“I’m all over the place here. I need a new laptop to organize all my thoughts!”
- Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper), probably, Limitless (2011)
Writers be writing, you know?
Unlike photography, graphic designing, and video editing, writing, as well the necessary time, space, energy, sense of adventure, improvisation, and focus needed to effectively execute the creative process (creative waste, anyone?) that it requires, can, depending on the task at hand, technically get done without use of a laptop. It’s partially why we’re such huge advocates of incorporating at least some analog writing into your routine at Gallantry. The truth of the matter, however, is that a good laptop is still the essential tool that all writers must have in their professional arsenal in our modern age.
The bottom line is that most writers, whether they’re writing for personal reasons (journaling or note-taking, anyone?), professional reasons (perhaps one makes a living as an author, journalist, or copywriter), or both, are going to absolutely need a laptop to effectively and efficiently get their write on.
“I’m looking for a lightweight new laptop, ideally one with a comfortable backlit keyboard, blue light, so it doesn’t strain my eyes too hard, an aspect ratio taller than 3:2, a 16:9 Standard widescreen, at least 256 GB on its hard drive, and a good battery life for when I’m out on the road. Can you help me out, dude?!”
The good news is that we’ve scanned the marketplace for laptops, that most essential item for writers, and checked out the various brands, sizes, and features (including display quality, keyboard comfort level, battery life, portability, durability, etc.) being offered in 2022.
We even found some winners that might just be worth investing in.
What we’re saying here is that while we still haven’t found a way for writers to completely avoid interruption during a flow state (no writer - no real writer, that is - likes to be interrupted while they’re in a flow state), we have absolutely found some great products to help optimize the writer in you get into that flow state, Gallantry Man-style.
The way killer writers get when they get their incredible flow states interrupted while in the (danger) zone.
So, without further adieu, here are some productivity-inducing laptops that you should seriously consider getting your writing on with…
“You see that M1 MacBook right there. It’s beautiful!”
THE M1 MACBOOK AIR FROM APPLE
If you simply cannot wait for The MacBook Air 2022, which is rumored to be bringing the biggest power and redesign revamp in years, there’s always our current favorite 256GB Apple laptop for writers, the thin and lightweight 13” M1 (that’s the name of the silicon chip inside of it) MacBook from Apple.
Quick and responsive with its stellar Magic Keyboard, this bad boy has 8GB RAM and features a beautiful, high-contrast 2560 x 1600 Retina display. It also packs a top notch up-to-12 hours of battery life that makes it perfect for writers that travel a lot or are working on that remote tip.
For this writer (the one that wrote the article that you are currently reading), Apple is the only shop in town when it comes to getting the most portable (it’s real thin), accessible, and lightweight writing laptop around. In other words, the Mac OS is really user-friendly, which, in turn, makes laptops like this one really money.
Get yours HERE!
THE PIXELBOOK GO FROM GOOGLE
With an unbelievable battery life and a super cool (not mention “Hush” quiet) backlit keyboard, the lightweight Pixelbook Go, the best Chromebook by a country mile, is another great choice for writers.
Powerful, but without a price point that will leave your wallet powerless, it’s also got a very solid 12 hour battery life, a solid touchscreen, and a 1080p camera perfectly suited for those video conferences with clients that you’ll inevitably have between writing sessions.
If Chrome OS is your jam, and you’re comfortable using Google Docs, definitely consider getting the Pixelbook Go from Google HERE.
THE SWIFT 3 FROM ACER
If you’re on a semi-tight budget, but need to knock some words out on a firm, comfortable backlit keyboard, this high-performing aluminum laptop is a rock solid choice. In other words, if keyboard and basic functionality are the most important criteria for you, get your very own Swift 3 from Acer right HERE.
“Don’t ever, and I mean ever, interrupt me while I’m reading my Gallantry articles in order to become even more Limitless. Do you understand me? You’re dealing with a straight-up Gallantry Man Legend now.”
THE CHROMEBOOK FLIP C436 FROM ASUS
If the thought of a highly portable 2-in-1 writing laptop/tablet really does it for you, the ASUS Chromebook is a clutch selection. With a 12.5” screen, up to 10 hours of battery life, 4GB of RAM, and an Intel M5 processor, it is no slouch, either. Also, even though this Flip runs on Chrome OS, you can still get your Microsoft Word on with the online version.
Get this neat budget writing laptop HERE.
