A freelance writer’s life may look cozy, but it’s quite challenging; they face arduous situations every day. Whether we talk about picky clients or impossible deadlines, writers don’t give any chance of complaint. Like an artisan who is useless without a sharp chisel, a writer also requires a reliable laptop.
Top Rated Budget Laptops
Last update on 2024-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
However, the best laptops for freelance writers aren’t those loaded with enormous computing power or massive storage capacity. Laptop requirements for writing professions are quite different; this is what we will discuss in this article. You’ll know what you should consider before purchasing a laptop for a freelance writer. If you’re in a hurry, check out our top choice SURFACE BOOK 3 Check price at Amazon.
Best Laptops for Freelance Writers in 2024 – Buyer’s Guide
I am in the writing profession for a long time. In starting, I used to work with a desktop computer which worked by its own will. However, since then, I have changed many laptops. Here are some tips that I have learned from my experience, it might help you choose the best notebook for your writing requirements.
Weight and Size
It’s the most crucial thing for a freelance writer because you might need to work from anywhere. It would be best to choose a portable and lightweight laptop that won’t weigh you down when carrying. Usually, a laptop with a 14-inches screen is the sweet spot; it can offer enough space to see what you’re doing and easily slip into a backpack alongside your books.
If you don’t work outside your home often, you can choose anything that fits your budget and offers adequate performance.
Keyboard
Typing means the keyboard. Therefore, it’s equally essential for a writer. However, you won’t get a mechanical keyboard into laptops, but some notebooks provide a decent quality keyboard. If you’re habitual to a full-size keyboard, then you might need to opt for a bigger laptop than 14-inches. Moreover, if you’re a night person that most of us writers are, then you should consider a notebook with a backlit keyboard, which comes in handy in dim light.
Processing Power
You don’t need a high-end configuration machine. An Intel Core i5 processor is the best option, but make sure you choose the “U” or “Y” series as it’s more energy efficient. For AMD laptop, Ryzen 5 processor would be the best choice. You have to be more aware of memory because you probably multitask and work with several Chrome tabs that consume higher RAM. Shoot for at least 8GB memory, which will easily take care of that.
Storage capacity is a personal preference; you can go with as much you like. However, it’s worth mentioning here, choose SSD storage; it will provide snappy performance and faster boot time.
Battery Life
No doubt, more fuel is always useful to drive more words, but it comes with some drawbacks such as weight and thickness. However, if you can spend more then, you can get everything.
Now, let’s check out my recommendation from top brands, I have tried to list all types of laptops, and you’ll probably find the best one as per your requirements.
QUICK OVERVIEW:
Best portable and lightweight laptop at a glance
ACER ASPIRE 5 CHEAPEST OPTION |
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| DELL INSPIRON 14 |
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HP 15 BEST IN BUDGET |
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ASUS ZENBOOK FLIP 13 BEST CONVERTIBLE |
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LG GRAM 14 BEST BATTERY LIFE |
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LENOVO THINKBOOK 14S POWERFUL 2-IN-1 |
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MICROSOFT SURFACE BOOK 3 BEST NOTEBOOK |
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APPLE MACBOOK AIR PREMIUM OPTION |
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Last update on 2024-12-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Laptop for Freelance Writers in 2024 – Reviews
1. Acer Aspire 5 (Cheapest Laptop for Freelance Writers in 2024)
Processor: Ryzen 5 3500U @3.7GHz | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 | Battery: 7.5 hours | OS: Windows 10 Home
If you’re looking for a budget laptop that can fulfill your writing needs, you can check out the Acer Aspire 5. This machine is packed with AMD Ryzen 5 3500 processor, which can go up to 3.7GHz. Moreover, you can also do some light graphics work as it has AMD Vega 8 graphics. It comes with 8GB memory and 256GB SSD storage, which ensures smooth performance with multitasking.
However, this machine isn’t the lightest on this list, but you can still carry it easily. It’s a 15.6-inches full HD laptop that can deliver a crisp and clear quality. Moreover, it comes with a backlit keyboard with comes in handy sometimes.
You can also go with its brother A515-55-56VK powered by Intel Core i5-1035G1 that can deliver even much better battery life along with good performance.
PROS
- Cheaper option
- Good battery life
- Large display with full HD resolution
- Thin design
- Backlit keyboard
CONS
- Comparatively a bit heavy
- Not ideal for heavy graphics work
2. Dell Inspiron 14 (Another Budget Laptop for Writers with Intel Processor)
Processor: i3-1115G4 @4.1GHz | Memory: 8-32GB | Storage: 256GB- 1TB NVMe SSD | Screen: 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 | OS: Windows 10 Home
Dell Inspiron 14 is a 14-inches laptop, as its name suggests. It’s a portable and lightweight machine than the previous laptop.
