Journalists are mostly people who are always on the go, moving from one area to another to cover news stories. This means that you won’t necessarily need a high-performing laptop, as you will be focused more on durability, portability, and comfort when you’re looking for the best laptop for journalists.
Finding that kind of laptop won’t be easy, especially if you still require that the device still provide solid performance to allow you to do a bit of multitasking. Fortunately, there are great models out there that will fit what you need in a laptop and thankfully, we’re here to help you identify the best laptops available.
Recommendations for December 2023
- HP Spectre X360 – A powerful laptop with a great keyboard and 32GB Optane memory included in the storage drive.
- ASUS Chromebook Flip – Premium-looking Chromebook that is sturdy and can provide high performance with 10th Gen Intel Core processor.
- Acer Swift 3 – Thin and lightweight affordable laptop with powerful 4th Gen AMD Ryzen processor.
- Lenovo IdeaPad 5 – High performing laptop with its 10th Gen Intel Core processor, exceptional battery life, and great all-around features.
- Dell Inspiron 15 7000 – A sleek and stylish laptop that delivers great performance and has a GTX graphics card.
- ASUS ZenBook 14 – A great thin and light laptop with amazing specs and good durability with its MIL-STD MIL-STD certification.
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 – Thin and elegant laptop with great features and solid specs.
- Apple MacBook Pro 13 – Solid and stylish laptop with Magic Keyboard and Retina Display.
- HP Envy X360 – A great laptop with powerful specs and very comfortable to use.
- Acer Chromebook 314 – A budget option with solid specs.
Best Laptop for Journalists in December 2023
HP Spectre X360 – Powerful With 32GB Optane Memory
One of the best laptops for journalists is the HP Spectre X360 because it combines power, feature, portability, and comfort.
This laptop comes with a 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. These are powerful specs that are more than enough to allow you to not only write your articles, but also use it for other things like editing photos, multitasking, and so on.
The device’s storage also comes with 32GB Optane memory, which will accelerate the laptop’s performance even more. But aside from great performance, this hybrid laptop is also portable because of how light it is.
It only weighs at 2.87 lbs, making it easy to carry. It also has a great 13.3-inch display, 12.5-hours of battery life, as well as a keyboard that is comfortable to type in. It’s a great hybrid laptop that you can bring anywhere and deliver a good performance. It’s the best laptop for writing.
Recommended Configuration for HP Spectre X360
CPU: Intel Core i7-10657G7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM | Screen: 13.3” Full HD Touch Display (1920 x 1080) pixels | Storage: 512GB SSD +32GB Optane | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: 12.5 hours | Weight: 2.87 lbs
ASUS Chromebook Flip – High Performing Chromebook
If you’re hesitant to consider a Chromebook for your laptop needs because you think it looks clunky and delivers low-performance, then you need to look at the ASUS Chromebook Flip.
You’ll be surprised to see that it has a sleek and stylish design with a minimalist finish, making it look more like a premium Windows laptop than a Chromebook. But what’s even more surprising is the specs that are powering this device.
It comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core i3 with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB SSD storage. These are solid specs that will easily allow you to write and edit your articles, as well as work on other tasks. You can even do multitasking here, running several programs while having multiple browsers open.
This 2-in-1 Chromebook also comes with a decent battery at 9.5 hours from a single charge, a bright 14-inch full HD display that delivers crisp images with vivid colors, and a keyboard that is very comfortable to use. It’s one of the best laptops for journalists that you can get on this list.
Recommended Configuration for ASUS Chromebook Flip
CPU: Intel Core i3-10110U | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 8 GB DDR3 RAM | Screen: 14” Full HD Touch Display (1920 x 1080) pixels | Storage: 128B SSD | Operating System: Chrome OS| Battery Life: 9.5 hours | Weight: 2.58 lbs
Acer Swift 3 – Affordable But Powerful
The Acer Swift 3 is the budget option on this list if you’re looking for a Windows laptop to use for your work as a journalist.
But don’t let the price tag fool you, as this laptop can deliver great performance. It has a 4th Gen AMD Ryzen 5 processor, along with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage. These are powerful specs that will easily allow you to perform a variety of tasks, including doing a bit of photo editing.
