While it might be fun to fantasize about writing your novel on an old typewriter, technology has changed. Now you are probably using your computer or laptop to type away, page after page. Every writer or blogger needs a reliable tool on which to work. Yes, you can still jot down ideas on a piece of paper throughout the day, but you must use a computer to explore and develop them. Therefore, investing in a good laptop is a must, especially if you earn your income through writing. Let’s dive in and see how a new laptop can become your trusty companion.
How to Choose the Best Laptops for Writers and Bloggers in 2018
If you are a writer or blogger looking to buy a new laptop, you must consider a couple of things. The first thing you should think about is your budget. If you are just starting out, chances are you have limited funds for this purchase. Therefore, you need the best machine in your price range. As you already know, laptops are not cheap. However, you can always find a couple of budget-friendly options that won’t break the bank. Of course, you might end up without plenty of storage, or your laptop might have an HDD instead of SSD. Be prepared to make a couple of compromises.
The second thing that is very important to consider when it comes to writing is the battery life. Many writers and bloggers like to work from cafés and coffee shops. This means your laptop must have enough juice to get you through your workday. You might get inspiration on the move, and searching for a place to plug in your charger can be annoying. Make sure your laptop’s battery can last for at least eight hours without recharging.
Thirdly, pay close attention to the keyboard. Many users ignore this step but because you are a writer, the keyboard must be comfortable and responsive. The travel between the keys should be ideal for typing so your hands will not get tired after just a few minutes. Also make sure the keys are ergonomic, because this small addition will increase your comfort tremendously. While you are in the store, try out the model you want to purchase. Type a couple of sentences to get a feel for how the keyboard performs, and then make a choice.
Finally, think about portability. If you tend to carry your laptop with you throughout the day, it must be light and slim. The laptop should fit into your backpack with ease, and it shouldn’t weigh you down as you move. There are some other interesting options to consider, such as 2-in-1 devices that can transform from a laptop to a tablet in seconds. These models are very useful if you must interview someone or quickly write down information. Plus, they are perfect for writers who travel a lot because they can work from airports, lounges, etc.
How to Find Cheap Laptops for Writers and Bloggers in 2018
Finding laptops in a particular price range is not complicated, especially if you know exactly what you need. You can purchase a great laptop for writing that will not cost a fortune and will deliver all the tools you need for your work. If you are buying your first laptop for writing, you can be certain that you will get all the apps and features to set you on the right path.
Chromebooks are generally regarded as the most budget-friendly option for writers. Their prices are quite low as compared to other high-end laptops, but you will have everything you require for writing and research. Their design is elegant, and the keyboard is very comfortable for typing. However, these computers are quite basic, and you will not be able to run more demanding software on them because the hardware is limited. This corresponds to the low prices, so don’t expect an all-purpose laptop that you can use for gaming, graphic design, etc.
If you want a laptop that runs on Windows but is still pretty cheap, you will have to select a machine with less powerful hardware. Stick to 4GB of RAM or less because you definitely do not need more than that for word processing software and browsing the web. The storage space shouldn’t be huge either because you can always save all your work online or on a USB stick. Focus on having a responsive and comfortable keyboard that will give you a great typing experience. After all, you will be using it for hours, and you don’t want your fingers to tire easily. Of course, check out the battery life as well. A limited budget doesn’t mean you can’t find a laptop that will work for up to ten hours straight.
Best Chromebook for writers and bloggers
Many writers and bloggers swear by Chromebooks because they are very affordable and offer a great user experience. Of course, there are other positive sides of using a Chromebook for writing besides the low price. Chromebooks are designed to be portable and light. The overall look is sleek, and a Chromebook is a great companion for writers who like to work while on the move. Some of them also feature a touchscreen, which is a nifty addition. In addition, the battery can last for more than twelve hours, depending on the model.
Some will say that Chromebooks are actually made for writers because they use Google Docs. This means every text you write on this laptop will be automatically uploaded to your Google Drive, and you can access those files from anywhere. ChromeOS boots quickly, and you can feel confident that no virus will infect your system because it has almost no local storage.
Of course, there are a couple of downsides to Chromebooks. The first is the fact that you must be connected to the internet to use the laptop properly. This is the best way to ensure that the sync is working as it should. You might also be a bit disappointed if you want to install demanding software because doing so is simply not possible.