This slim notebook runs on an Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, 8GB memory, and 128GB SSD storage. It can deliver a powerful performance for this budget price due to the latest 4.1GHz processor.
You can also choose this laptop with up to 32 GB memory and 2TB storage. However, for the writing profession, 8GB of memory is pretty decent, but you can choose storage as per your requirements.
Apart from that, Dell Inspiron 14 offers all the latest features such as a backlit keyboard, slim & portable design, Type-C port, and longer battery life.
If you mostly work on-the-go, then this laptop might be a better option over the previous Acer Aspire 5 laptop in this budget price range.
PROS
- Budget laptop
- Ideal battery life
- Lightweight and portable
- Crisp full HD display
- USB Type-C port and backlit keyboard
CONS
- Not ideal for heavy graphics work
3. HP 15 Laptop (Best Budget Laptop for Freelance Writers in 2024)
Processor: i5-1135G7 @4.2Hz | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 | Battery: 7 hours | OS: Windows 10 Home
The new HP 15 laptop is slightly costly than our previous recommendations, but it still falls under the budget category. The best thing, it’s offering the latest Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, which can deliver fantastic performance along with impressive graphics capability. Moreover, with the 8GB memory and 256GB SSD storage, you can smoothly do multitasking.
This machine is offering a 15.6-inches full HD display with a narrow bezel that makes it portable. The only thing that I don’t like about this machine, it lacks a backlit keyboard.
If we talk about battery life, which is quite impressive, especially its fast charging feature saves time. Also, it has a versatile USB Type C port along with HDMI, USB Type A, and headphone jack.
Overall, if we talk about budget range laptops, the HP 15 laptop might be a perfect laptop for freelance writers in 2024.
PROS
- Lightweight and thin design
- Beautiful full HD display with narrow bezel
- Latest USB Type-C port
- Powerful performance with great graphics
- Impressive battery life with fast charging capability
CONS
- No backlit keyboard
4. ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 (Best Convertible Laptop for Freelance Writers in 2024)
Processor: i5-1135G7 @4.2Hz | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD | Screen: 13.3-inch touch, 1920 x 1080 | Battery: 14 hours | OS: Windows 10 Home
ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 laptop is a mid-range laptop powered by Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB memory, and 512GB NVMe SSD storage. It won’t let you down in terms of performance; even it is also ideal for graphics editing work.
This notebook comes with a 360-degree convertible design; therefore, you can use it in tablet mode. The Asus Pen Stylus makes graphics editing work more realistic and enjoyable because it comes with 4096 pressure levels of sensitivity.
With the 14 hours of whopping battery life, you can work all day. Moreover, it is packed with the latest Thunderbolt 4 ports that support fast charging.
The ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 is a portable 13.3-inches laptop backed with full HD resolution; therefore, the picture quality is incredible. Also, it weighs just 2.87 lbs along with 13.9mm thickness, which is perfect for carrying.
Whether it comes to powerful performance, portability, graphics editing, reliable battery life, or the latest features, ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 won’t let you down.
PROS
- Fantastic touch display quality with convertible design
- Powerful performance
- Latest Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Built-in Fingerprint reader
- Backlit keyboard with Asus NumberPad 2.0
- Excellent battery life backed with fast charging
CONS
- A bit costly than rivals
5. LG Gram 14 (Lightest Laptop with Longest Battery Life for Writers)
Processor: i5-1035G7 @3.70GHz | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 256GB SSD | Screen: 14-inch, 1920 x 1080 | Battery: 18.5 hours | OS: Windows 10 Home
LG Gram series is known for its incredible battery life and portability. This machine is offering a 14-inches full HD display despite being the lightest weight in this rundown.
If we talk about the performance, it comes with Intel core i5-1035G7 CPU, 8GB memory, and 256GB SSD storage that ensures smooth and faster performance. Moreover, the battery life is marvelous; it can last up to 18.5 hours with a single charge.
Gram 14 has a Militarty-Grade durability test (MLT-STD-810G) under its belt; therefore, it can withstand rough and challenging situations. This machine is equipped with a backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and Thunderbolt 3 ports.
Overall, if you’re more into portability and longer battery life, LG Gram might be a good option over Asus Zenbook Flip 13. While for performance, you should undoubtedly choose the previous recommendation.
PROS
- Lightest laptop with a 14-inches display
- Most extended battery life
- Good performance
- Higher durability
- Backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, and Thunderbolt 3 ports
CONS
- Moderate graphics capability
6. Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga (Another Convertible Laptop With Robust Performance)
Processor: i7-1165G7 @4.7GHz | Memory: 16/24/32 GB | Storage: 512GB – 2TB NVMe SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080, 300nit brightness, 100% sRGB | Battery: 14 hours | OS: Windows 10 Pro
Asus ZenBook Flip 13 is already a convertible laptop in this list, but the Lenovo ThinkBook 14s is one step ahead in terms of performance. This sleek laptop is backed with an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, up to 40GB memory, and 2TB NVMe SSD storage; there is no compromise in the performance. Whether you’re a heavy multitasker or do graphics editing, this portable machine will get you covered.
