Are you looking for something sleek, lightweight, and extremely portable for typing? Tired of carrying around a bulky laptop with poor battery life? Or maybe you’re done spending megabucks on expensive machines.
Chromebook? Isn’t it just another laptop?
Chromebook may look like an ordinary laptop, but it comes with Google’s Chrome OS instead of Windows or Mac OS. They are specifically designed for web-centric operations, meaning that you can’t install offline applications like Adobe Photoshop, Primavera, AutoCAD, etc.
Sadly, offline Microsoft Office products do not work with these machines, but you can work with Google Docs even if you’re not connected to the internet. You can also use online versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint if you’re a die-hard Microsoft fan.
For writers, the keyboard on a Chromebook is a bit different from your traditional laptop or Chromebook with sd card slot. You’ll find a search key instead of a Caps Lock and system controls along the top row. Sadly, there is no delete key on a Chromebook.
Are you in a hurry? Here is our top pick!
The ASUS Chromebook C523 is hands down the best Chromebook for bloggers and writers. A stunning display, long battery life, and responsive keyboard; this one ticks all the boxes.
- Ergonomic Keyboard: Being a writer, you need comfort and ease while doing your work. This bad boy comes with a full-size user-friendly keyboard with 1.4 mm key travel.
- Gorgeous Display: The ASUS Chromebook C523 comes with a 15.6-inch NanoEdge HD display with an anti-glare coating.
- Affordable: Despite being a powerful machine, the ASUS Chromebook
5 BEST CHROMEBOOK FOR WRITERS
1. ASUS Chromebook C523
Wonder why this is on the first spot? Who’d want to miss a stunning 15.6-inch NanoEdge HD display (1366 x 768 Pixels) with ultra-narrow 6mm bezel, that too with a matte anti-glare coating?
The 80% screen-to-body ratio makes this a worth having device! Did we mention the 180° hinge? The display can be laid flat to share content with others.
The Asus Chromebook C523 is truly a workhorse with its powerful Intel Dual-Core Celeron N3350 Processor. It comes with a turbo boost of up to 2.4 GHz. It might not be much compared to a traditional laptop, but for writing, it is more than enough.
Do you often find yourself multitasking? Well, this Chromebook is equipped with 4GB DDR3 RAM for you to switch between tasks quickly. Furthermore, the 32GB eMMC storage allows you to save some files locally.
32GB, not enough? Well, with this product, you get a whopping 1-Year Free Google 100GB Cloud Storage.
A writer’s worst nightmare? The battery runs out while writing something intense. If you go with the ASUS Chromebook C523, you can work for up to 10 hours on a single charge.
The C523 comes with two reversible USB Type-C ports, standard USB 3.1 ports, and a microSD slot.
And finally, the full-size ergonomic keyboard on this Chromebook is incomparable. The keystrokes feel soft and responsive. The 1.4 mm key travel makes typing more comfortable.
All things considered, the C523 is one of the best budget Chromebooks for writers. You get all these fancy features and solid build quality at a very economical price.
Pros
- The most apparent feature will be its 15.6-inch NanoEdge HD display. The ultra-narrow bezels make it a truly immersive experience.
- The full-size keyboard is excellent for typing quickly. The keys are also quite durable and responsive.
- Sound quality is also remarkable, considering the price tag.
- Fast, durable, and affordable.
Cons
- The viewing angles for the screen are not that good.
- There is no keyboard backlight.
2. Acer Chromebook Spin
If you’re willing to spend some extra bucks, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is your best option. Oh boy, this one is a beast!
The aluminum build gives it a nice premium look. The 13.5 inches touch display is protected by an antimicrobial Gorilla Glass screen. The VertiView display is quite sharp and aids in reading small text.
Unfortunately, this Chromebook is not shipped with a stylus. The Chromebook can easily be used as a tablet due to its flip-and-fold 360-degree hinge.
The use of Core i5-10210U processor and 8GB of RAM makes the Spin 713 an absolute powerhouse. It won’t be wrong to state that this is one of the most powerful Chromebooks out there.
Most budget Chromebooks use a relatively slower eMMC flash storage. On the contrary, this Chromebook is equipped with a fast 128GB NVMe solid-state drive.
Do you often find yourself presenting? Or maybe you want to hook your Chromebook to a bigger screen? Guess what; this device comes with an HDMI port!
On the sides, you have a USB Type-A port, a microSD slot, an audio jack, two USB Type-C, and the HDMI port.
Luckily, the Spin 713 also features a 720p webcam in the top screen bezel. It might not be the best out there, but something is better than nothing, right?
But what about the keyboard? Is it suitable for writers?
A big YES! The backlit keyboard is spacious and quite responsive. The keys are solid, with good tactile feedback. Overall, the typing experience is excellent with this one.
This Chromebook can last for 10-13 hours on a single charge.
So, if you want a well-built Chromebook for writing, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is your best bet.
Pros
- It can easily handle intensive multitasking and CPU demanding work.
- The 128GB SSD gives you enough space to store some of your work locally.
- The overall build is quite robust, heck it has even passed MIL-STD 810G tests.
- Spin 713 is perfect for writing novels, e-books, blogs, and long-form articles.
Cons
- It does not come with a stylus.
- The speakers don’t offer high-quality bass.
- The brightness of the screen is moderate.
3. Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5
Lenovo is known for its budget-friendly devices that offer unmatched specifications at a low price. If we were to summarize the Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 in a one-liner, it’d be: “A perfect balance of price and performance.”
