As a professional who takes a lot of notes, having the right laptop for note-taking can make a huge difference. But with so many options in the market, how do you decide which laptop best fits your note-taking needs?
Some certain brands and models stand out and provide an exceptional note-taking experience. The ability to easily organize, search, and edit notes is a significant advantage of using laptops for note-taking. In this guide, I’ll break down all the key factors that make a laptop ideal for note-taking and review some top contenders.
Key Factors to Consider for Note-taking Laptops
So, why might a specific laptop brand or model be well-suited for note-taking? Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a note-taking laptop.
The right laptop features can significantly enhance student learning by facilitating better note-taking.
- Stylus Support and Pen Input
If you plan to take handwritten notes, be sure your laptop model supports stylus input. Look for one with an active digitizer for a pen-on-paper feel when writing. Key factors like pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, tilt support, and low latency will optimize your stylus experience.
- Screen Size and Resolution
Look for a screen size between 13” and 15” for the best balance of portability and ample writing space. As for resolution, opt for a Full HD (1920 x 1080p) or higher display for crisp image and text quality. Higher resolutions like 2K, 3K, and 4K will appear even sharper but aren’t necessary for basic note-taking.
- Touchscreen Capabilities
A touchscreen allows you to take handwritten notes using a stylus, which is more natural than pure typing. Touch capabilities also allow you to easily interact with notes by scrolling, resizing elements, dragging and dropping, and more.
- Display
One of the most crucial aspects of a good note-taking laptop is its display. A clear and crisp screen not only makes your notes easily readable but also allows for a more enjoyable writing experience.
- Portability
Since you’ll likely carry your laptop to classes or meetings to take notes on the go, portability is key.
- Weight and Dimensions
Look for more compact laptops that weigh 3 lbs or less and are under 0.75 inches thick for easy portability. The smaller the laptop footprint, the easier it will be to use in tight spaces like auditorium seating.
- Battery Life
No one wants their laptop dying mid-lecture or meeting. Look for models touting 8+ hours of battery life for uninterrupted note-taking. Charging capabilities can also enhance longevity.
- Performance
While note-taking doesn’t require the most computing power, performance still matters for multitasking and running note apps smoothly.
- Processor and RAM
An Intel Core i5 or equivalent AMD processor provides enough speed for seamless note-taking. 8GB of RAM or higher keeps things running smoothly when multitasking.
- Storage Capacity
Go for a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster performance. 256GB offers ample storage, but heavier note-takers may want 512GB or higher.
- Operating System and Software
The OS dictates the note-taking software you can use. Windows and macOS both have options like OneNote and Evernote. Chromebooks utilize web-based apps like Google Keep.
- Connectivity Options
Make sure your laptop has enough USB ports to connect external storage devices or a mouse. If you plan to give presentations or share your notes on a larger screen, an HDMI port can come in handy.
Top Laptop Brands and Models for Note-taking
Now that we’ve covered the key factors that make for an exceptional note-taking laptop, let’s look at some popular brands and models that check all the boxes.
| Laptop Model | Display | Pen Support | Portability | Battery Life | Starting Price |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ | 12.3″ Touchscreen (2736 x 1824) | Yes | 1.1 lbs | Up to 10.5 hours | $799+ |
| Dell Inspiron 14 5000 2-in-1 | 14″ Touchscreen (1920 x 1080) | Dell Active Pen (optional) | 3.5 lbs | Up to 9 hours | $999+ |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga | 14″ Touchscreen (1920 x 1080) | ThinkPad Pen Pro (optional) | 3 lbs | Up to 15 hours | $1,449+ |
| HP Spectre x360 | 13.3″ Touchscreen (3000 x 2000) OLED | HP Tilt Pen (included) | 2.8 lbs | Up to 12 hours | $1,449+ |
| MacBook Pro 13″ | 13.3″ IPS Retina Display (2560 x 1600) | Apple Pencil (optional) | 3.1 lbs | Up to 20 hours | $1,599+ |
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ (Overall #1 Note-taking Laptop)
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ is overall the best choice for note-takers. Its detachable keyboard design allows you to use it as a laptop and tablet. The high-resolution 12.3” touch display is vibrant and responsive, letting you write smoothly with the Surface Pen. One of the biggest advantages is the built-in Microsoft apps like OneNote are optimized for organizing notes.
The Surface Pro 7+ also helps manage and complete daily note-taking tasks efficiently. While up to 15 hours of battery life is decent, it’s not best-in-class. The kickstand can feel a bit flimsy on the lap. Moreover, the Type Cover keyboard is sold separately, which adds to the cost. But overall, Surface Pro 7+ is a leading contender for note-takers.
| Pros | Cons |
| 2-in-1 design | Can’t upgrade RAM |
| Excellent stylus support | Kickstands can be flimsy |
| Lightweight and portable | |
| Windows 11 support | |
| Built-in note-taking apps | |
| Long battery life |
Price: Starting at $799 for the base model with Intel Core i5 processor (10th generation), 8GB RAM, and 128GB SSD.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Best for Professionals)
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is the ideal note-taking laptop for professionals, especially those in a business or corporate setting. Its durable design, excellent keyboard, and security features make it a reliable choice. As a 2-in-1 360° hinge, you can convert it into a laptop or tablet according to your own note-taking preferences.
