7 Top Picks
4 Reviewers
30 Hours of Research
15 Options Considered
What is the best laptop for note-taking? You may need to take down a few points in a seminar, lecture hall, or business meeting. Traditionally, we were used to taking notes using a pen and a piece of paper. However, more people have found it convenient to use laptops instead.
3 Top Laptops for Note-Taking
1. [Best Overall]
4.9/5
I was impressed by the slim, portable design that allowed me to carry it more easily while taking notes. Its touchscreen display is also great for drawing figures on the screen.
2. [Best For The Money] 2020 HP Pavilion
4.8/5
This laptop runs on Windows 10 and has a detachable keyboard, and I was able to switch to tablet mode when taking notes. The convertible feature is what impressed me the most in this laptop. Besides, it is easy to carry around.
3. [Best Battery Life] Samsung Chromebook 4 (2021 Model)
4.7/5
The compact and lightweight design are great for taking notes, as I could move around with it easily. This laptop is the ideal option when looking for an affordable laptop for note-taking.
Choosing the right laptop for taking notes can be tricky. That’s why I felt it would be great to refer to an unbiased and reliable review of the best laptop for note-taking. My selection is based on each laptop's specs and merits, so you're guaranteed reliable information on the best laptop for note-taking.
What Is the Best Laptop For Note Taking?
Based on my personal experience, here is a list of laptops I found most ideal for note-taking.
Microsoft Surface Pro
2020 HP Pavilion
Samsung Chromebook 4 (2021 Model)
ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop
Microsoft Surface Laptop
Apple MacBook Air
Lenovo Yoga 730 2 in 1 Premium 2019 Laptop
[Best Overall]
4.9/5
The best laptop for note-taking at the top of my list is the Microsoft Surface Pro. I was impressed by the slim, portable design that allowed me to carry it more easily while taking notes. Its touchscreen display is also great for drawing figures on the screen. Besides, it's a full-size ergonomic laptop, meaning I could type more efficiently, and that’s great for user experience.
Microsoft Surface Pro Features
Here are the Microsoft Surface Pro features:
- The laptop has a 13 inches display that offers enough space, allowing me to take notes efficiently.
- The touchscreen display allows me to draw figures on the screen more easily.
- It has a built-in kickstand that lets me adjust the angle of the laptop to ensure I remain comfortable while taking notes.
- I was delighted to learn that this laptop has a detachable keyboard, and I could detach it to shift from laptop to tablet mode, letting me take notes seamlessly.
- It supports Windows 11 Operating System with more advanced accessibility features and tools to improve my experience.
- If you are into drawing like I am, the rechargeable Surface Slim Pen 2 allows me to do that.
- The Intel Core i5 processor has a high processing speed that ensures programs run smoothly.
- The laptop's 8GB RAM capacity is sufficient and good for running multiple programs without lag.
- It has 256GB SSD storage, allowing me to save my documents, meeting recordings, and media files efficiently. Thanks to the fast SSD drive, I can quickly retrieve my documents and launch programs instantly.
- Thanks to the high 2880 x 1920 Pixels screen resolution, as the images are clear and sharp.
- One thing with note-taking, you need a laptop that's light and easy to carry around. I love the fact that this laptop has an average weight of 1.96 lbs.
Pros
Cons
[Best for the Money]
4.8/5
Here is a premium laptop for writing and taking notes. This laptop runs on Windows 10 and has a detachable keyboard, and I was able to switch to tablet mode when taking notes. The convertible feature is what impressed me the most in this laptop from HP. Besides, it is easy to carry around.
2020 HP Pavilion Features
The 2020 HP Pavilion features are as follows
The laptop features a powerful 10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G1 mobile processor that ensures a smooth run of programs without affecting the laptop's performance.
It has an extensive 14 inches screen that supports a wide display of more content. I could also multitask as the ample space supports multiple Windows.
I enjoyed the clear and sharp images produced by the Full HD (1920 x 1080) display.