It’s also thin and light at only 0.63-inch thick and weighing at only 2.65 lbs, making it easy to carry around. It’s minimalist design also makes it look more premium than its price tag suggests. There’s nothing spectacular with its 14-inch full HD display, but it’s decent.
The keyboards are also solid, not the most comfortable, but still functions well. Battery life is also okay, lasting 8 hours on a single charge. But what’s really attractive about this laptop is its affordable price tag. It’s the best option if your budget is tight and you’re looking for the best laptop for writing.
Recommended Configuration for Acer Swift 3
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U | Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics | RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM | Screen: 14” Full HD IPS Display (1920 x 1080) pixels | Storage: 256B NVMe SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home| Battery Life: 8 hours | Weight: 2.65 lbs
Lenovo IdeaPad 5 – All-Around Performer
An all-around performer that is comfortable to use, durable, and can last for more than a day, this is what you get with the Lenovo IdeaPad 5.
It features a 10th Generation Intel Core i5 processor with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. These are great specs and can easily allow you to use this device for more than just writing and editing articles.
It’s also a durable laptop with its aluminum lid and sturdy plastic base, allowing it to survive bumps and short-distance falls. You also won’t have to worry about the laptop quickly running out of juice as it can last for 11.5 hours on a single charge, providing you with more than a day’s worth of work.
The laptop is also very comfortable to use. The touchpad is very responsive and accurate. The keyboards also provide great feedback, and the 15.6-inch Full HD display provides sharp images and accurate colors. It’s one of the best laptops for writers.
Recommended Configuration for Lenovo IdeaPad 5
CPU: Intel Core i5-1035G1 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics | RAM: 16 GB DDR4 RAM | Screen: 15.6” Full HD IPS Touch Display (1920 x 1080) pixels | Storage: 512B NVMe SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 11.5 hours | Weight: 3.66 lbs
Dell Inspiron 15 7000 – Stylish With Dedicated GPU
A dedicated graphics card is not usually needed in a journalist’s line of work. However, there might be moments where you need to do more intensive editing of images or even videos to post along with your article.
If this is the case, then the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 is your laptop. It’s the only laptop on this list that comes with dedicated graphics, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, making it one of the more powerful options on the list.
The laptop also has a 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. These specs will easily allow you to perform almost any task, including intensive editing, and run any program or software without problems.
This laptop also features a comfortable keyboard, as well as a large display that delivers bright and crisp images with accurate colors. The battery life is also decent, providing a solid 8 hours on a single charge. It’s one of the best options to be used as a journalist’s laptop.
Recommended Configuration for Dell Inspiron 15 7000
CPU: Intel Core i7-10750H | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 | RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM | Screen: 15.6” Full HD Touch WVA Display (1920 x 1080) pixels | Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: 8 hours | Weight: 3.39 lbs
ASUS ZenBook 14 – Amazing And Durable
If you are looking for a laptop that is durable, then you should check out the ASUS ZenBook 14. It’s one of the most durable laptops on this list, meeting the MIL-STD-810G military standard for reliability and durability.
This means that the laptop is capable of surviving falls from short distances, as well as the occasional bumps when you’re carrying it around. But aside from durability, this laptop also comes with powerful specs.
It features a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor along with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage, allowing you to not only write and edit your articles but also do other tasks as well. You can even multitask with this laptop without problems.
It also has an exceptional battery, lasting for more than 15 hours while doing basic work. The 14-inch full HD display is also good, as well as typing on the keyboard. It’s a great option if you’re looking for the best laptops for writers.
Recommended Configuration for ASUS ZenBook 14
CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 | RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM | Screen: 14” Full HD Touch Anti-Glare Display (1920 x 1080) pixels | Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: 15 hours | Weight: 2.6 lbs
Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 – Stylish And Thin
A stylish and thin laptop that can also deliver solid performance, this is what you can expect from the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3.
