With the growth in technology, writing on paper is becoming less and less popular with each passing day. Screenwriters and other types of writers can brainstorm and craft ideas on a laptop which is faster and easier, making it easier to edit and back up their writing.
Unlike other labor-intensive tasks like 3D rendering and data science that call for high-performing, feature-packed computers, screenwriting does not require a powerhouse. However, do not just pick the first laptop you come across because there are specs you must take into account. These include the keyboard, battery, and display.
Below are the best laptops for screenwriting.
- Google Pixel Go- Editor’s Pick
- Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop- Best Value
- ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop- Best Budget
Best Laptop For Screenwriting Reviews: Top Picks
Google Pixel Go
- RAM: 16 GB
- Storage: 256 GB SSD
- Screen Size: 13.3 Inches
- Processor: Intel Core i7-8500y
- Graphics: Intel UHD
This efficient, economical, simplistic, and lightweight laptop makes an excellent investment, especially for beginner screenwriters. Google Pixel Go is perfect for writing anywhere, whether stationary or on the go, since it is pretty light, weighing about 2 pounds.
Besides being easily portable, a single charge lasts up to 12 hours, so you do not have to be confined in an area with easily accessible power outlets. This laptop comes with a 13.3-inch full HD (1920 x1080) display offering sufficient real estate for your writing.
In addition, you can easily navigate and edit your script since the Google Pixel Go has a stylus and a touchpad. It also has a super quiet backlit keyboard, textured background, and hush keys capabilities.
Pros
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Comfortable, backlit keyboard
- Affordable
- Long battery life and fast charging
- 1080p webcam
Cons
- Lacks biometric login
Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Screen Size: 14 Inches
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
Running demanding applications and tasks on this laptop comes easy because of the Radeon graphics and the AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core processor. The processor delivers efficient battery usage and fast responsiveness, allowing you to remain productive throughout the day and entertained through watching YouTube and other fun activities.
The 14-inch, 100% sRGB, LED-backlit, the full-HD display provides you with bright and rich visuals. The screen has narrow bezels, a 16:9 aspect ratio, and the screen-to-body ratio is 85.73%. Do not worry about running out of space to store your screenwriting files and other data since the Acer Swift 3 comes with a 512 GB SSD.
The 8 GB RAM also facilitates multitasking. Other exciting features this laptop offers are the Biometric Fingerprint Reader and voice technology. It is also fitted with an excellent keyboard and trackpad and has about 8 hours of battery life.
It weighs 2.5 pounds, making it quite portable. The downsides are the plain design and dim display.
Pros
- Slim and lightweight
- Offers value for money
- Backlit keyboard
- Excellent trackpad
- Sufficient battery life
Cons
- Plain design
- Dim display
ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 128 GB SSD
- Screen Size: 15.6 Inches
- Processor: Intel Core i3-1005G1
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
This laptop is suitable for individuals looking for an affordable, modern-looking laptop that has an excellent display. The 15.6-inch screen has sufficient pixels that offer great visuals. This laptop also has nifty features such as a webcam shutter and touch sensor. With a 128 GB SSD, your screenwriting files will have enough storage space.
It can handle popular applications, including Excel and chrome, without lagging. While it delivers reliable performance, you are better off investing in a different laptop if you want a gaming device. Besides performance, its modern looks are attractive to young people, making it an excellent choice for students.
In addition, it has a full-size, comfortable backlit keyboard that has a numeric keypad. It has many hotkeys, 1.4 mm key travel, and adequate space between different keys. Based on these factors, typing on this laptop is brilliant.
Pros
- Reasonably powerful
- Excellent keyboard
- Great port selection
- Affordable
Cons
- Subpar build quality
- Average webcam
Microsoft Surface Pro 8
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Screen Size: 13 Inches
- Processor: Intel Evo Platform Core i5
- Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
Unlike other Surface Pro laptop models with aging designs, the Pro 8 features a modernized look with Thunderbolt 4, a beautiful look, and a larger display. It comes with a pre-installed Windows 11 OS and an amazing webcam. In addition, this device offers the flexibility you get from a tablet, so you can choose which mode to use during your screenwriting.
Also, it has a detachable keyboard and a built-in kickstand. Typing on this laptop is comfortable since its keyboard is compact, sleek, and performs like a standard keyboard. You have backlit keys and a complete function row at your disposal.
Unfortunately, it is costly and no longer has a USB type-A.
Pros
- Fast processor
- Thin and lightweight
- Comfortable keyboard
- Ample storage
Cons
- Expensive
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Laptops For Screenwriting
Consider the following during your selection:
1. Storage
Choose a laptop with a minimum of 256 GB SSD storage to give you ample space to store your screenwriting files.
2. Keyboard
Your laptop needs to facilitate fast, comfortable, and efficient typing. Therefore, choose a full-size keyboard, a responsive trackpad, and a generous palm rest space.
3. Battery Life
To avoid being restricted to your working station, ensure your screenwriting laptop can last at least 4 hours on a single charge.
4. Portability
Since a career as a screenwriter will likely have you traveling a lot, ensure your laptop weighs less to make it portable. Go for a laptop that weighs below 4 pounds.
Conclusion
You must balance performance, your needs, and your budget when shopping for the best laptop for screenwriting. Do not spend what you cannot afford when there are many affordable laptops in the market. The laptops discussed in this post meet different price ranges; hence there’s something for everyone.