Are you a writer or a journalist looking for a laptop that can fulfill your needs? Look no further! I’ve compiled a list of the best laptops that serve both professions. But first, let’s take a look at what are the specific needs of a writer.
Being a writer or journalist, an easy-going laptop is what you need. The factors you need to keep into consideration while choosing a laptop are:
- A display that doesn’t disappoint
- A keyboard that keeps up with your fingers
- A battery that lasts longer without plugging in
- A compact and easy-to-carry design
Anyone with a writing job, such as emails, reports, presentations, research, etc., needs a laptop with these basic specifications.
The best thing to cherish is that since you will be doing a lot of word processing and research-based job, you don’t need some cutting-edge technology. So this lowers the price bracket of the laptops for you.
This list for you features different models with the best keyboards and optimal prices. Feel free to share your favorite ones in the comments!
Here are the best laptops for writers and journalists:
List of best laptops for writers and journalists in 2023:
1. Apple MacBook Air 2020 | $999 $899
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| Price | $799.99 |
| Discount | – 20% |
| Ratings on Amazon | 4.8 out of 5 stars | Reviews |
| Brand | Apple |
Key features:
- All-day battery life of up to 18 hours
- Powerful performance with Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU
- 8GB of unified memory for speedy and responsive system
- 13.3″ Retina display for high-quality and realistic images
- Easy to learn, set up, and use with built-in apps
- Works seamlessly with other Apple devices
- Compatible with existing apps such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive
The first on this list is my all-time favorite, a MacBook. MacBook Air is the best for writers and journalists in terms of keeping up with long writing sessions, thanks to Apple’s optimized battery.
MacBook Air is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a laptop to keep up with your long writing sessions. With up to 18 hours of battery life, you won’t have to worry about finding an outlet. In addition, Apple’s M1 chip lets you handle tasks like a pro with 8GB of unified memory, and an 8-core CPU, making multitasking a breeze.
It has a 13.3″ Retina display, but it may not appeal to you if you use a MacBook Pro display or higher quality displays. I’m not saying the display is useless; of course, it is. It works very well for beginners, writers, and journalists; however, as someone who spends more time on a Pro model, I found MacBook Air’s display mediocre.
TL;DR: MacBook Air’s display works very well for anyone but pro users.
The biggest downside of this machine is not enough storage options. If you’re a writer or journalist who manages plenty of files, consider a storage option with your device. One more downside of the Air is its terrible front camera. Apple needs to take care of this, as adding a better camera for this price should be fine. Journalists (or anyone from any field of work) need a camera for meetings, making it necessary for them to have an external camera.
However, despite these limitations, MacBook is a great option for journalists and writers who prefer portable life, performance, and ease of use. The best option so far!
You can buy MacBook Air 2020 from Amazon at $799.99.
Buy Now on Amazon2. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 | $699.99 $599 (Latest Model)
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| Price | $570.20 |
| Discount | – 19% |
| Ratings on Amazon | 4.4 out of 5 stars | Reviews |
| Brand | Microsoft |
Key features:
- Lightweight and portable design, with a touchscreen and 12.4″ PixelSense display.
- 11th Gen. Intel Core i5 processor for powerful and efficient performance when working, playing, streaming, or running day-to-day apps.
- High-quality camera and built-in studio mics for video calls, as well as rich sound for music and shows.
- Long battery life for extended use, with the ability to recharge quickly using Fast Charging (up to 80% in just over an hour).
- Convenient security features, including a Fingerprint Power Button with Windows Hello and One Touch sign-in on select models.
- Compatible with Microsoft 365, which includes essential productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
If you’re a PC guy, the rest of the options are for you, especially Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go 2.
It is an excellent choice for writers when it comes to portability and performance. For a writer, it’s crucial to have a laptop that charges faster and lasts longer. This laptop is great at both. It has a long battery life and comes with fast charging tech, making it 80% complete in just over an hour. The Surface Go 2 laptop also has a fingerprint that MacBook Air 2020 doesn’t offer.
In addition, it has Intel’s 11th Gen. Core i5 processor for performance and running day-to-day apps. The virtual meetings experience is much better, thanks to quality speakers and mics, making your music experience even better while you’re working on a long-form article.
Microsoft’s Surface Go 2 is a lightweight and portable design option for writers. Microsoft Surface Go 2 is currently priced at $570.20 on Amazon.
Buy Now on Amazon3. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go | $699.99 $492
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|---|---|
| Price | $480.78 |
| Discount | – |
| Ratings on Amazon | 4.6 out of 5 stars | Reviews |
| Brand | Microsoft |
Key features:
- Sleek and lightweight design at just 2.44 pounds
- 12.4″ PixelSense touchscreen display for productivity, browsing, and entertainment
- Convenient security with Windows Hello sign-in and Fingerprint Power Button on select models
- 10th Gen Intel Core Processor for running apps and social media
- Built-in 720p HD camera for clear video calls and virtual meetings
- Compatible with Microsoft 365, which includes essential productivity apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
For those who can’t afford Surface Laptop Go 2, Surface Go is also a good choice.
