Hey there, fellow content writers. Today, we’ve got something special in store for all the writers out there—a detailed rundown on the best budget laptops for writers in 2024. Whether you’re penning the next great novel or crafting compelling blog posts, you’ll want a laptop that’s your perfect creative companion. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our best picks.
Number five: Acer Swift 314
The Acer Swift 314 is a 14-inch Windows Ultra-portable that provides excellent value for money. While Acer’s Swift models have always been considered mid-range, the price has dropped dramatically, making this laptop an affordable option. For under $500, you can get an Intel Core A7 setup with 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. Despite having an Intel 11th generation CPU, which is a few generations behind the most recent Intel processors, it does simple activities like text processing adequately. Furthermore, the battery easily lasts a whole workday, allowing you to leave your charger at home.
This laptop has a primarily metal chassis that screams sturdiness. The screen is sharp and bright, providing a pleasing visual experience. The keyboard is adequate, and the touchpad, albeit on the tiny side, is quick. The Acer Swift 314 comes with two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, a full-size HDMI port, and a headphone jack. Notably, the USB-C connector supports Thunderbolt 4, allowing you to connect up to 2 4K displays using a single cable. Furthermore, a fingerprint sensor enables rapid and secure logins. Unfortunately, the webcam quality on the laptop is poor, with underexposed video and staticky audio.
The Acer Swift 314 is a 14-inch thin and lightweight Windows laptop featuring Intel 11th-generation CPUs, integrated graphics, and memory and storage options up to 16 GB and 512 GB. It has an FHD 16:9 IPS display, a Wi-Fi 6 wireless adapter, and a handy fingerprint sensor for further protection. The port choices on the laptop are remarkable, with an HDMI 2.0, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, two USB-As, and a USB-C connector with Thunderbolt 4 capability.
The Acer Swift 314 is an outstanding business laptop. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry, and its battery lasts for an entire workday. The laptop’s extensive port selection, which includes a full-size HDMI port and a USB-C port with Thunderbolt 4 capability, enables smooth connection to external monitors for presentations.
Number four: Lenovo Yoga 7i6
The Lenovo Yoga 7i6 2024, commonly known as the Lenovo Yoga 7i6 gen 8, is an outstanding 2-in-1 Windows laptop designed specifically for writers.
The 2024 model comes with Intel 13th-gen U and P series CPU combinations and is available in configurations of up to 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage. A full HD Plus 1920×1200 or Quad HD Plus 2560×1600 IPS display is available. It has Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, a webcam with 1,80 resolution, and a long-lasting 71o battery. Lenovo Yoga 7i6 has 2 USB ports, 2 USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 connectors, HDMI 1.4 port, Micro SD card reader & headphone jack.
For communication, this laptop is a wonderful writing companion with sturdy build quality, long battery life, and outstanding functionality during tasks. It can run for more than 12 hours on a single charge. The laptop has a bright and clear display, a spacious keyboard that is easy to type on, and a substantially sized snappy touchpad. The Lenovo Yoga 7i6 is powered by Intel’s 13th-generation CPUs, allowing it to handle a wide range of writing jobs as well as moderately intense applications. However, its integrated graphics may need to meet the expectations of students or professionals working on graphics-intensive jobs like 3D design and animation.
In terms of portability, it’s relatively slim for a 16-inch laptop, yet it’s heavier due to the larger screen size. In conclusion, the Lenovo Yoga 7i6 gen 8 is an excellent productivity tool for writers. It stands out for its bright and vibrant display, sturdy build quality, diverse port selection, and long battery life. Nonetheless, its microphone array may not equal the audio quality of other competitors, as it introduces perceptible background noise, which could be a minor disadvantage for individuals who frequently participate in online meetings.