Most of the Chromebooks feature a 1366 x 768 screen, but this gem from Lenovo rocks an FHD IPS (1920 x 1080) touchscreen. Either you’re working on Google Docs or watching a movie on Netflix, the FHD screen offers crispy visuals with stunning color production.
The 4GB DDR4 ram allows you to open several tabs at once. So, with the Flex 5, multitasking won’t be much of an issue. The 64GB SSD is enough for you to store some files offline.
Usually, if you’re writing a novel or an e-book, the word count can go over 20,000. Most of the low-grade Chromebooks will start lagging, but not this one. The 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 processor makes sure that your device remains responsive throughout your work session.
Want to share content with your friends and colleagues? Or maybe use the Chromebook as a tablet? You’re at the right place as this Chromebook comes with a 360° convertible design.
As for typing, this product also follows the standard Chromebook layout. Luckily, the keyword is equipped with a backlight. The 1.4 mm key travel is also quite good for most writers.
On the sides, you’ll find one USB 3.1 Type-A port, two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, and an audio jack.
So, if you want a vibrant display, decent specifications, and an affordable price tag, this Chromebook should be on your buying list.
Pros
- It can last 10 hours on a single charge.
- The FHD screen offers a wider viewing angle, sharp image quality, and vibrant colors.
- The front-facing dual stereo speakers produce crystal-clear sound.
- It’s compact, lightweight, and portable.
- It is packed with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 and Intel Wi-Fi 6.
Cons
- The speakers are not loud enough.
- If you want to use a stylus, a USI stylus is your only option.
- The hinges are not sturdy enough.
4. Google Pixelbook Go
Are you looking for something premium? Something that can run numerous Android apps at once.
Google’s very own Google Pixelbook Go is your best bet. Previously, we have seen Chromebooks with 4GB and even 8GB of ram, but this beauty comes with a whacking 16GB of ram and 128GB SSD.
Furthermore, the Pixelbook Go rocks a 13.3 inches touchscreen display that offers either Full HD or 4K Ultra HD depending on your configuration. You won’t find 4K Ultra HD display on any of the Chromebooks on this list.
And guess what, this Chromebook is outstanding in terms of portability. The device itself weighs only 2.33 pounds with a thickness of only 13 mm.
Google’s Chrome OS is great in terms of virus protection and data breaches, but with this Chromebook, you get an additional Titan C security chip and built-in anti-virus software for unmatched security.
The Google Pixelbook Go can last 12 hours or more on a single charge. Even if you’re in a hurry, a 20-minute charge can give you 2 hours of battery life.
If you edit photos & videos, run CPU intensive Android apps, or prefer your Chromebook to be lightning-fast all the time, the 8th Gen Intel Core Processor won’t let you down.
The keys have good depth and feedback. The keyboard is also backlit and is equipped with Hush keys.
It might be an expensive pick, but the use of reliable hardware that ensures a smooth operation makes it a worthy option.
Pros
- The 8.3 million pixels make the display vibrant, crispy, and sharp.
- The Pixelbook Go comes with dual stereo speakers making it perfect for movie nights.
- For extended work sessions, this is by far the most well-designed Chromebook on the market.
- Overall, the performance is top-notch.
Cons
- You will have to pay the top dollar for this pick.
- Some units have flickering screen issues.
- It is delicate and fragile.
- There is no biometric login considering its high price.
5. Acer Chromebook R 11
If you want a Chromebook for casual web-surfing, writing, and watching shows, the Acer Chromebook R11 is your way to go. It does not come with impressive specifications, but for light-duty work, the Intel Celeron N3150 coupled with 4GB ram and 32GB eMMC is enough.
The most notable feature on this device is the 360° hinge with dual-torque technology. Most of the Chromebooks only allow 180° but let’s be honest, it isn’t that useful. With the extra 180 degrees, you can pivot the screen in any way you like.
The 11.6-inch HD IPS (1366 x 768 pixels) touch display is great for people who prefer compact machines. The use of Zero Air Gap technology significantly reduces annoying reflections and glares.
Are you still not convinced? You will also get 100 GB of free storage on Google Drive for two years.
So, if you want a simplistic design with good specifications and maximum functionality, go with the R11.
Pros
- The HD webcam (1280 x 720) is excellent for video conferences and teaching.
- The Chromebook is designed to be lightweight, compact, and reliable.
- You get a 360° hinge for maximum functionality.
- The R11 also has an HDMI port with HDCP Support.
Cons
- Might lag if you work with CPU-intensive android apps.
- The Wi-Fi is not that great.
- The keyboard does not feel comfortable compared to other Chromebooks on this list.
Are Chromebooks good for writers?
If an affordable machine with an accurate tactile feedback keyboard and incredible battery life is not suitable for writing, what else is? Cloud-based storage, multitouch trackpad, lightweight, immune to viruses, and lightning-fast; what else do you want?
Yes, a Chromebook cannot compete with a traditional laptop in terms of processing power, but for browsing, writing, and watching shows, Chromebooks take the lead. Typically, these machines are easy to carry, secure, and responsive, making them an ideal choice for writers.
James has been a tech fanatic for years, from taking apart old electronics and putting them back together to now learning what more technology has to offer. He constantly is learning more regarding the tech industry. As the creator of Internet Bankroll, his mission is to provide unbiased tech information to everyone!