You got the perfect story, just not the perfect laptop.
Don’t worry.
This list will help.
We’ve compiled a list of the best laptops for screenwriters that will help you get your story from the brain to the screen.
How do we know this? Because we are screenwriters too and we have found certain laptop features better for screenwriters than others, like size, portability, screenwriting program compatibility, etc. But to save you time:
The best screenwriting laptop is the Apple MacBook Air since the balance between premium quality, price, reliability, and portability is excellent. And it works well with all screenwriting programs.
Here are the Top Three:
| Lap top | Feattures | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| ASUS ZenBook 13 | Good Keyboard feel 16-hour Battery Life Works with all screenwriting programs | Android Users |
| Google Pixelbook Go | Silient keybord 12 hour battery Life loads in 5 seconds 20-Minute charge time Works with all screenwriting programs exept Final draft | Budget |
| Apple MacBook Air | Magic Keyboard Feature 14-hour battery Silent Works with all screenwriting programs | Apple Users |
The options below are in no particular order, but rest assured each option has been meticulously researched to give you the perfect tools to craft your magnum opus in waiting.
1.) Google Pixelbook Go
The first entry onto our list comes in the economical and efficient Google Pixelbook Pro. This lightweight and simplistic Chromebook has a huge battery life of 12 hours while being extremely light- weighing in at a measly 2lbs. For any beginner screenwriters, this is a great investment.
An invaluable addition for any screenwriter, and when paired with a backlit keyboard with an ultra-quiet processor it means your late-night writing sessions will be quiet and discreet.
The Google Pixelbook Go is designed for simplicity, proving over-the-top complexity is not needed to create an excellent product.
The built-in Hush Keys feature The laptop comes in at the mid-price range yet features a premium 1080p webcam- something you won’t even see in some of Apple’s best products.
Why is it for Screenwriters?
Most screenwriters aren’t full time writers. They are back and forth from school, work coffee shop, friends house, and when inspiration hits it really hits. This laptop is perfect for those inspiration moments. Its small enough to throw in a bang or just carry like a book and google even put grips on the bottom.
Also, it completely loads everything in less than 5 seconds.
I use this on the train all the time.
While the Google Pixelbook Go is one of the best laptops for the price in terms of hardware, screenwriters will have to consider their preferred screenwriting software if opting to buy one.
Unfortunately, industry-standard screenwriting software Final Draft is not available natively on the Google Pixelbook Go, meaning more experienced/professional screenwriters looking to use Final Draft may want to look elsewhere. However, for beginners who are happy to use, Celtx, or more acclaimed WriterDuet, this laptop could be a great start.
Typing on the ultralight and super quiet keyboard is a genuine delight and is without a doubt one of the best keyboard experiences around; additionally the 13.3 inches Full HD screen is ample size for any writer.
Specs:
- Brand – Google
- Weight – 2.33lbs
- CPU – Intel Core i5 8200Y processor Display
- Size – 13.3 inches
- RAM 8GB
Best Features:
- 12 Hour Battery Life
- Loads in 5 seconds
- Fast charging (2 hour charge in 20 minutes)
- Hush Keys Feature
- Bult in grip feet on the bottem
- 1080p webcam
- Utra quite backlit keyboard
- Light weight and portable
- Textured background for easy portablility
Drawbacks:
- Incompatible with Final Draft
- Runs Chome OS Exclusivly
- No Biometric Login
2.) Apple MacBook Air
In the modern era it can feel like Apple is king in terms of technology products. The MacBook Air seems to reinforce this sentiment. Boasting the world-renowned Mac OS, the MacBook air is sleek and highly portable with an ultra-lightweight build.
The MacBook Air blends quality and portability like no other, also managing to come in at a reasonable price.
Powerful and Lightweight
The MacBook Air M1 uses the Apple M1 CPU meaning you’ll find high performance when using this laptop, software and apps appear to run at lightning speed with little to no slowdown despite the number of tabs you might have open!
The lightweight yet sturdy design also comes in at just under 3lbs meaning it’s very portable, so you can easily take it to your favourite writing spot without the feeling of lugging a brick around.
Why is it for Screenwriters?
One aspect that makes this MacBook so good is the Magic Keyboard feature that Apple has integrated.
Typing feels like a breeze, being sharp and responsive while not fatiguing in the slightest. A major highlight for screenwriters will be the humongous 14-hour battery life, essentially making the MacBook Air virtually unrivalled in staying power- seriously impressive considering the high-performance output.
Final Draft runs fantastically well on the Air, with the 13.3-inch screen feeling like the perfect fit for all writing endeavours on this laptop. Finally, the MacBook Air stays true to its name as it makes virtually no noise and rarely gets warm- is it actually running on air!?
This is why we beeilve this is the best screenwriting laptop you can buy.