Thanks to the IPS panel technology, the laptop has accurate colors and wide viewing angles.
The high 8GB DDR4 Memory allows me to run programs smoothly without affecting the laptop's performance.
I save my documents and files using the 256GB PCIe SSD and 16GB Optane SSD storage. The fast SSD storage allows me to launch apps and programs instantly.
I can conveniently surf the internet, thanks to the 802.11ac wireless LAN compatibility. This allows me to get additional study resources from the internet.
The Bluetooth wireless technology allows me to share files, notes wirelessly, and meeting recordings.
The laptop supports one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, and one HDMI 1.4 connectivity port, letting me connect the laptop to external monitors, storage devices, and charge accessories.
It also has a fingerprint reader for enhanced security and that allows me to sign in fast.
Pros
Cons
[Best Battery Life]
4.7/5
The one thing I love about this laptop is its long-lasting battery. I could use the laptop for up to 12.5 hours without recharging. This compact and lightweight laptop is also great for taking notes, as I could move around with it easily. This laptop is the ideal option when looking for an affordable laptop for note-taking.
Samsung Chromebook 4 (2021 Model) Features
Samsung Chromebook 4 (2021 Model) features are listed below.
The laptop has a thin, compact design that is portable. It also has an average weight of 2.6lbs, which allows me to carry it easily while taking notes.
This laptop is only 11. 6 inches wide. This small size is great when traveling as I can fit it in my small backpack.
It is compatible with Gigabit WiFi, which allows me to access fast internet services.
One thing I like about this laptop is its security feature. It has multiple layers of built-in virus protection that keeps all potential virus attacks at bay, thus protecting my data.
The excellent battery life of up to 12. 5 hours allows me to take notes in long meetings and classes.
It has Intel Celeron Processor N4020 that has enough processing power to handle my note-taking needs.
The laptop has 4GB RAM that lets me run multiple programs without lag.
The Intel UHD Graphics 600 ensures smooth operations without affecting the laptop's performance.
The 1366 x 768 Pixels screen resolution produces a quality display, which is good for note-taking.
Pros
Cons
Several factors impress me in this Chromebook. This laptop has an extensive display that offers ample space for multitasking. Thanks to the Full HD display quality, it also produces sharp and clear images. Other features are as follows.
ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop
ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop features are listed below.
The extensive 14 inches display gave me enough space to display more content and full power multitasking.
The laptop has a Full HD (1920x1080) screen resolution that produces sharp and clear images for an enhanced experience.
I loved the accurate colors and wide viewing angles of the IPS display technology.
The laptop draws its power from Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor, which has a high speed for smooth and fast operations.
The laptop has 4GB LPDDR3 RAM that lets me run multiple programs without lag.
I could save my documents and files within the 128GB eMMC storage. The fast SSD storage allows me to launch apps and programs instantly.
The laptop has two USB Type-C (Gen 1) and one USB Type-A (Gen 1) for accessory connectivity and charging.
It has a 180-degree hinge that allows me to adjust the screen angle to enhance my viewing experience.
The lightweight 2.8lbs allows me to carry the laptop easily while taking down notes.
This laptop runs on Chrome OS, letting me download, edit, and convert MS Office files in Google Docs and Sheets.
Pros
Cons
4.5/5
This touchscreen laptop has stylus pen support, allowing me to draw figures easily. The Microsoft Surface Laptop is a powerful note-taking laptop with high-end specs, and it has a powerful processor and a slim portable laptop design ideal for taking notes.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Features
Microsoft Surface Laptop features are listed below.
This laptop has fast storage. The 128GB of SSD storage allows me to access files and launch apps instantly.
The laptop's touchscreen display ensures I take notes efficiently and easily draw using the stylus pen.
The laptop is compatible with WiFi ensuring I surf the internet conveniently.
The high 2256 x 1504 Pixels resolution produces sharp and clear images, which is great for note-taking.