The laptop looks elegant with its all Platinum finish with “Alcantara fabric” covering the palm rest, providing you with a premium-looking device. It’s also thin light, measuring only 0.7-inches and weighing 2.79 lbs, making it easy to carry the device or even use it on your lap since it’s not heavy.
But this laptop is more than just elegant that’s easy to carry around, it can also deliver solid performance. It comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with 8 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD hard drive. Those are good specs that will allow you to do all basic tasks without issue and even do a bit of multitasking.
Recommended Configuration for Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
CPU: Intel Core i5-1035G7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics | RAM: 8 GB DDR4 RAM | Screen: 13.5” Touch Display (2256 x 1504) pixels | Storage: 128GB SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 Home | Battery Life: 11.5 hours | Weight: 2.79 lbs
Apple MacBook Pro 13 – Sleek With Solid Specs
If you want a MacBook to use for your work as a journalist, then you should look no further than the Apple MacBook Pro 13.
Not only is it one of the best MacBooks available with its sleek design and solid specs, but it also comes with a new keyboard, dubbed as the Magic Keyboard. Gone is the Butterfly Keyboard that most Mac users didn’t really like and is replaced with a better keyboard.
Typing on this laptop will be a joy with the new keyboard. But aside from a more comfortable keyboard to use, this laptop also offers solid performance with its specs. It comes with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD hard drive.
This allows you to use this laptop for more than just writing or editing your articles. The MacBook also comes with a 13.3-inch Retina Display for great viewing pleasure and 12.5 hours of battery, providing you more than a day’s worth of work from just a single charge. It’s one of the best laptops for writers that you can find, especially if you’re a MacBook user.
Recommended Configuration for Apple MacBook Pro 13
CPU: 10th Gen Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics| RAM: 16 GB RAM | Screen: 13.3” Retina Display (2560 x 1600) pixels | Storage: 512GB SSD | Operating System: macOS | Battery Life: 12.5 hours | Weight: 3.1 lbs
HP Envy X360 – Comfortable 2-in-1 Laptop
Another device that you should check out at when you’re looking for the best laptop for journalists is the HP Envy X360.
It’s a mid-range hybrid device that can deliver strong performance and is comfortable to use. It is powered by a 4th Gen AMD Ryzen 5 processor with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD hard drive. These are solid specs, easily allowing you to perform basic tasks, as well as some taxing activities.
It’s 2-in-1 configuration also allows you to use this laptop in a variety of ways. But aside from good specs, this model also comes with a great keyboard that provides great feedback and is very comfortable to type in.
The display is also surprisingly good for a mid-range option. It’s bright, can deliver sharp images, and the color accuracy is spot on. The battery life is also decent, giving you 8 hours on a single charge.
It’s a great laptop to get if you’re a journalist who needs a solid device that is comfortable to use and can provide good performance.
Recommended Configuration for HP Envy X360
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U | Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics| RAM: 16 GB DDR4 RAM | Screen: 15.6” Full HD IPS Touch Display (1920 x 1080) pixels | Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD | Operating System: Windows 10 | Battery Life: 8 hours | Weight: 2.92 lbs
Acer Chromebook 314 – Budget Yet Solid
The most affordable laptop on this list is the Acer Chromebook 314. But despite being affordable and a Chromebook, it is still a good and solid laptop that can perform well.
It’s powered by an Intel Celeron N4000 with 4GB RAM and 64 GB eMMC hard drive. It’s not the most amazing specs, but it’s still good enough to allow you to easily do basic tasks and even do some light multitasking.
Another thing that’s great about this Chromebook is that it also looks good. It doesn’t have the typical clunky designs of older Chromebooks, as this one looks sleek with its minimalist design. It’s also big, sporting a 14-inch screen, making it look more like a regular laptop than a Chromebook.
The device’s keyboards and display are also solid, making it comfortable to use, even for longer periods. Battery life won’t be an issue as well since it can last for 12 hours. It’s a great laptop to have if you’re looking for a cheap device that can still deliver solid performance. A great option for journalists who are just starting or students aspiring to be journalists.