Specs:
- Brand- Apple
- Weight- 2.8lbs
- CPU- Apple M1
- Display Size- 13.3 inch
- RAM- 8/16GB
Best Features:
- Good Price Considering Quality
- Quality OS
- Magic Keyboard Feature
- Lightning Fast
- Deadly Silent
- Incredible Battery Life (14hours)
- Lightweight+Sturdy
Drawbacks:
- Missing Some Ports (HDMI)
3.) ASUS ZenBook 13
The first ASUS entry onto the list is the ZenBook 13, a relatively new ultrabook that is one of the best on the market. The ASUS ZenBook 13 has a lightweight chassis and phenomenal battery life amongst a host of other top features.
The portability of the ZenBook 13 is one of the standout features, weighing in at 2.5lbs with a super thin design.
However, the huge battery life capability of 16 hours is practically unrivalled by any other Ultrabook, while performance is generally good across the board.
Why is it for Screenwriters?
This laptop is a standout from a screenwriting perspective for the 16 hour battery life, but a comfortable backlit keyboard adds to its appeal. Additionally, the AMD Ryzen 5000-series processor means multitasking is fast, which is good for creating beats, writing scripts and research simultaneously.
The keyboard is also good value, lifting towards you when you fully extend the screen for extra comfort typing. One drawback for screenwriters who like to write on the go or in public spaces is the lack of a headphone jack, although bluetooth wireless options are available.
Specs:
- Brand- ASUS
- Weight- 2.5lbs
- CPU- Intel Core i7-1165G7
- CPU Display Size- 13.3 inch
- RAM- 16GB Average Price- $1100
Best Features:
- Lightweight Chassis
- Incredible 16-hour battery life
- Stylish Design
- Good Keyboard
Drawbacks:
- Trackpad Can Feel Stiff
- Lack Of Headphone Jack
- GPU Performance Could Be Better
4.) Lenovo IdeaPad S340
The Lenovo IdeaPad S340 is another fantastic budget-based option for screenwriters. This laptop has a plastic build but maintains an attractive looking design while supporting all the essentials one would need for screenwriting.
Despite the relatively cheap price of the IdeaPad, the performance is more than adequate for nearly all tasks.
There is also a backlit keyboard and a few different display size options, highlighting a few of the customisation options available
Other than that, there’s not really too much to shout about regarding the IdeaPad, but the excellent price is a major factor in this.
Why is it for Screenwriters?
The highlight for screenwriters here is the springy and responsive keyboard, which feels of higher quality than it should be considering the price. This keyboard is backlit but unfortunately that’s where the good features end as the display screen isn’t particularly bright compared to other laptops.
Another area of concern for screenwriters would be the 6-hour battery life, but for the price it’s difficult to complaint too much considering the overall quality of the laptop. Finally, another slight disappointment was the weight of the IdeaPad, weighing in at 3.4lbs.
Consequentially, the IdeaPad actually feels quite bulky-not great for mobile screenwriters.
Specs:
- Brand- Lenovo
- Weight- 3.4/4lbs
- CPU- AMD Ryzen 7
- Display Size- 14/15.6 inch
- RAM- 4/8/16GB
Best Features:
- Quick Battery Charge
- Springy Responsive Keyboard
- Very Cheap
Drawbacks:
- Trackpad Can Feel Stiff
- 6 Hour Battery Life -Dim Display Screen
- Limited Performance
5.) HP Spectre X360 14
The HP Spectre X360 14 is a mouthful, symbolic of the number of features packed into this excellent 2 in 1 convertible laptop. Coming in at the more expensive price range, HP has crafted a premium laptop which also operates as a tablet/touchscreen while maintaining an excellent keyboard and core design.
HP’s Spectre X360 14 achieves a rare feat with this design, merging quality with versatility to ensure you have every possible experience while maintaining the best possible experience throughout.
The convertible aspect of the laptop is second to none, allowing you to switch seamlessly between laptop and tablet mode.
In many ways this is the quintessential modern screenwriters’ laptop; being able to switch from laptop projects to TV or Movies on the tablet is a joy and ensures comfort and efficiency is always present.
Why is it for Screenwriters?
An amazingly comfortable keyboard ensures fatigue is not a concern for screenwriters, while the lengthy 12-hour battery life ensures long writing sessions are on the table. As mentioned previously, tablet mode is a joy to switch to, and it also offers a great way to make story notes, beats or any other supplementary material needed for your screenplay.
Finally, the performance on the laptop is excellent due to the Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, meaning you’ll be able to run as much at once as you like with little to no slowdown in responsiveness or overall performance- great for when multitasking between writing a script and researching simultaneously.
The only off-putting thing for any screenwriter would be the fairly high price, although this may be worth the investment due to the sheer quality in functionality and design.
