Deciding on the best laptop for writing might seem straightforward. However, there are many considerations writers need to account for when investing in a new laptop. Whether you write as a hobby or as a professional, certain laptops are better than others.

One of the most important considerations is a comfortable keyboard. Then, you'll want to think about the weight of the device and whether it can handle your applications. For working away from home, you'll need a device with excellent battery life.

To make things easier, we've found the best laptops for writers available today.

Premium pick

1. Google Pixelbook Go

9.00 / 10
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The Google Pixelbook Go is an excellent all-around choice for writers looking for a long-lasting battery and a comfortable keyboard. The laptop runs Google's Chrome OS operating system. This lightweight software doesn't tax the laptop's resources, leaving more space for your writing tasks.

Additionally, the Google Pixelbook Go has a high-quality camera so that you can look sharp and clear on your video calls and remote meetings. Despite the flagship hardware, the Pixelbook Go won't break the bank.

This device comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. As a result, you can open multiple tabs, run your favorite Android apps, and listen to music or stream videos without overloading the Pixelbook Go.

Key Features
  • Full access to Google Play Services and the Google Play Store
  • Speedy Intel Core m3-8100Y CPU
  • Runs Google's lightweight Chrome OS operating system
Specifications
  • Operating System: Chrome OS
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-8200Y
  • GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
  • Storage: 128GB SSD
  • Battery: 12 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 13.3-inch, 1920 x 1080
  • Camera: 1080p
  • Speakers: Dual front-firing speakers for better surround sound
  • Memory: 8GB
  • Ports: 2x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Network: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2x2
  • Dimensions: 12.25 x 8.12 x 0.57 inches
  • Weight: 2.33 pounds
  • Brand: Google
  • Model: Pixelbook Go
Pros
  • 12-hour battery life
  • High-quality camera, ideal for meetings on-the-go
  • Excellent keyboard experience
  • Android app support through the Google Play Store
Cons
  • No USB-A ports
  • Average audio performance
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Google Pixelbook Go
Editors choice

2. Apple MacBook Air (2020)

9.60 / 10
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The Apple MacBook Air (2020) comes with a range of benefits for any professional or hobbyist writer. For instance, the redesigned MacBook Air comes with an incredible 18-hour battery life, ideal for long writing sessions away from home.

Additionally, the new Apple M1 chip brings a significant leap in performance, allowing the MacBook Air to handle demanding tasks that would have otherwise required you to invest in the much more expensive MacBook Pro model. The cherry on top is that iPhone apps can be run directly on macOS thanks to the M1 platform.

The MacBook Air (2020) is available in three colors: gold, space gray, and silver. You can also configure the laptop with up to 16GB of RAM and up to 2TB of onboard storage. If you work a lot in coffee shops or in public, then you'll be pleased with the laptop's Touch ID sensor for secure biometric login.

Key Features
  • 18-hour battery life
  • Runs macOS and is compatible with many iPhone apps
  • Available in storage configurations up to 2TB
Specifications
  • Operating System: macOS
  • CPU: Apple M1
  • GPU: Apple M1
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Battery: 18 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 13.3-inch, 2560x1600
  • Camera: 720p
  • Memory: 8GB
  • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3, Headphone Out
  • Weight: 2.8 pounds
  • Brand: Apple
Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • High-resolution 13.3-inch Retina Display
Cons
  • Only USB-C Ports
  • Lower quality webcam than expected for the price
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Apple MacBook Air (2020)

The ASUS Chromebook Flip C434 is suitable for writers looking for a long-lasting battery when away from a power outlet. This affords you greater flexibility on where you write, rather than being tied to a desk all day.

The laptop runs Google's lightweight Chrome OS operating system. Although this intuitive software is good for all users, it's particularly well-suited to existing Google users or those with Android smartphones.

The 2-in-1 convertible design means you can easily switch between the traditional laptop for optimal productivity and a more relaxed or portable experience in tablet mode.

Key Features
  • Intel Core M3-8100Y Processor
  • 2-in-1 convertible design
  • Runs Google's Chrome OS operating system
Specifications
  • Operating System: Chrome OS
  • CPU: Intel Core m3-8100Y
  • GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 615
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Battery: 10 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 14-inch, 1920x1080
  • Camera: 720p
  • Memory: 4GB
  • Ports: USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C
  • Weight: 2.97 pounds
  • Brand: ASUS
Pros
  • Affordable
  • 10-hour battery life
  • Chrome OS is a lightweight and efficient operating system
Cons
  • Heavier than its predecessor
  • Unsuitable for heavy multitasking
Buy This Product
ASUS Chromebook Flip C434

The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is an incremental update to the Surface Pro line of Windows devices. It comes with a built-in kickstand, making it ideal for note-taking, idea generation, drawing, and editing. There's also support for the Surface Pen. Although the design has remained similar over a few generations, the Surface Pro 7 comes with a 10th-generation Intel processor and removable SSD. The lightweight device is highly portable, making it ideal for writers on the go. In addition, if you choose to purchase the keyboard attachment, the device is versatile and adaptable.

