How to Choose a Laptop for Writers in 2022 [9 Tips!]

Choosing a Laptop for Graphic Design

How to Choose the Best Laptop for Graphic Design

Trying to decide on the best laptop for graphic design can be a challenge, and different than purchasing a laptop for general use or gaming. Laptops for graphic design need to be light, portable, and powerful enough to do complicated work. The main question is, what laptop is good for graphic design? Before researching and getting too far in the decision-making process —consider the kind of work you do and your budget. If you do complex 3D work, you will need to be on the upper end of all the specifications. If your work is mostly 2D, you can be at the mid to low end of the range.

Graphic design laptop specs

The most important laptop specs to look at for graphic design are the operating system, CPU, memory (RAM), storage drive, display type and size, and color accuracy.

There is more to a good laptop than just speed. Sure, you need speed to run your programs but, you also have factors such as deciding between Mac or PC, RAM, drives, displays, and color accuracy. You need to find the right balance on how you use your laptop. Lets get into it!

Mac vs. PC

The first question is whether you want to work with a Mac or a PC. Most software, even for graphic design, is produced for both iOS® and Microsoft® Windows® platforms. Of course, you'll want to make sure that your files are compatible with the software and operating system used by any company you work with.

Mac boast several advantages. First, their monitors tend to be very color accurate with high display quality. This is steadily becoming less true, however, as PCs ramp up their graphic-design friendliness. PC advantages include the ability to run more general software, which could make a difference if you will use your laptop for business or personal work. Lately, Apple has been removing ports from their devices. This gives the products a sleek, streamlined look, but can be frustrating when plugging in multiple accessories. PCs are more upgradeable than Macs, with the ability to initially configure or upgrade more components. This ability can enable you to upgrade only an outdated or failing component, without replacing the entire laptop.

CPU

The CPU, or processor, controls the functions of the computer. For graphic design, you need a fast, powerful processor to run complex design software. The top brands change quickly, but generally you need a quad-core or extreme series processor for graphic design. In addition to the CPU, it is important to look at the computer's graphics ability. A computer can have either a graphic chip integrated on the processor, or a separate graphics card. Previously, integrated graphics chips were very basic, not able to do much more than display spreadsheets and web pages. In the past few years, however, integrated graphics chips have improved considerably. Unless you do a lot of 3D designs, an integrated chip is usually enough to run most graphic design programs. Using an integrated graphics chip instead of a dedicated graphics card will save you some money. If you have the budget or tend to work in complex applications with a lot of textures, you'll need to look for a laptop with a separate graphics card.

Memory

Memory, or RAM, holds the data the computer needs to access on the fly, such as all the information in the file you're currently working on. If you typically work with multiple applications open, or if you work with very large files, you need more RAM to provide seamless switching between applications and scrolling through complex files. Try to get as much memory as you can in your laptop. If the configuration does not include enough RAM for your needs, you can buy and add memory easily.

Storage drive

Storage drives can be either a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). Hard drives, although they tend to be cheaper and have more capacity, can be problematic in laptops. Solid state drives are lighter, faster, and more durable than hard drives. Most laptops are sold with solid state drives, but computers can be upgraded with SSDs if they didn't happen to come with one. Learn more about SSDs and HDDs.

Display size and type

Because graphic design is a visual medium, you want the best monitor you can afford. Generally, a 13-inch monitor is too small for graphic design work. You should try for at least 15 inches. 17 inches is better for working, but could be cumbersome to carry. You'll also want a HiDPI (called Retina HD® by Apple) screen. These screens have a higher density of pixels, allowing you to see more detail. The lowest end screen for effective designing would be 1920x1080 pixels. Many laptops now come with an option to use the monitor as a touchscreen. Some of these can also be used as a tablet, as well. If you want to use your laptop as a tablet, you'll have to get a touchscreen. If not, some people can find the touchscreen problematic, especially with fingerprints. Laptops that convert to tablets are more and more common. Using a tablet can be effective if you want to draw or otherwise use a different input device for your designs. If you don't ever need to do that, however, the extra expense might not be worth it. If you do choose to use a pen as an alternate input device, look around at the one you like the best. That might dictate the laptop you buy.

Color accuracy

Color accuracy and a wide color palette are very important parts of the monitor, as well. Generally, you want to ensure that the monitor you're looking at has at least 100% of Adobe® RGB. If color isn't your focus, you can get away with a monitor that has 100% of sRGB. Color accuracy is usually measured by Delta-E, an indication of how far from complete accuracy the monitor is, as a result, a lower number is better. Try to get a monitor with a Delta-E score below 5. Of course, Delta-E cannot be considered by itself, it needs to be compared to the color palette. A monitor with a smaller color palette will have a better (lower) Delta-E score as it has fewer colors to get right.

Conclusion

Help Me Choose a Computer: Find the Right PC

You said you will use your computer primarily . You also wanted a computer that . Based on current availability, here are some PCs that have some of those and a few other features you might like. To take advantage of all the features in Windows 11, some accessories, like a webcam, may need to be purchased separately (see system requirements). Find the right one for you: compare up to 3 Windows devices by selecting the compare checkbox below each device. Check each device for its feature capabilities and specifications.

You said you will use your computer primarily . You also wanted a computer that . Based on current availability, here are some PCs that have some of those and a few other features you might like. To take advantage of all the features in Windows 11, some accessories, like a webcam, may need to be purchased separately (see system requirements). Find the right one for you: compare up to 3 Windows devices by selecting the compare checkbox below each device. Check each device for its feature capabilities and specifications.

How to Choose a Laptop for Writers in 2022 [9 Tips!]

Last Updated on September 17, 2022 by Neil Chase

How to Choose a Laptop for Writers in 2022 [9 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 writing 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 writers!

Neil Chase Film is supported by its readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commision. Thank you for your support!

Think of what you’ll use the laptop for

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 harder 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’ll be 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’ll be 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 some 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 of SSD storage space, or make sure to store data in the cloud.

You may also want to consider the number and type of USB ports 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, then you’ll need something that’s 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 that’s 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 also 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.

Our overall Pick for writers Asus VivoBook S15 The VivoBook S15 is a great laptop for writers who need a reliable, quality laptop that won’t break the bank and that has decent storage and processing speed. Check Price on Amazon

best luxury laptop Apple MacBook Air Apple laptop lovers rave about this lightweight, easily portable laptop! It is easy to use and has a long-lasting battery. Check Price on Amazon

best gaming-style laptop Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop For writers who are looking for something a little more flashy, or who want to use their laptop for both gaming and writing, check out this Lenovo option! Check Price on Amazon

best budget laptop for writers Acer Aspire 5 Laptop The Acer Aspire 5 laptop is a fantastic option for budget-conscious writers! It’s got a large screen, a great backlit keyboard, and a long battery life that will let you write at your favorite coffee shop all day! Check Price on Amazon

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!

Hunter Jones

Hunter Jones

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