Recommended Configuration for Acer Chromebook 314
CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 | Graphics: Intel UHD 600 | RAM: 4 GB DDR4 RAM | Screen: 14” Full HD IPS Display (1920 x 1080) pixels | Storage: 64GB eMMC | Operating System: Chrome OS | Battery Life: 12 hours | Weight: 3.75 lbs
Picking The Best Laptop For Journalists in 2023
Keyboard
When you’re looking for the best writing laptops to use, one of the first things that you will likely look at will be the device’s keyboard. You would want a keyboard that is very comfortable to use, can provide great feedback, and has the right size.
This is important because you will likely be typing on that laptop for an entire day continuously, and you will need comfortable keyboards so you won’t strain your fingers when you type. In terms of size, look for a laptop that offers full-sized keyboards since smaller keys will make it much harder to type.
Laptops with at least an 11.6-inch display usually offer full-sized keyboards so any laptop with larger screens will also have that. In terms of style, the chiclet-style keyboards will be the most common style you will find on many laptops. This is already a key keyboard style since keys are placed just right, allowing for easy and comfortable key travel.
Display
Aside from having a good keyboard, you will also need a good display when looking for the best laptop for a writer. Having a good screen is important because you will not be doing a lot of writing, but also a lot of reading. You will need a display that is not only bright but can also deliver sharp and crisp images.
For the display size, we recommend a laptop that is at least 13.3-inch in size, This is already an adequate display size where you can easily see and read what you’re writing without needing to zoom in. We also recommend a laptop with at least a full HD display so everything will be clearer and sharper.
A good display will ensure that you will have an easier and more comfortable time when you’re writing and researching, a good chunk of what you will do as a journalist.
Battery Life
The battery is another aspect that you will need to consider when trying to find the best laptops available for journalists. The nature of your work will mean that you are likely going to be on the field most of the time, which means you won’t always have access to a socket.
The best laptops for you then are those that can last for at least a day’s worth of work. For this, we recommend laptops that can last for at least 8 hours from a single charge. This is a good amount of time, which ensures you will at least get a day’s worth of work completed before you need another charge.
But a journalist’s work usually lasts more than 8 hours, and if this is the kind of work you have, then a good laptop is those with a long battery life that can typically last for 10 hours or more on a single charge. There are even laptops available that can last for 16 hours or more, you might want to consider those as well, especially if your work requires you to be on the field for consecutive days.
Portability and Durability
A laptop that is portable and durable is another important aspect when deciding the best laptops available for journalists. As someone who is working in the field most of the time, you need a device that is very easy and comfortable to carry.
You wouldn’t want to move around with a heavy and thick gaming laptop on your bag or tucked under your arm. This means laptops that are thin and light would be your best option. We recommend laptops that will have a thickness of, at most, 0.8 inches, anything lower than that would be ideal.
In terms of weight, we recommend laptops that weigh less than 4 lbs so it won’t be heavy. The ideal weight would be devices that weigh less than 3 lbs as these featherweight laptops can even be used on your laptop or even be held on your palm. You also need to make sure the laptop is durable.
As a journalist, you won’t just be covering normal events, as you will also cover disasters, wars, and other similar events. You will also need a laptop that can be used in extreme conditions, as well as be able to survive bumps and short-distance falls.
CPU and RAM
The last thing you will need to consider in finding the best laptops for writers would be the CPU and memory. They’re not as important as the others since you will likely use the device mostly for writing and editing articles.
If this is what you will mostly be doing, then we recommend a laptop with an Intel Celeron or Core i3 processor would be enough. A device with 4GB of memory will also suffice for this task. But if you’ll also be doing a bit of image editing, then you will need a more powerful device.
We recommend laptops with a Core i5 processor or an AMD Ryzen 5 for more power. You can even go for an i7 processor if what you’re editing will be more intensive. As for memory laptops with 8GB or 16GB memory will suffice.
Conclusion
As a journalist, your job will likely involve a lot of writing and tons of fieldwork. For this type of work, you will need a laptop that is very portable, has a great battery life, and is very comfortable to use.
We hope that we were able to help you find the best laptop for journalists with our list and buying guide. Please comment below if you have any questions, feedback, or want to share some insights. We would like to hear what you think about this article.