The laptop has a lightweight design, meaning you can easily carry it. It features a 12.4″ screen for better viewing; Microsoft calls it a ‘PixelSense’ touchscreen. With a 10th Gen. Intel Core Processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage, apps run fine along with your work, in fact, you can also watch movies and manage social media well.
If you’re more of a virtual meetings person with the video camera on, this might be a turn-off for you, as itt still uses a 720p camera, but it’s not a disaster. What’s unique about this laptop is its Windows Hello (which lets you unlock using your Face) and the fingerprint reader in the power button, making your data secure.
Of course, Microsoft 365 will be a part of this device, with MS 365, you can get the most out if with apps/software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making it an excellent tool for writers and business professionals alike. Since it’s Microsoft made, the integration of Office apps is seamless.
Overall, the MS Surface Laptop Go is an excellent choice, but only if you’ve got a lower budget than the Surface Go 2.
It is currently discounted on Amazon, grab it while the stock lasts. You can buy Microsoft Surface Laptop Go on Amazon at $480.78.
Buy Now on Amazon4. HP Pavilion 15 Laptop | $944 $806
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| Price | $790.00 |
| Discount | – 16% |
| Ratings on Amazon | 4.5 out of 5 stars | Reviews |
| Brand | HP |
Key features:
- Instant gratification with premium performance and long-lasting battery
- Epic entertainment with B&O audio, larger screen-to-body ratio, and 15.6-inch Full HD micro-edged screen
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics for crisp, stunning visuals
- 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor for fast performance and connectivity
- 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage and 16 GB of RAM for improved multitasking
- Long battery life of up to 8 hours and HP Fast Charge for quick charging
- HP 1-year limited hardware warranty and Windows 10 Pro operating system
- Smooth wireless experience with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 combo
- Full-sized keyboard with integrated numeric pad and Precision Touchpad
- Energy-efficient and sustainable with Energy Star certification, EPEAT Silver registration, and low halogen display
Are you looking for a compact yet powerful laptop to keep up with your demanding work, including entertainment needs? HP Pavilion 15 Laptop feature an 11th Gen. Intel Core i7-1165G7 Processor, 16 GB RAM, and 512 GB SSD storage for lightning-fast performance.
It has a full HD IPS micro-edge display and a larger screen-to-body ratio for an immersive entertainment experience. You can enjoy stunning visuals along with audio by B&O, making your music, movies, and shows sound better.
But writers need more than that. So the laptop is built for performance as well. With Intel Iris Xe Graphics built-in, you can expect great visuals and improved graphics performance. Not that it can compete with the dedicated Graphics Card’s performance; however, the 11th Gen. Intel Core i7 processor delivers best-in-class connectivity for efficient multi-tasking that a journalist or a writer might need.
Overall, it’s a great fit for those looking for a Windows laptop with great entertainment options. Get HP Pavilion 15 Laptop at $790.00 on Amazon!
Buy Now on Amazon5. ASUS VivoBook 15.6″ Intel i3-1005G1 | $419.99, $312.99
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| Price | $345.99 |
| Discount | – 18% |
| Ratings on Amazon | 4.5 out of 5 stars | Reviews |
| Brand | ASUS |
Key features:
- 15.6 inch Full HD (1920×1080) 4-way NanoEdge bezel display with a stunning 88% screen-to-body ratio
- 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
- Comprehensive connections including USB 3.2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Type-A, USB 2.0, and HDMI; Gigabit Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
- Compatible with Google Classroom
- Exclusive Ergolift design for an improved typing position
- Windows 10 in S mode (can be switched out of S mode for free)
ASUS VivoBook is also an impressive choice for writers as it has both performance and design qualities. However, a 15″ machine may not be compact for those who are used to smaller designs such as MacBooks.
You get a 15.6″ FHD display with 1920×1080 resolution and a 4-way NanoEdge bezel display with an 88% screen-to-body ratio. Not only this, the ASUS VivoBook 15 is powered by a 10th Gen. Intel Core i3 CPU joined with 8GB of DDR4 RAM WITH A 128GB PCIE NVME M.2 SSD, making it a powerhouse to get your most tasks done with ease.
It also features a backlit keyboard, a must-have for night owls. The laptop also features a fingerprint sensor that lets you reasonably secure your data, especially when it’s embargoed or top secret (I’d highly recommend using a Mac if you’ve got sensitive data on your laptop). Just so you know, ASUS VivoBook runs Windows 10 in S mode, which can be changed without any problem. This laptop also works great for students as it has Google Classroom compatibility, making educators and students access this without hassle.