It has a powerful AMD 6-Core Ryzen 5 4680U processor with high processing speed, letting me run operations smoothly.
The high 8GB RAM facilitates a smooth run of processes.
The backlit keyboard with well-fit characters improves my typing experience.
I easily share my files and notes wirelessly between devices using Bluetooth wireless technology.
It has a 720p HD f2.0 webcam that lets me make smooth video calls with my colleagues.
The dedicated AMD Radeon Vega 9 graphics card helps programs run smoothly without interference to the laptop's performance.
Windows Hello allows me to use my voice commands to sign in and configure the laptop.
Pros
Cons
4.4/5
Apple MacBook Air is an ideal note-taking laptop. It features high-end specs that facilitate a fast and smooth run of operations. It's a 13.3-inch laptop which is great for taking notes. Besides, it has a large memory that ensures a smooth run of activities. In addition, the Apple M1 Chip that guarantees top performance.
2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop Features
2020 Apple MacBook Air Laptop features are listed below.
This laptop supports the True Tone technology that adjusts my display's whites to rhyme with my surroundings to protect my eyes.
It has a powerful Apple M1 Chip that ensures smooth and lag-free operations, enhancing my experience.
The high 256GB SSD storage lets me save my documents and notes efficiently. It also allowed me to retrieve my files quickly.
I loved the extensive 13 inches display that gave me enough space to write notes.
It features a retina display that produces sharp and clear images, ensuring I get real-life visuals on my display.
The high 2560 x 1600 resolution produces clear and sharp images, which is great for my notes.
The high 8GB built-in memory ensures a smooth run of operations. I could also launch multiple programs simultaneously without lag.
The fingerprint sensor lets me sign in quickly and securely to protect my data.
This desktop computer is compatible with WiFi, letting me browse the internet for additional study resources.
It features a lightweight design, letting me carry it around more easily.
The touch ID support lets me sign in quickly, securely, and open password-protected programs.
Pros
Cons
The last laptop on my list is the Lenovo Yoga 730 2 in 1 Premium 2019 Laptop. It is powerful and ideal for note-taking. This laptop has accurate colors and wide viewing angles, which is great when taking my notes. It also has an anti-glare display that protects from eye strain. Below are features I found ideal for me.
Lenovo Yoga 730 2 in 1 Premium 2019 Laptop Features
Lenovo Yoga 730 2 in 1 Premium 2019 Laptop features are listed below.
This laptop has 16GB DDR4 SDRAM that ensures the smooth running of processes without lag, thus improving my experience.
I could save my notes, files, media files, and other resources using the 512GB PCIe SSD storage. I could also launch apps and programs instantly.
The powerful 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core i5-8265U processor has high processing power to facilitate top laptop performance.
The extensive 15.6 inches screen has enough space, allowing me to write notes efficiently.
The Full HD ( 1920 x 1080 ) resolution produces sharp, clear images that enhance my experience.
I love the accurate colors and wide viewing angles of the IPS panel.
Thanks to the touchscreen display, I can easily draw figures on my screen.
I don't have to worry about my eyes getting affected. The anti-glare display limits eye strain to protect my eyes.
The laptop has one Thunderbolt USB C, one USB 3.0 Type-A, and one HDMI port, allowing me to connect external displays, transfer data, and charge accessories.
It has a backlit keyboard with well-spaced characters to improve my typing experience.
The all-day battery life of up to 11 hours ensures I use the laptop all day long without recharging.
Pros
Cons
Best Laptop For Note-Taking Buying Guide
Consider the following factors before buying a new laptop for taking notes.
Portability
Nobody wants a heavy laptop unless it's a gaming laptop. When taking notes, I will probably need to move from place to place.
Most laptops for note-taking are convertibles which are well known for being portable. The same should apply if you opt for a laptop with no such mode. Note that you may need to hold the laptop in your arms while taking notes.