It comes with a convertible design, as you know it. On top of that, it’s offering an FHD IPS touchscreen with a 100% sRGB color gamut; the picture quality is exceptional. You can also do color-sensitive tasks without any hesitation.
ThinBook 14s features a fingerprint sensor, the latest Thunderbolt 4 ports, long battery life, and a backlit keyboard.
Whether we talk about performance, display quality, connectivity options, battery life, or portability Lenovo ThinkBook 14s won’t let you down.
PROS
- Robust performance
- Exceptional display quality with 100%sRGB color gamut and FHD resolution
- Portable and lightweight
- Impressive battery life
- Backlit keyboard, fingerprint sensor, and Thunderbolt 4 port
CONS
- Slightly expensive
7. Microsoft Surface Book 3 (Best Windows Notebook for Freelance Writers in 2024)
Processor: i5-1035G7 @3.70GHz | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 256GB NVMe SSD | Screen: 13.5-inches touch 3000 x 2000 | Battery: 17.5 hours | OS: Windows 10 Home
Microsoft Surface Book 3 is the ultimate option for freelance writers in the Windows category. This notebook is available up to Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB memory, and 2TB storage; however, as a writer, you would be ok with its core i5 model with 8GB memory and 256GB SSD.
This notebook is undoubtedly expensive, predominantly if we talk about its flagship model, but it comes with tons of features. Its design is detachable; therefore, it can be used in the studio, tablet, or laptop modes. However, you have to purchase the accessories separately.
The display quality is probably the best; it offers a 13.5-inches IPS with 3000 x2000 pixels of resolution that can deliver life-like image quality. It’s also available in a 15-inches size, but it might not be ideal for on-the-go use.
According to Microsoft, this notebook can provide up to 17.5 hours of battery life, which is incredible. Moreover, it’s backed with the latest USB Types-C port and backlit keyboard.
Altogether, if you can spend a bit more on your laptop, Microsoft Surface Book 3 could be the best option for writers in 2024.
PROS
- Ultra-sharp touch screen
- Outstanding performance
- Available with different configurations
- Backlit keyboard and USB Type-C port
- Lightweight and detachable design
- Fantastic battery life
CONS
- Expensive, especially you have to purchase the accessories separately
8. Apple MacBook Air (Most Premium Option for Writers)
Processor: Apple M1 chip | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 256/512 GB SSD | Screen: 13-inches 2560 x 1600 | Battery: 15 hours | OS: Mac OS BIg Sur
Apple Macbook Air doesn’t require much explanation. However, there are some significant changes that you can see in the latest model. Now Apple is using its designed M1 chip, which is exceptional in terms of performance and graphics quality and quite energy-efficient as it’s built with the 5-nanometer technology.
In terms of the keyboard, Apple has faced some trouble with the earlier MacBook model, but now it’s sorted with the Magic Keyboard, and you can experience the best quality typing experience.
The display quality is even developed, and it can deliver 25% more color than the sRGB spectrum. You can also take advantage of its higher nits while working outdoors. MacBook Air is already known for its portability, and now there is no compromise in the performance and battery life due to the latest Apple chip.
If you’re looking for a higher reliable and long-lasting machine, you can invest in the latest MacBook Air.
PROS
- Best display quality with the utmost sharpness and color accuracy
- Top-notch performance
- Efficient keyboard and touchpad
- A satisfying battery life
- Lightweight and durable design
- Most versatile Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Quiet operation with fanless design
CONS
- Expensive
Top Rated Laptops for Freelance Writers in 2024
We have discussed different types of laptops for writers. If you mostly work from home, you don’t need to spend on an expensive, slim, and lightweight notebook. Instead, you can choose a standard laptop, which would be a cost-effective option, such as Acer Aspire 5 or HP 15. While for on-the-go use, long battery life and lightweight body are essential features. Here are all our recommendations for freelance writers in 2024.
- Acer Aspire 5 (Cheapest)
- Dell Inspiron 14 (Budget Laptop with Intel Processor)
- HP 15 Laptop (Best Budget Laptop)
- ASUS ZenBook Flip 13 (Best Convertible Laptop)
- LG Gram 14 (Lightest Laptop with Longest Battery Life)
- Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga (Convertible Laptop With Robust Performance)
- Microsoft Surface Book 3 (Best Windows Notebook)
- Apple MacBook Air (Premium Option)
