and awesome tablet/laptop experience, making it the 3rd best computer for writing a book on my list.
Pros
- Touchscreen
- USB-C port
- Has Intel HD Graphics
- Lightweight
Cons
- Battery life could be longer
4. Lenovo Yoga C930 (Best Battery Life)
Yoga C930 2-in-1 13.9" Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Core i7 - 12GB Memory - 256GB Solid State Drive - Iron Gray
- Windows 10 operating system Brings back the Start menu from Windows 7 and introduces new...
- Built for Windows Ink With Windows Ink compatible computers, you can take notes on screen,...
- 13.9" Full HD touch screen for hands-on control Finger-touch navigation makes the most of...
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U processor Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way...
- 12GB system memory for full-power multitasking Plenty of high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly...
Are you into Yoga? Cause I sure am!
Well, the Lenovo Yoga anyway. This girl can barely touch her toes. But I digress. In our second entry from Lenovo, the Yoga is another one of those unique platforms of the computing world. It’s another hybrid. One part laptop, one part tablet, and all parts awesome.
The Yoga really focuses on its audio and video quality. With the elite models using Dolby Atmos tech and 4k Dolby Vision, the Yoga more than provides an adequate A/V experience. They can also come equipped with fingerprint recognition and Cortana voice commands. But maybe the coolest part is its battery life. The Yoga can last up to 15 hours on a single charge. Now that’s some real power.
Pros
- Built for Windows Ink
- Amazing battery life
- Fingerprint recognition
Cons
- Not a ton of storage
5. Acer Chromebook (Ballin on a Budget Award)
2018 Acer CB3-532 15.6" HD Chromebook with 3x Faster WiFi, Intel Dual-Core Celeron N3060 up to 2.48GHz, 2GB RAM, 16GB SSD, HDMI, USB 3.0, Webcam, 12-Hours Battery, Chrome OS
- This chromebook is 15. 6 inch notouch screen; Intel HD Graphics 400 with shared graphics...
- Intel Celeron Dual-Core N3060 1. 6 GHz, Up to 2. 48GHz
- 2GB DDR3L 1600 MHz; 16GB eMMC Flash Memory, No Optical drive
- SD card reader; 1 x USB 2. 0; 1 x USB 3. 0; 1 x HDMI; 1 x Headphone output/Microphone...
- Chrome OS, Only 2. 76 lb, Color: Black
If you’re looking a machine to get the job done on a budget, then the Acer Chromebook is the one for you. It’s lightweight and portable. It has the computing power to get your writing work done. And… it’s substantially cheaper than most options on the market. It runs on a homegrown Google OS which performs well enough as is. However, this Google OS does cause some problems for writers or users. Most of the third-party tools that writers may want to use such as Scrivener and Publisher Rocket do not support Chromebook. There just isn’t a market for it yet. But perhaps with the growing popularity of Chromebook and Google’s OS, changes could be just around the corner.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Decent computing power
- Very cheap
Cons
- Some writing apps don’t run on Chromebook
6. Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (Best Bang for Your Buck)
Sale 
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 Laptop, 14.0" FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage, AMD Radeon 7 Graphics, Windows 11 Home, Abyss Blue
- Powerhouse performance from AMD Ryzen 5 5500U mobile processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD...
- The IdeaPad 3 14-inch laptop has 4-side narrow bezels that let you see more of the FHD...
- Quieter and cooler with intelligent thermals, plus you can calibrate performance with...
- Protect your webcam lens and guarantee your privacy with the built-in privacy shutter
- WiFi 6 (2x2 802.11 ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, plus USB, USB-C, and HDMI ports
Lenovo is known for having good products, and you’ll notice several of them on this list. But I like this one because it has really good processing power (8GB RAM, the AMD Ryzen 5, and AMD Radeon 7 Graphics), 256GB of SSD storage, USB-C, a 14-inch screen, and all for a very reasonable price.
Basically, it’s the best bang for your buck.
Plus it does a really good job of staying cool, so that’s really great too.
It’s not perfect. It could easily have more processing power or storage, but that would easily run up the price, and I now many would not like that. It’s also not the cheapest on this list, but I will say it has a lot more power than the cheaper options.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good processing power
- USB-C
- Graphics card
Cons
- Would be nice to have just a bit more storage
7. ASUS Chromebook Flip (Best Flip Laptop)
ASUS Chromebook Flip C433 2 in 1 Laptop, 14" Touchscreen FHD NanoEdge Display, Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor, 8GB RAM, 64GB eMMC Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Silver, Chrome OS, C433TA-AS384T
- 14 inch Touchscreen Full HD 1920x1080 4-way NanoEdge display featuring ultra-narrow bezels...