Another reason I recommend a portable laptop for note-taking is that you may need to travel frequently for business meetings. A light one will be more convenient to travel with.
Display
When taking notes, I usually look directly at the screen. Besides, most meetings and lectures take a long time to conclude. That means I have to use the laptop for long sessions. A display that strains my eyes can harm my eyes. That's why a good quality screen is essential in a laptop for note taking. I, therefore, recommend laptops with anti-glare screens and those supporting blue light filter technology. These displays limit eye strain, thus protecting my eyes.
The recommended screen resolution for a laptop computer for note-taking is Full HD. This display produces sharp and clear images to improve my note-taking experience.
Processor
The laptop for taking notes does not demand the most powerful processor. However, I won't risk getting a laptop with a poor processor just because I don't need high processing requirements. The processor, therefore, should have a fair processing speed to run programs smoothly, including Microsoft Office and Gmail.
I recommend a laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor. However, I can go for higher processors like in Intel Core i7 laptops to get the best performance.
RAM
RAM is crucial when taking down notes. A higher RAM ensures a smooth run of programs without lag. 4GB RAM is good to go for note-taking. However, I recommend 8GB RAM if you need more than just note-taking. The latter eliminates any lag or slowdowns when taking down notes, improving my user experience.
Design
Convertible laptops are more ideal for note-taking than traditional laptops. iPads and tablets are more portable and convenient for taking notes than conventional laptops. A convertible laptop has a detachable keyboard that I can detach to shift from laptop mode to tablet mode, allowing me to take notes easily.
Battery life
As mentioned earlier, business meetings, seminars, and lectures take long periods. This means that my laptop needs to stay on as long as the session is still on - this way, I can take notes efficiently.
I don't want my laptop to go off during a meeting. Such an experience can be embarrassing. To avoid such instances, consider a laptop with decent battery life. Six-hour battery life is ideal for a class laptop. Fortunately, many convertibles have an excellent battery life of up to 10 hours.
Touchscreen
I don't see the reason for having a laptop for taking notes being a non-touch screen. Touchscreen laptops are great for taking notes as I can easily draw figures. The touchscreen feature means I can use the screen independently without the keyboard. This can make the laptop more convenient.
Keyboard
I should maximize the keyboard if my laptop doesn't have the touchscreen feature. I need a full-size ergonomic laptop with well-spaced characters to make typing easier. This keyboard ensures accurate and fast typing, allowing me to take notes more efficiently.
FAQs
Which 2-In-1 Laptop Is the Best for Note-Taking?
The best 2-in-1 laptop for note-taking is the Lenovo Yoga 730 2-in-1 Laptop. This laptop is lightweight and has a compact design to provide the best note-taking experience. Besides, it has an ergonomic keyboard with well-spaced characters to improve my typing experience. Besides, it has a touchscreen display that allows me to type directly from the screen.
Are Laptops Good for Notes?
Yes, laptops are good for notes. I type faster than I can write. Therefore, I can take more notes when typing on my laptop than when writing in a notebook. Another reason why laptops are good for notes is that I don't need to carry books in my backpack; thus, I carry less for convenience.
However, some argue that a person who writes notes on a notebook retains more than someone who takes notes on a laptop. They say it may be harder to remember what you typed on a laptop than what you wrote on paper.
Is a Strong Processor Important for Note-Taking?
Yes, a strong processor is important for note-taking. While I don't need the most powerful processor for note-taking, I still need a powerful processor to ensure a smooth run of activities. A subpar processor may cause lagging, thus affecting the laptop's performance. You might find running basic programs difficult if you opt for a less powerful processor.
What Are the Things to Consider While Choosing a Laptop for Note-Taking?
When choosing a laptop for note taking, it is good to consider the following factors.
Battery life - six hours
Portability - a lightweight laptop is ideal
Design - a convertible 2-in-1 laptop is ideal
Display - Anti-glare screen
Screen resolution - Full HD
RAM - 4GB