However, if you are a writer with a limited budget, a Chromebook is ideal for you. This laptop will provide you with the essentials you need to complete your work every day. Additionally, the keyboard and trackpad are usually very comfortable, regardless of the model you select. This will be appreciated by writers who type for hours and hours.
Best Laptop for screenwriters
If you are a screenwriter, you are probably searching for a laptop that can run Final Draft and similar word processing software. Screenwriters who aren’t on a limited budget will probably go for a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air because they are fast and reliable when it comes to performance. The MacBook Air might be a safer bet if you tend to work outside the office because it is light and travel-friendly. However, you will get more storage space and better performance from a MacBook Pro, especially if you want to do some video editing on your laptop.
Of course, cheaper options are available as well. Any Windows laptop can run Final Draft and provide you with excellent hardware for a lower price. Take a closer look at Lenovo, ASUS, or Dell laptops because they have a wide selection of affordable machines that are great for screenwriters. Keep in mind that you can pick and choose the hardware you need to fit your budget. If you plan on using this laptop for writing only, you can lower the price significantly. And there are Chromebooks as well. These laptops will give you the basics for writing, and they are still very portable.
Read More: Best Laptops under £600 in 2018 UK
Best Netbook for writers and bloggers
Netbooks are superstars when it comes to portability. These computers are lightweight and small, which is great for writers and bloggers who prefer to work on the go. Netbooks can fit into any bag or backpack, and you will not even feel the weight. Netbooks do not have spectacular hardware, but they can perform basic work, which is more than enough for writers. Some of them might lack storage, so you should think about using an SD card or Google Drive.
Netbooks are little, which means their batteries are small. However, this doesn’t mean they aren’t powerful. As a matter of fact, some of them can last for up to ten hours, depending on the software you run. This is definitely a plus because you won’t have to recharge often. Some writers will not be thrilled to find out that the keyboards on Netbooks are usually small. It will take you some time to adapt, but you can still type comfortably on these laptops. In addition, Netbooks are very cheap, and are more affordable than Chromebooks. If you are just starting out or need an inexpensive laptop to carry around with you, Netbooks might be the best solution.
Lean More: Best Laptops Under £500 in 2018 UK
Best Macbook Air for writers and bloggers (Apple Laptop)
The MacBook Air might seem like a luxury to some writers, but it is a great investment if you have an unlimited budget. Like its name suggests, the MacBook Air is super slim and light. It is created for users who carry their laptops with them at all times. The chassis is made of aluminum, which makes this laptop very classy as well as durable. You don’t have to worry about bumping it every now and then because the MacBook Air will not get damaged in the process. It is built to last, which is a huge plus.
One thing writers and bloggers will appreciate is the MacBook Air’s keyboard. It is very comfortable, with just the right amount of travel between keys. In addition, it is backlit, which means you can work in the dark without missing the keys. The trackpad supports gestures, which makes working and writing on this laptop fun. The palm rest does not get hot after hours of work, which adds to the overall comfort. You can also easily adjust the screen brightness, and it should perform well even in sunlight. The display has excellent contrast, and the colors are vivid.
Apple made sure the MacBook Air’s battery life is extraordinary, which supports the claim that this laptop is perfect for people on the move. It can last for up to fourteen hours without recharging, regardless of the work you do. Therefore, you can multitask with ease, and do your research without worrying that the laptop might shut down quickly. However, if you want to make sure you are prepared for anything, the power adapter is light as well, and you can always carry it in your bag. You can continue using your favorite word processing software when you switch to the MacBook Air because it supports Microsoft Office, Open Office, etc. It is also important to mention that viruses or malware will not infect your MacBook Air, which means your work will be safe and you will not lose a single file.
Conclusion
When it comes to buying a laptop for writing, writers and bloggers have many options. It all comes down to their budget and personal preferences. If you need a reliable machine for writing only, Chromebooks and Netbooks are excellent solutions. They are very affordable and have all the basic features you will need to deliver outstanding work. Plus, you can carry them with you wherever you go. On the other hand, those of you who are willing to invest more can purchase the MacBook Air for your new all-purpose laptop.