Specs:
- Brand- HP
- Weight- 3lbs
- CPU- Intel Core i7-1165G7
- Display Size- 13.5-inch,
- 1920 x 1280-pixels (IPS); 3000 x 2000-pixel (OLED)
- RAM- 16GB Average Price- $1200
Best Features:
- 12 Hour Battery Life
- Various Screen Size Options
- 2 in 1 Convertible Laptop
- Excellent Performance In Both Laptop/Tablet Mode
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Micro-Edge Display
Drawbacks:
- Fan Can Get Noisy
- Pricey
- Slightly Bulky As Tablet
- Touchpad Can Be Stiff
6.) Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
The third entry to our list is the first budget Laptop. Although not the most stylish or full of features, this laptop is a tremendous gateway laptop for a beginner screenwriter due to sheer price alone.
A generous 15.6-inch display and backlit keyboard means you’ll have the essentials to start typing up your script, and the Windows 10 0S means you can install virtually any screenwriting software to do so.
Affordable and Effective
The low price relative to other laptops yet respectable performance means the Acer Aspire 5 can be considered a strong candidate if you’re looking for your first investment into the world of screenwriting.
There’s nothing special in terms of design or looks but the Aspire 5 ticks over nicely and will run well enough to type up a script.
The 15-inch display is 1080p and the laptop weighs in at around 4lbs, meaning it’s portable if not slightly chunky compared to more expensive lightweight competition.
Why is it for Screenwriters?
The Aspire 5 is capable of running most screenwriting software although programs like Final Draft will have the tendency to run slower at times due to the lower performance of the model.
One major issue that screenwriters may find is that the keyboard can feel mushy and not to everybody’s taste, which is obviously a big stumbling block. In addition, the 6-hour battery life feels miniscule in comparison to other laptops, so advanced screenwriters looking for extended sessions are best off looking elsewhere.
Specs:
- Brand- Acer
- Weight- 4lbs
- CPU- Intel Core i5-1035G1
- Display Size- 15.6 inch
- RAM- 8GB
Best Features:
- Affordable Price
- Upgradeable
- Good Screen Size
Drawbacks:
- Average/Poor Battery Life (6hours)
- Awkward Keyboard
- Limited Processing Power
- Not Overly Lightweight
7.) Acer Swift 3
Next up is another Acer on the list with the Acer Swift 3. This also another fantastic budget laptop and one which is considered as a slight upgrade on the Acer Aspire 5. Acer once again proves they can produce an efficient laptop with premium feeling features at budget price; for quality to budget value this laptop is one of if not the best on this list.
Affordable Reliability
The Acer Swift 3 isn’t going to win any major awards with its design or performance, however it does outperform several other laptops in its budget range, utilising an Intel Core i5-1035G1.
Considering the price Swift 3 has some great features, such as an excellent trackpad/keyboard and respectable battery life of around 8 hours. The overall build is solid albeit very light, weighing in at 2.5lbs, so portability is no issue if using the Swift 3.
In many ways this is the quintessential modern screenwriters’ laptop; being able to switch from laptop projects to TV or Movies on the tablet is a joy and ensures comfort and efficiency is always present.
Why is it for Screenwriters?
An amazingly comfortable keyboard ensures fatigue is not a concern for screenwriters, while the lengthy 12-hour battery life ensures long writing sessions are on the table. As mentioned previously, tablet mode is a joy to switch to, and it also offers a great way to make story notes, beats or any other supplementary material needed for your screenplay.
Finally, the performance on the laptop is excellent due to the Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, meaning you’ll be able to run as much at once as you like with little to no slowdown in responsiveness or overall performance- great for when multitasking between writing a script and researching simultaneously.
The only off-putting thing for any screenwriter would be the fairly high price, although this may be worth the investment due to the sheer quality in functionality and design.
Specs:
- Brand- HP
- Brand- Acer Weight- 2.5lbs
- CPU- Intel Core i5-1035G1
- Display Size- 14 inch
- RAM- 8GB Average
Best Features:
- Brilliant Quality For Price
- Adequate Battery Life
- Backlit Keyboard
- Lightweight
- Great Trackpad
Drawbacks:
- Dim Display
- Plain Design
- Bloatware Impacts Performance
8.) ASUS Chromebook Flip C234MA
Another ASUS next and this time the ASUS Chromebook Flip. This design is simplistic and allows for the 2 in 1 tablet-laptop feature that is becoming more commonplace on the market. This Chromebook is one of the cheapest you’ll find and still has a good level of processing power, despite having a lower level of specs.
Low Specs But High Performance
The new feature of chromebooks being able to run android apps is also a welcome addition, cementing the idea that the ASUS Flip can be a hub for all your needs
The speed and performance of the Flip C234MA is very impressive considering the Specs aren’t that great, and the dual functionality of tablet and laptop is great for when work and downtime blends together.
Why is it for Screenwriters?