Overall, the AUS VivoBook 15 is a great option for writers looking for a reliable and powerful laptop with a larger display and ergonomic keyboard. If connectivity is a problem, this ASUS laptop is an excellent fit.
You can buy ASUS VivoBook 15.6″ from Amazon at $345.99.
Buy Now on Amazon6. Acer Aspire 5 A515-45-R74Z | $529.99 $487.64
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| Price | $463.88 |
| Discount | – 12% |
| Ratings on Amazon | 4.5 out of 5 stars | Reviews |
| Brand | Acer |
Key features:
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-Core Mobile Processor with AMD Radeon Graphics
- 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display
- 8GB DDR4 Onboard Memory and 256GB NVMe SSD
- Multiple ports: 1 USB Type-C Gen 1 port, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (one with Power-off Charging), 1 USB 2.0 port, 1 HDMI 2.0 port
- Wi-Fi 6, backlit keyboard, up to 11 hours battery life
- Comes with Windows 11 Home
The Acer Aspire 5 A515-45R74Z is powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-Core mobile processor with AMD Radeon Graphics, a helping hand for graphics-intensive work, such as playing games. Like ASUS VivoBook, it also comes with a large 15.6″ display that could be a problem for those looking for a compact option. However, the IPS display works perfectly fine for work and entertainment, giving a crisp visual.
On top of a large display, it has 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB NVMe SSD, ensuring smooth performance and quick boot times. If you keep plenty of portable USB drives, Acer’s Aspire won’t disappoint (like MacBooks). It features multiple ports, including a USB Type-C Gen 1 port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (one with Power-off Charging), a USB 2.0 port, and an HDMI 2.0 port; you’ll have plenty of options for connecting to external devices.
With Wi-Fi 6, you get fast and reliable internet connectivity, a must-have for journalists and writers who want to stay updated with the latest information. In addition, it comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home at a discounted price of $487 on Amazon, offering great value.
Acer Aspire with AMD Ryzen 5 can be bought from Amazon at $463.88.
Buy Now on Amazon7. HP Chromebook 14″ Laptop | $207, $191.96
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| Price | $219.00 |
| Discount | – |
| Ratings on Amazon | 4.5 out of 5 stars | Reviews |
| Brand | HP |
Key features:
- Supports Google Play Store apps
- 14″ HD display with 82% screen-to-body ratio
- Dual-core Intel Celeron N4000 processor
- 4GB LPDDR4-2400 SDRAM and 32GB eMMC storage
- Up to 13.5 hours of battery life with HP Fast Charge
- Thin, light and portable design
- Backlit keyboard and multi-touch touchpad
- Stereo speakers tuned by B&O
Chromebooks are excellent for writers, as they’re reliable, portable, and inexpensive. So if you’re looking for a very affordable option, here it is. The HP Chromebook has Google Play Store built-in, meaning it supports apps from the platform and is powered by a dual-core Intel Celeron N4000 processor.
In addition, it’s packed with 4GB DDR4 RAM and 32GB eMMC storage, enough for on-the-go needs. You can use this Chromebook for writing with a backlit keyboard and multi-touch touchpad. However, there may be better options if you expect more from a laptop. For beginners, this Chromebook is a good starter.
HP’s Chromebook 14″ is available at $219.00 on Amazon.
Buy Now on Amazon8. Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K | $399.99, $377
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| Price | $355.00 |
| Discount | – 11% |
| Ratings on Amazon | 4.5 out of 5 stars | Reviews |
| Brand | Acer |
Key features:
- Powerful AMD Ryzen 3 3350U processor with Precision Boost technology
- 15.6″ Full HD display with narrow bezels and high screen-to-body ratio
- Backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader for added security
- 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB NVMe solid-state drive storage
- Acer’s Purified.Voice technology for clearer calls and voice commands with Alexa
- Windows 10 Home (S mode) with built-in advanced security features
- Multiple connection options, including Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet, and a variety of ports
- Slim and lightweight design for portability.
Acer Aspire 5 is an excellent choice for writers and journalists for apparent reasons. It has an AMD Ryzen 3-3350U processor with Precision Boost tech that offers fast and responsive performance, making demanding applications run smoothly. You can efficiently multi-task with this machine, and the large narrow bezel screen will make it look good. The backlit keyboard for night owls and fingerprint scanner for security freaks is there to ensure that your work is safe from prying eyes.
In addition, it comes with WiFI 6 and Ethernet ports, including a variety of other ports, so plugging in USBs and storage devices becomes easy. Overall, it’s a good machine for writers and journalists who need a reliable, powerful, and portable machine to handle their needs.