With the 10th-generation Core i7 processors, performance is snappy when multitasking. However, battery life caps out around 10 hours. And while it is excellent for business use, the ThinkPad is heavier than other convertible laptops. So, if you’re looking for a durable 2-in-1, the X1 Yoga is a leading choice.
| Pros | Cons |
| Spill-resistant keyboard | Bulkier design |
| Multiple note-taking modes | Expensive |
| Premium build quality | |
| Fingerprint reader and TPM chip |
Price: The base model with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD starts at $1,449+.
- Dell XPS 13 2-in-1
The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 is another fantastic option for note-taking. Its stunning OLED display with a 3K resolution is a treat for the eyes, and the comfortable backlit keyboard ensures a pleasant typing experience.
The 360-degree hinge allows you to convert it into tablet mode, and the optional Dell Active Pen provides a smooth writing experience. Battery life is also excellent. However, the port selection is limited to just two Thunderbolt ports.
| Pros | Cons |
| 2-in-1 design (borderless display) | Limited port selection |
| Excellent battery life | Shorter battery life |
| High-resolution display | |
| Slim and lightweight |
Price: Starting at $999+ with Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD.
- HP Spectre x360
The HP Spectre x360 is a premium option that combines style and functionality. Its beautiful OLED display makes note-taking a visually appealing experience.
The smooth 360° hinge allows you to flip between laptop and tablet modes. Also, the HP MPP 2.0 Tilt Pen provides a natural writing feel and magnetically attaches to the side. Moreover, the quad-core Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB RAM offers an amazing performance.
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful performance | A bit heavier |
| 360-degree hinge | |
| Vivid AMOLED display | |
| Active stylus included | |
| Long-lasting battery life |
Price: Starting at $1,449 for the base model with Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB RAM, and 256GB SSD.
- MacBook Pro with Touch Bar
If you’re a macOS user, the MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is an excellent choice for note-taking. Its powerful Apple M1 or M2 chip delivers exceptional performance, and the stunning Retina display makes it a joy to use.
Battery life is also excellent. While the Magic Keyboard is comfortable to type on, it lacks touchscreen functionality. The lack of a built-in stylus means you’ll need to purchase an Apple Pencil separately.
| Pros | Cons |
| Premium design | Higher price |
| Retina Display | Limited upgrade options |
| macOS ecosystem | |
| Touch Bar | |
| Fast charging capabilities |
Price: Starting at $1,599 for the base model with M2 chip, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD.
Is a 2-in-1 Laptop better than a traditional laptop for notes?
2-in-1s allow you to use the touchscreen for handwritten notes. However, a traditional laptop still works well for typed notes. Consider your note-taking style when deciding.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the “perfect” note-taking laptop is the one that best fits your specific needs and preferences. It depends on how you actually want to take notes: by typing, handwriting with a stylus, or both.
Different note-taking methods can impact memory retention, with handwritten notes often leading to better memory retention and conceptual understanding. With so many great options, you will find a laptop that’ll enhance your note-taking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What processor do I need for taking notes on a laptop?
An Intel Core i5 or equivalent AMD Ryzen 5 processor gives you enough power for a smooth note-taking experience even when multitasking, allowing students to accomplish tasks in less time.
2. Is a 2-in-1 laptop good for note-taking?
Yes, 2-in-1 laptops that can convert into tablet mode work very well for note-taking, especially if you’d like the option to write notes by hand using a stylus. Handwritten notes on these devices can engage the brain more deeply, facilitating better understanding and retention compared to typing.
3. Do MacBooks have good note-taking apps?
Yes, MacBooks have excellent built-in and third-party note-taking apps like Notes, Evernote, OneNote, and Notion that are fully optimized for the macOS experience. It is important to follow specific care instructions for maintaining digital notes to ensure their longevity and functionality.
4. Is an iPad better for taking notes?
Tablets like the iPad work very well for handwritten note-taking and offer extreme portability. However, laptops provide a larger screen and more processing power that many students and professionals need.
5. How much RAM do I need for note-taking?
A minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended for a smooth note-taking experience. 16GB RAM is ideal for using more apps and programs alongside your notes.
6. Is a graphics card important for note-taking laptops?
No, a dedicated graphics card is not necessary just for basic note-taking. Integrated graphics are sufficient for apps like OneNote, Evernote, etc.
7. Should I get a Mac or Windows laptop for notes?
Both Mac and Windows laptops work well. Mac is better if you prefer Apple Notes, while Windows provides compatibility with apps like OneNote.
Hey! I’m Faizan Ahmed, a tech enthusiast and content creator at Nova Nervce. I deliver credible, verified insights on laptops, note-taking apps, and emerging tech. Here, you’ll find easy-to-understand articles based on my personal experiences and research to simplify your tech journey.