Once again, the Asus Flip is great for portability so ideal for writing on the go, something many of us screenwriters are constantly doing. As mentioned before with previous chromebooks on the list, the only other real negative here is if you are uncomfortable with the Chrome OS and the fact that some screenwriting software won’t run on it.
The price of the ASUS Flip is great for screenwriters on a budget or those new to the craft, with some as cheap as $350.
Specs:
- Brand- ASUS
- Weight- 2.65lbs
- CPU- Intel
- Display Size- 11.6 inch
- RAM- 4GB
Best Features:
- Dual Laptop Tablet
- Portability
- Minimum 10-hour battery life
Drawbacks:
- Screenwriting Software Optimisation
- Lower Specs
- Keyboard Is Average
9.) Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is a few years old now but is still one of the most enticing and intriguing entries to this list. While technically a tablet rather than a laptop, it’s the Surface Pro’s impressive specs that render it on par with laptops, this combined with a high degree of portability makes it a very attractive investment for all screenwriters.
A Quality Mobile Hybrid
The Surface Pro 7 blends together the best features of having a tablet with laptop level processing power, resulting in a powerful device that can be taken anywhere with ease.
The keyboard disconnects seamlessly and the touchscreen is responsive, while a stylus pen is also included. Another hugely impressive thing about the Surface Pro 7 is the consistently fast overall performance and excellent display, ensuring quality of work won’t suffer regardless of where you’re writing from.
Why is it for Screenwriters?
Including a tablet on the list might seem weird, but the fact that the Surface Pro 7 has an attachable keyboard feature and laptop level of specs means it deserves to be on this list.
The keyboard is bouncy and the touchpad is smooth and responsive, allowing writing to feel effortless, while the stylus allows notetaking and more traditional writing if you get fed up with typing. Another standout from a screenwriting perspective is the mobility, as writers we often get ideas in random places and with the Surface Pro 7 you have the ability to record notes or even continue with a screenplay wherever you are due to how easy it is to travel with.
The ultra-vibrant screen also means image quality is top tier for streaming video content and amazingly the battery life is still up to 11 hours. One issue that can be encountered as a screenwriter is that sometimes some screenwriting software won’t be fully optimised on tablet hybrids like this.
Specs:
- Brand- Microsoft
- Weight- 2.4lbs (1.7 without keyboard)
- CPU- Intel Core i3 Display
- Size- 12.3 inch
- RAM- 8GB
Best Features:
- Great Touchscreen
- Highly Mobile
- Comfortable Keyboard (detachable)
- Bright Display
- Good Specs
Drawbacks:
- Screen Might Not Be For Everyone
- Greater Emphasis On Tablet Features
- Screenwriting Software Optimisation
10.) Apple MacBook Pro
The final entry on our list see’s us return to Apple and their high-quality MacBook Pro, specifically looking at the newer 2021 14/16-inch models, although all MacBook Pros are brilliant machines. The MacBook Pro is the embodiment of a premium investment, with a fantastic keyboard, super-fast processing speeds and gorgeous design. The Mac OS is often the choice for many writers for its functionality and efficient design, while all screenwriting software runs brilliantly on Mac OS.
Step Into The Future
Apple unveiled the new 14 and 16 inch versions of the MacBook Pro this year, each of them utilising the brilliant Apple M1 Pro Chip- allowing them to run flawlessly under any amount of stress.
If you somehow need even more power, Apple have kindly allowed us the option of buying the Apple M1 Max chip, which doubles the GPU core count and memory bandwidth of the M1 Pro. You can choose between Space Grey and Silver designs, which both look fantastic and professional.
It’s hard to find another notebook that’s more advanced yet highly portable at this point in time, Apple have designed something that feels like it’s from the future.
Why is it for Screenwriters?
For a screenwriter the MacBook Pro is a treat. The Apple Magic backlit keyboard has touch ID and feels amazing to type on. There are also ambient light sensors and pressure sensitive trackpad capabilities to mention a few features. The newer models weigh 3.5lbs so it’s easily portable and very slim in design.
As expected all software runs effortlessly and the laptop itself is deafeningly quiet, overall it’s hard to pinpoint any real drawbacks for screenwriters aside from the high end price range.
Specs:
- Brand- Apple
- Weight- 3.5lbs
- CPU- M1 Chip Pro/Max
- Display Size- 14/16 inch
- RAM- 16/32/64 GB Average
Best Features:
- Apple Magic Keyboard
- Ultra Fast Processers
- 1080p Display -Portable
- Professional Design -16 Hour Battery Life
Drawbacks:
- Expensive may be Overwhelming For Beginner Screenwriter
- Some Users Report Battery Drainage
So, there we have it, that’s our list!
Now its Time to Hear From You:
If there are any laptops or tablets that you think would make a great addition to the best screenwriting laptop list, let us know in the comments below.
Happy writing and shopping!