How to Choose a Laptop for Writers in 2023 [9 Essential Tips!]

Are you a writer looking for a new laptop?

We know how important it is to have the perfect device for your creative endeavors. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to choose the best laptop for writers. It’s packed with information on specs, features, and what to look for when making your purchase.

A new laptop will help you take your story writing or screenwriting career to the next level. With the right tools, you can produce better work in less time.

In this laptop buying guide, we will discuss the factors you should consider when buying a laptop for writers. We will also recommend some models that are perfect for everyday use!

Think about how you’ll use the laptop

When it comes to buying a laptop for writers, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First of all, think about what you’ll be using the computer for. If you’re primarily going to be using word processing programs, you don’t need a lot of fancy bells and whistles. However, if you plan on using graphics-heavy programs or playing games, you’ll need a more powerful machine.

Secondly, consider where you most often write. If you work from a home office, you might want a laptop with a larger screen so you can have multiple windows open at once. However, if you often write in coffee shops or other public places, you might prefer a smaller and more portable laptop, one with excellent battery life.

There are so many options out there, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. But by thinking about what you need and where you’ll be using it most, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect laptop for your needs.

10 Aspects to Consider When Choosing a Laptop for Writing

1. Screen Size

As any writer knows, the size of the screen can be critical when it comes to getting work done on a laptop. A too-small screen can make it difficult to see what you’re writing, while a too-large screen can be a distraction.

The ideal screen size for writing depends on your personal preferences and working style.

Larger screen sizes may be a better choice if you like to have a lot of information visible at once or if you often work with long documents.

On the other hand, if you prefer to work in short bursts or if you tend to get easily distracted, a smaller screen may be a better option.

2. Screen Resolution

Another critical aspect is screen resolution. A higher screen resolution will allow you to see more characters on the page, which can be helpful when editing or revising your work.

Screens with a lower picture quality can make it more difficult to catch errors and can also be more demanding on the eyes over long periods of use.

Another thing to consider when buying a laptop is whether you need a touch screen or not. Many modern laptops include touch screens, and some even allow for the screen to be removed from the keyboard, turning it into a tablet!

You may also want to think about screen brightness. A laptop’s screen brightness is important for writers because it can help to reduce eyestrain. Choosing a laptop with adjustable brightness can help you create an optimal environment for writing.

3. Screen Aspect Ratio

When it comes to choosing a laptop for writing, one important factor to consider is the screen aspect ratio. Will you be mostly writing text-based documents, or do you plan on working with multimedia as well?

If you are doing a lot of writing, you’ll want a laptop with a 16:10 or 3:2 aspect ratio so you can have two full-size pages side-by-side. However, if you are working with video or images as well, a 16:9 aspect ratio might be a better fit, as it provides more horizontal space. (most gaming laptops are 16:9)

4. Keyboard: Backlit vs. Non-backlit

Another consideration is what kind of keyboard is best for writers. Think about whether you want a backlit keyboard or not.

A backlit keyboard will allow you to see the keys in low light conditions, which can be helpful when you’re writing in a dimly lit café or on an airplane.

However, backlit keyboards also tend to be more expensive. If you don’t think you’ll need the extra light, you can often save money by opting for a non-backlit keyboard.

In addition, a comfortable keyboard is essential for any writer. Most users will want to look for a laptop with a full-sized keyboard layout that has plenty of space between the keys.

5. Battery Life Considerations

A laptop with great battery life is crucial for writers who want to work on the go.

Make sure to choose a model that can last at least five hours on a single charge if you plan on writing outside the house, such as at coffee shops.

You won’t need to worry as much about battery life if you are mainly going to be writing at home.

6. Processing Speed

Another important factor to consider is processing power. A laptop with a fast processor will help to ensure that your writing flow is not interrupted by slow loading times or other CPU-related issues.

Questions to think about include:

• Will you need to do any video editing?

• Do you want a gaming laptop, as well as a device that you can easily write on?

If the answer to these questions is yes, then having a fast CPU speed will be particularly important to you!

7. Operating System

When it comes to choosing a laptop for writing, one of the most important things to consider is the operating systems that the computers use. While Windows and MacOS are both popular choices, they each have their own Pros and Cons.

For example, laptops with the Windows operating system tend to be more affordable, while Apple’s Mac OS laptops offer a smoother and more user-friendly experience.

In the end, the best operating system for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you’re looking for an affordable option with a lot of features, Windows operating system might be the way to go.

However, if you’re willing to invest a bit more money for a better user experience, Mac OS is definitely worth considering.

In addition, you could also be looking for a Chromebook with Google’s Chrome OS. Whichever way you go, make sure to do your research so that you can choose the best laptop for your needs.

8. Storage Space

A laptop with a small amount of internal storage space will fill up quickly, especially if you’re working with large multimedia files.

Make sure to get a laptop with at least 250GB (preferably 500 GB to 1 TB) of SSD storage space, or make sure to store data in the cloud.

You’ll need a storage capacity of at least 8GB of RAM for normal word processing and web searching and more like 32GB of RAM for gaming or video editing.

You may also want to consider the number and type of USB ports (i.e., USB-A, USB-C) that the laptop includes, especially if you need to connect other laptop accessories such as a mouse or external hard drive.

9. Laptop Size & Weight Considerations

Next, you need to think about the weight and portability of the laptop. If you plan on doing a lot of writing on the go, you’ll need something lightweight and easy to carry around.

If you plan on mainly writing at home, then a heavier or larger laptop might be good enough.

Also, consider that you may not want something too heavy to carry around with you, but at the same time, a laptop that’s too light can feel flimsy and less than ideal for extended periods of typing.

10. Price Considerations

When it comes to laptops, there’s no such thing as one size fits all. Depending on your needs and budget, you might prefer a Chromebook, a MacBook, or something in between.

Price is important. You don’t need to break the bank to get a good writing laptop, but you don’t want to skimp too much. After all, a laptop is a long-term investment, and it’s worth getting something that will last.

There are great budget laptops out there, but it may take a bit more looking to find them!

Great laptops to consider

Our top choice for the best overall laptop for writers is the Asus VivoBook S15. Our second choice is the Apple MacBook Air, and the third option is the Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop. Our top pick for a budget laptop is the Acer Aspire 5 Laptop. You can read more about these laptops in our article, the best laptops for writers.

Summary: How to Choose a Laptop for Writers

If you are in the market for a laptop to write on, there are a few things you should consider. The most important factor is the type of writing you will be doing.

If you plan to do a lot of word processing, then you need a laptop with a good keyboard. If you plan to do a lot of online research, you need one with plenty of ports and storage space.

If you plan on writing at a coffee shop or library, you’ll want to look at thin and light laptops with longer battery life.

You’ll also want to think about which operating system you might want to use – are you looking for a Windows laptop or an Apple computer?

By considering your needs and budget, you can find the right laptop for your needs!

Looking for the best tools for writers? Check out these great articles:

The Best Writing Tools for Fiction Writers (Reviewed!)

The 75+ Best Gifts for Writers (For Every Budget)

7+ Best Book Writing Software Programs for Authors