- The Full HD display has a durable 360 degree hinge that can be used to flip the...
- Powered by the Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor (up to 3.4 GHz) for super-fast and snappy...
- 8GB LPDDR3 RAM; 64GB eMMC storage and 2x USB Type-C (Gen 1) and 1x Type-A (Gen 1) ports...
- Chromebook runs on Chrome OS - an operating system by Google that is built for the way we...
I LOVE these flip Chromebooks. They’re basically laptops that can also work like a tablet as well. This one is the one I own, and I love it. I use it largely to read comics, because it’s essentially a large Chromebook that also runs Android, turning it into a complex Android tablet.
They aren’t too expensive either, which makes it all the better. The only problem is what you’d typically find with Chromebooks. Some tools won’t run on Chromebook, and it doesn’t have a lot of storage or processing power. But it’ll still get the job done for writing.
Pros
- Cool flip functions
- Runs Android
- Lightweight and inexpensive
Cons
- Can’t run some writing programs like Scrivener
8. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (Best Laptop/Tablet Hybrid)
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – 12.3" Touch-Screen - 10th Gen Intel Core i7 - 16GB Memory - 256GB SSD – Platinum
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can...
- Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor – redefining what’s...
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking...
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and light Surface Pro 7 starts...
- All-day battery life up to 10.5 hours, plus the ability to go from empty to full faster...
Now while the Asus Flip above does have the capacity to act like a tablet, it’s not a true tablet/laptop hybrid. That honor goes to the Micrsoft Surface line, and boy are these things beautiful. And while I have one other on this list, there really isn’t any other better than their top model, the Pro.
The Microsoft Surface Pro has a 10th generation Intel core processor, which is one of the best. Plus is has both USB-C and USB-A ports, which are handy. These laptops are designed for creatives, from writers to artists, and they have everything you could possibly need.
And unlike Chromebooks, they will run certain software that writers need, such as Publisher Rocket.
Pros
- Fantastic hardware
- Portable and works like a tablet
- Built for creatives
- Runs writer programs
Cons
- Could be a bit cheaper for what you get
9. Google Pixelbook Go (Best Chromebook)
![Google Pixelbook Go - Lightweight Chromebook Laptop - Up to 12 Hours Battery Life[1] - Touch Screen Chromebook - Just Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31DJln+KBhL._SL160_.jpg)
Google Pixelbook Go - Lightweight Chromebook Laptop - Up to 12 Hours Battery Life[1] - Touch Screen Chromebook - Just Black
- Good to Go: Pixelbook Go lets you stay unplugged for up to 12 hours [2] so you don't need...
- Made to move Pixelbook Go is lightweight - Barely 2 pounds It's 13 millimeter thin with a...
- Get it done Fast: Pixelbook Go starts up in seconds and makes working a breeze. The 8th...
- Go without worry: Pixelbook Go is designed to prevent things from getting off track. The...
- Built for comfort: A backlit keyboard and Hush Keys make using Pixelbook Go comfortable...
I’ve mentioned Chromebooks before as being slightly problematic because they don’t run programs like Publisher Rocket or Scrivener. But if you’re using a program like Atticus for your writing, or you use Google Docs, then Chromebooks are great for writers, because they’re easy to take anywhere with you, are relatively inexpensive, and have everything else a writer needs.
That is especially true of the Google Pixelbook, which is my pick for best Chromebook. It also runs Android, making it more of a hybrid laptop that can run a lot more than just an Internet browser. And we all know Google is a pretty reliable brand, so you’re buying into stability here. Highly recommeneded.
Pros
- Stable machine
- Lightweight and portable
- Runs Android and has 64GB of storage (rare for Chromebooks)
Cons
- Could have a better battery life for a Chromebook
10. ASUS VivoBook 15 (Most Lightweight)
ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop, 15.6” FHD Display, Intel i3-1005G1 CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint, Windows 10 Home in S Mode, Slate Gray, F512JA-AS34
- 15.6 inch Full HD (1920x1080) 4-way NanoEdge bezel display with a stunning 88%...
- Compatible with Google Classroom; run Google Classroom on Microsoft Edge or Internet...
- Latest 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 CPU (4M Cache, up to 3.4 GHz)
- 8 GB DDR4 RAM and 128 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Ergonomic backlit keyboard with fingerprint sensor activated via Windows Hello
A lot of laptops get heavy these days. You need it for all of that processing power. But what if you just want something you can slip into a case or backpack and not have to worry about getting achy shoulders while you haul it around?