Number three: Surface Laptop 4
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 appears as a top choice for writers in 2024, with an outstanding keyboard and a compact, portable design. While it may benefit from additional ports, it is highly recommended for people who do a lot of typing. The Surface Laptop 4 hits the perfect balance, combining a small and readily portable form factor with enough power to handle daily workloads. The gorgeous PixelSense display and an amazingly comfortable keyboard that makes writing a pleasure set it apart. This laptop is positioned to be the ideal companion for returning to work whenever that becomes viable again.
You can get the standard 13.5-inch setup for $999 to $1,599, which includes an AMD Ryzen 5 processor with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. If you choose the 15-inch model, the beginning setup costs $1,299 to $2,199 and includes an AMD Ryzen 7 processor with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. The main difference between the 15-inch and 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 4 variants is the processor. The AMD Ryzen 5 4680U has six cores and 12 threads, while the Ryzen 7 4980U has eight cores and 16 threads. As a result, the 15-inch model excels at jobs that necessitate substantial multi-threading, such as video editing. However, because both models have the same pixel density of 201 PPI, there will be no discernable difference in visual quality. Nonetheless, a larger screen is always appealing.
The laptop’s hardware can be updated for individuals who want more performance. Surprisingly, the higher-tier systems use Intel hardware rather than AMD. The Surface Laptop 4 is exceptionally thin at 0.57 inches thick and lightweight at 2.79 lbs (1.3 kg). Because of its portability, it is a great companion for regular commutes. Despite its compact shape, the laptop feels extremely sturdy with a rigid aluminum lid. The sturdy hinge ensures stability when using the touchscreen, reducing the need for frequent screen adjustments—a feature that distinguishes it from other touchscreen laptops on the market.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a great choice for writers in 2024, providing—exceptional comfort and performance in a stylish, compact form factor.
Number two: Dell XPS 13
Dell’s XPS 13 returns in 2024 with improved hardware, a new color option, and a few polarizing design changes. Nonetheless, it is a fantastic laptop for daily use at an affordable price. The XPS 13 series aficionados, on the other hand, may be divided over its latest generation. The XPS 13 excels at everyday chores and productivity, cementing its position as one of the best alternatives for professionals who are constantly on the road. Unfortunately, there is a huge disadvantage—battery life. Although the new XPS 13 has higher battery life than other laptops powered by Intel Alder Lake processors, it falls short of the previous Intel Evo-certified XPS 13. This shortage is due mainly to the Alder Lake processor’s high power consumption, which does not prioritize efficiency.
While the XPS 13 offers nearly all-day battery life, it falls short of the all-day plus endurance that some XPS 13 devotees may hope for.
Number one: Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8, a laptop known for its great performance and features, is the top pick for writers in 2024. This 16-inch marvel is not your average writing machine; it has incredible power and versatility. The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 is powered by the newest AMD Ryzen 7,000 CPUs and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 series GPUs, including a 4070 that runs an amazing 140W total Graphics power with Dynamic boost. This laptop gives you the option of a high refresh rate 165Hz or 240Hz display, both with Quad HD Plus resolution and VR compatibility. To reduce screen tearing, you can expect good frame rates regardless of your configuration, making it an excellent choice for both gamers and writers.
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 does not disappoint when it comes to RAM and storage. It has up to 32 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage, and both are user-upgradable, giving you flexibility to develop. The Legion Pro 5 Gen 8 maintains a robust and sturdy structure, mixing metal and plastic for a long-lasting finish. Its mid-range design provides dependability, but its bulkiness prevents it from being the most portable alternative. While not ideal, the battery life will last approximately 5 hours with light use.
The haptic keyboard on this laptop makes typing a delight. It also has Wi-Fi 6E wireless networking and a variety of interfaces for smooth connectivity, including HDMI 2.1 and Ethernet. Unfortunately, the lack of biometrics for speed login is a disadvantage.
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 8, in 2023, builds on the tradition of the Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Gen 7 and features Zen 4-based AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs and NVIDIA RTX 40 series GPUs, ranging from RTX 4050 to 4070.
This concludes our list of the top five best laptops for writers on a budget list.