Acer Aspire 5 is available on Amazon at $355.00.
Buy Now on Amazon9. HP Intel Core i3-1005G1 | $459, $438
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| Price | $394.00 |
| Discount | – 7% |
| Ratings on Amazon | 4.5 out of 5 stars | Reviews |
| Brand | HP |
Key features:
- 15.6-inch HD WLED touchscreen display with 1366 x 768 resolution and 10-finger multi-touch support
- 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor with a base speed of 1.2GHz and a maximum speed of 3.4GHz
- 8GB DDR4 SDRAM 2666MHz and 128GB SSD for memory and storage
- Intel UHD Graphics, HD Audio with stereo speakers, and HP TrueVision HD camera
- Realtek RTL8821CE 802.11b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, 1 HDMI 1.4, 1 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C, and 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A for connectivity.
HP has a 15.6-inch HD WLED touchscreen display and is powered by a 10th Generation Intel Core i3-1005G1 processor, which provides a base speed of 1.2GHz and a maximum speed of 3.4GHz. It also features 8GB DDR4 SDRAM 2666MHz and 128GB SSD for memory and storage.
However, this laptop with Intel Core i3 is sufficient for editing, writing, and word processing and may not be ideal for intensive work. In short, it’s good to go for basic tasks. Because of its affordability, this laptop is a good choice for writers looking for a device to perform basic writing tasks. It is available on Amazon at $394.00.
Buy Now on Amazon10. HP Ryzen 3-3200U | $338
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| Price | $334.98 |
| Discount | – |
| Ratings on Amazon | 4.5 out of 5 stars | Reviews |
| Brand | HP |
Key features:
- Lightweight and portable design
- Dual-core processor with up to 3.50 GHz clock speed
- 8GB RAM and 128GB M.2 SSD storage
- Vega 3 Graphics for enhanced visual performance
- RJ-45 and USB-C connectivity options
- 4K output HDMI for high-resolution displays
- Built-in Bluetooth and webcam for easy connectivity and video conferencing
- Windows 10 operating system for a familiar and user-friendly interface
HP 14″ Home and Business laptop with Ryzen 3-3200U with 8GB RAM and 128GB M.2 SSD can also be suitable for writers and journalists who prioritize affordability and portability. Its lightweight design and compact size make work on the go easy and lets you carry it anywhere. The dual-core processor is enough to handle basic writing and research tasks, but if you’re looking for something more demanding, this may not be a good fit.
The downside of this is that it has a 1366×768 resolution, which is not ideal for viewing high-res images and videos, or even editing, a mismatch for a journalist who interacts with multimedia content often. However, the webcam and connectivity is decent. If you’re exploring affordable options, this may be the laptop you need. However, we recommend using it as a secondary machine for your work, not your primary device.
The HP 14″ with Ryzen 3-3200U can be bought from Amazon at $334.98.
Buy Now on AmazonChoosing the best laptop for writers or journalists shouldn’t be daunting, as long as the basic needs are met. The above list provides some of the best options available in the market. Before you pick one, make sure you have clear goals in mind. Consider these specs before making a decision:
- Display
- Portability
- Processor
- Memory (RAM)
- Storage options
- Keyboard (must check)
- Battery life (essential)
The best laptop for you ultimately depends on your budget and specific needs. Therefore, there are other options from which you can choose from.
I’m not biased; I just find MacBook Air M1 the best book to rely on when it comes to writing. The reason? A keyboard that fits perfectly on my hands, secure connectivity, and macOS work like a charm. The longest battery life in a laptop is the biggest reason for my suggestion.
I hope that this list helps you make an informed decision for your writing and journalism journey.
Best laptops for writers and journalists F.A.Qs:
What are the recommended laptop specifications for writers and journalists?
At least 8 GB RAM, Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, and SSD storage. But it depends on specific needs, a writer or journalist may also need a secondary device, and the specs can be lower than those mentioned earlier.
What is the best laptop screen size for writers and journalists?
This is subjective, as most people like smaller screens however, many prefer a large screen. 13-14″ is usually sufficient, but 15″ may be preferred for those who want more screens.
Which laptop brand offers the best options for writers and journalists?
Brands like Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are popular choices for writers and journalists.
What is the average price range for laptops that are suitable for writers and journalists?
Between $500-$1500, but there are options available outside of this range. However, we’ve tried adding both mid-range and low-budget laptops to this roundup.
Are any specific software or applications recommended for writers and journalists to use on their laptops?
Usually, writers prefer Word, Google Docs, and Grammarly; however, there are other options available now, such as Hemingway editor, Quillbot, and more.
Update 2023: We have recently updated this article with the latest laptops available on Amazon as of 2023, tailored to meet the specific needs of writers and journalists.
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