Key Features
  • Available in two colors
  • Three modes, including laptop, studio, and tablet
  • Built-in kickstand
  • Surface Pen support
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • CPU: Intel Core i5
  • Storage: 128GB
  • Battery: 10.5 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 12.3-inch, 2736 x 1824
  • Camera: 8MP, 5MP
  • Memory: 8GB
  • Ports: USB 3.0, USB-C
  • Weight: 0.78kg
  • Brand: Microsoft
Pros
  • Good performance
  • Removable SSD
  • Wi-Fi 6 support
Cons
  • No Thunderbolt Port
  • Keyboard sold separately
Buy This Product
Microsoft Surface Pro 7

The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best laptops available for any use, so it makes an ideal all-around option for writers with multiple interests. The laptop is available in many configurations, with an Intel Core i7 CPU as standard for the 2-in-1 laptop and tablet edition.

Given the high-performance processor, the laptop should be able to handle almost any task, including everyday use, image and video editing, and even some light gaming. Since it's a convertible laptop, you can rotate the lid to enable tablet mode and use the display as a touchscreen.

Key Features
  • ‎Intel Core i7 processor
  • 12-hour battery life
  • 1920x1200 resolution
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • CPU: ‎Intel Core i7
  • GPU: Intel Iris Plus
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Battery: 12 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 13.4-inch, 1920x1200
  • Camera: 720p
  • Memory: 8GB
  • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3, Headphone out, microSD card
  • Weight: 3.70 pounds
  • Brand: Dell
Pros
  • Impressive resolution
  • Great performance
Cons
  • No USB-A port
  • Shallow keyboard
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Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

The Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th Generation) tablet is an excellent option for writers that are always on the go. This tablet is lightweight, with long battery life, and a fantastic display. You could truly take it anywhere. However, as with most Apple products, this tablet isn't cheap.The iPad Pro runs iPadOS, a modified version of Apple's mobile operating system designed for tablets. This comes with additional features not available to iPhones, like app multitasking. You can pair portable keyboards via Bluetooth for enhanced productivity or use the on-screen keyboard in a pinch.

Key Features
  • Apple A12Z Bionic CPU
  • 2732x2048 resolution
  • Runs Apple's tablet-focused operating system, iPadOS
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
  • CPU: Apple A12Z Bionic
  • Operating System: iPadOS
  • Battery: 36.71Wh
  • Ports: USB-C
  • Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP/10MP, 7MP
  • Display type: 12.9-inch, 2732 x 2048
Pros
  • Excellent battery life
  • iPadOS supports app multitasking
Cons
  • Rear camera unsuitable for Night Mode and portraits
  • Quite large, even when in tablet mode
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Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th Generation)

The HP Spectre x360 is an excellent alternative to Microsoft's Surface range of Windows laptops. However, unlike those devices, the Spectre x360 doesn't have a detachable tablet. Instead, the touchscreen rotates up to 360 degrees to convert the laptop into a touchscreen tablet. This laptop comes with Windows 10 Home pre-installed, an Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Fortunately, the Spectre x360 weighs just 2.88 pounds, making it portable for writing wherever you are. For audiophiles, the laptop is equipped with Bang & Olufsen speakers. There are also two USB-C ports and a microSD slot. Additionally, the integrated webcam is compatible with Windows Hello for biometric login.

Key Features
  • 2-in-1 convertible design
  • Intel Core i7 CPU
  • Integrated webcam is compatible with Windows Hello
Specifications
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home
  • CPU: Intel Core i7 CPU
  • GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
  • Storage: 512GB
  • Battery: 14 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 13.3-inch, 1920 x 1080
  • Camera: 720p
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Ports: USB 3.1, 2x USB-C, microSD card reader
  • Weight: 2.88lbs
  • Brand: HP
Pros
  • Comfortable keyboard, especially over long periods
  • 14-hour battery life
  • Bang & Olufsen speakers
Cons
  • No HDMI port
  • Expensive option
Buy This Product
HP Spectre x360

FAQ

Q: What Should I Choose: A Regular Laptop or Convertible?

This depends on what you're intending on using your laptop for. For example, if you want to play touchscreen games, digitally draw, or you're simply looking to have a laptop and tablet in one instead of buying both separately, a convertible model will work well for you.But be mindful that these convertible laptops can have a higher price point. So if you want an entry-level laptop on a budget, or you're only looking to use your device for writing, answering emails, or surfing the web, then you might want to stick to a regular, non-convertible model.

Q: Why Does the Type of CPU Matter?

The CPU is one of the most vital parts of a laptop. This unit is responsible for controlling all other parts of your device, and its efficiency is important when it comes to performance speed. Essentially, the better the CPU, the faster and more efficiently your laptop will function.

Q: How Much Should I Focus on a Laptop's Battery Life?

This depends on where you do the majority of your writing work. If this is usually at home, where you have access to both your charger and power outlet, then your device's battery life won't matter too much.However, if you spend a lot of time writing in cafes, libraries, or even outside, your access to a power outlet may be limited, and so it helps to have a laptop with long and reliable battery life.