That’s the advantage to this laptop, the VivoBook 15 is one of the slimmest and most lightweight laptops on the market, and they don’t compromise on ability. This sucker still boasts a 10th generation core, USB-Cs, 8GB of RAM, 128GB storage, and more. Basically it’s one of the best travel options out there.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Super thin
- Doesn’t compromise on quality
- Great for travelling
Cons
- Could have more storage
Best laptop for writing a book (or anything else): what to look for when buying
Buying a laptop isn’t a decision you should run head first into. It’s a major purchase that requires care and thought. You need to make sure you have enough for your current needs. And maybe some future needs as well. Do you plan on holding video conferences or need webcam capability? Do you plan on using your computer as a hardcore gaming platform or for casual writing? Or are you going to be doing some hardcore writing, so need the best laptop for writing a book?
Coordinating your needs should be your first step.
Good laptops for writers: important tech specs to keep an eye out for
Let’s take a look at some of the specifics that a writer would need to analyze prior to purchase.
OS (Operating System)
In our list of the Best Laptops for Writers, there are three different OS’s. Windows. Mac. and Google. But which do you prefer? I’ve clearly stated my love for PC, but many writers actually prefer Mac. Macs are known for their caterings to creative and artistic folk such as authors. They also have exclusive programs for authors such as Vellum! Most writers using Google normally do so because they’ve purchased a Chromebook based on our next reason.
Budget
When purchasing a new laptop, you definitely need to consider your budget. Look, here’s a truth bomb. Not all of us writers end up as Stephen King. And some of us can’t necessarily leave our day jobs to pursue writing just yet. But that doesn’t mean you should give up on a new machine. Just be wary of your budget. Now, Chromebooks are generally the least expensive option you’ll find. They’re not terrible and easy on the wallet. But they lack certain luxuries provided by other platforms. Macs, on the other hand, tend to be on the more expensive side of things, but that’s not to say PCs aren’t expensive either. They can definitely get up there. But they also have many more cheaper options than Mac.
Keyboard and Touchpad
If you didn’t think that the keyboard would be a major factor when choosing the best writing laptop…You might be in the wrong field. Test out the keys before you pick it up. Are they tactile enough? Is there enough vertical space for the keys to travel? Some keyboards have wider sets between individual keys which can be better (or worse) for smaller (or larger hands). Also, if you’re a full-time writer, you don’t want a flimsy keyboard. Trust me. I’ve been through enough keyboards to realize this. Another thing that I made sure my laptop has when it comes to keys is… a backlit keyboard. Seriously, this has come in handy more often than not.
(check out my best keyboard for writers guide for more guidance on keyboards!)
Another thing to check is the touchpad. If you don’t plan on using an external mouse, your touchpad will be your chief way of navigating your screen. Macs are famous for their awesome touchpads and the different commands that can be executed from them. Me… I find them to be too complicated for my taste. I actually prefer to use an external mouse.
What is the best laptop for typing for me? My conclusion
Well, I can’t necessarily answer that for you. Everybody has different needs. For example, I have a very heavy hand and spend almost 6 hours a day on my keyboard. So, I needed something that could handle my oafishness. I also needed a backlit keyboard and many plugs for external devices such as a mouse, phone, and others.
I’m also not a fan of Mac. Just my personal preference. I’ve just been using Windows since the DOS days and reuse to head over to the light side of Mac. That’s why I’m on Windows. I also need a heavy graphic card for web design and video editing. So, my setup will probably be worlds apart from a casual writer’s.
But that’s just my two cents. Either way, let me know what setups you’re running in comments below! Love to hear what going on with my fellow writers.
Cheers,
FAQs on the best laptops for writing
Are HP laptops good for writers?
There are plenty of HP laptops that are good for writers, but I have not included any on this list. Because there’s a difference between good and better. And in my opinion, brands like Lenovo, HP, and Microsoft, make better products for writers than HP. That said, a good HP computer will still be just fine.
Do I need a laptop for content writing?
Not necessarily. Laptops are great for writers, because we often like to get out of the house, travel around, write at the local cafe. But if you prefer to stay at home, you could easily write with a desktop computer, or you could even write with a tablet. You could also dictate with a recorder and transcribe it at home.
Are iPads good for writers?
iPads can be good for writers, but they are often unnecessarily expensive. I typically don’t recommend them because they have way more than you need, and also not enough. For example, some programs like Publisher Rocket or Vellum will not run on an iPad, so a computer is better. If you like the tablet, I suggest a hybrid.