THE CHROMEBOOK 14 FROM HP
A terrific nuts and bolts laptop with all the basics that you’ll need to write effectively, the Chromebook 14 from HP, with its excellent keyboard, vivid screen, and shockingly reasonable price tag, is a great choice for the writing professional on a tight budget. It may not be the most powerful of the bunch, but its vivid 14” screen really makes up for a lot.
Get yours HERE.
“I’m telling you, kiddo. You’re on the right path. If you keep getting all this fresh everyday carry from Gallantry, the world will only continue to be your oyster. In other words, stop playing around and get those EDC Bellroy bags from Gallantry for your new laptop already. The ones from the article. You’re in the big leagues now. C’mon!”
Now that we’ve gone over the best of the best when it comes to writing laptops in 2022, let’s talk about some of the legendary mid-size Bellroy commuter backpacks that we’re currently everyday carrying (strong) at Gallantry.
You know the ones we’re talking about. The ones with the sweet laptop pockets?
Yup. You got it. Those commuter backpacks.
As a gift for your new laptop (and, by extension, yourself), or even as a gift for a friend, a smoking hot new EDC bag will keep your laptop safe while keeping you looking like the awesome Gallantry Man that you are even more than ever. You do deserve an EDC bag that exhibits the same individual creativity and excellence as your writing form and technique, after all.
GET SOME!
First up, we’ve got…
“The rumors are true, babe. I bought Bellroy’s The Classic Backpack: Second Edition from Gallantry, too. I literally cannot be stopped.”
THE CLASSIC BACKPACK: SECOND EDITION FROM BELLROY
Having perfected the wallet several times over at this point, the folks at Bellroy turned their attention to the classic backpack (and we’re sure glad they did, too). Then they went ahead and made it even better with an updated second edition!
With an exterior constructed of a combination of environmentally-certified leather and venture-weave polyester, this classic carry item has a 20-liter capacity. That capacity includes a pouch for a laptop of up to 15”, an iPad/document pocket with a pen slip, an interior zippered pocket, and a quick-access external valuables pocket.
Best of all, thanks to the comfortable and convenient shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and a quick-grab handle, you can carry this whole thing around with ease.
WOW!
SPECIFICATIONS
- Updated version of our popular Classic Backpack
- Holds laptops up to 15”
- Padded iPad / A5 document pocket with pen slip
- Front pocket and internal mesh zip pocket for valuables
- Water-resistant top pocket for small phone and keys
- Comfort shoulder straps, improved back padding system and quick grab handle
- Made from sustainably produced fabric and environmentally certified leather
- 20L capacity
- 19.29" H x 14.57" W x 2.76" D
Available in Black, Lunar, Forest, Blue Neon, Red Earth, and Charcoal
Classic Backpack: Second Edition
$149.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Having perfected the wallet several times over at this point, the folks at Bellroy turned their attention to the classic backpack. Then they made it even better with their second edition. With an exterior construction… read more
“Who am I? I’m the Gallantry Man with an EDC Tokyo Totepack in Midnight from Bellroy. That’s who I am. Who are you?”
THE TOKYO TOTEPACK FROM BELLROY
The Tokyo Totepack is our most versatile carry from Bellroy. With the comfort of a backpack, this gem can tuck away the straps and transform into a tote for those times when, you know, you need to look a little sharper. Best of all, its pockets are placed at the top for easy sorting, while its side Pop Pockets keep your water bottles and umbrellas separate.
Simultaneously casual and professional, not to mention absolutely perfect for commutes, meetings, and short business trips, the Tokyo Totepack has it all.
So? What are you waiting for?
GET ONE (OR MORE)!
SPECIFICATIONS
- 430 x 300 x 160 mm
- 20L capacity
- 850 g weight
- Padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 16’’
- Padded backpack shoulder straps that tuck away flat
- Vertical front pockets for easy access on the go
- Two Pop Pockets for water bottle, umbrella, spare shoes
- Soft Nylon webbing grab handles for comfort
- Made from water-resistant woven fabric
- 3 year manufacturer warranty from Bellroy
Tokyo Totepack
$189.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Our most versatile carry from Bellroy: The Tokyo Totepack. With the comfort of a backpack, the Tokyo Totepack can tuck away the straps and transform into a tote for times when you need to look… read more
“If you Definitely-Not-Gallantry Men, my hired bodyguards, forget to bring me my Bellroy Transit Workpack in Midnight from Gallantry again, you’re both fired. This is the EDC for my new laptop that I bought after reading that fire Gallantry article that we’re talking about here!”
THE TRANSIT WORKPACK FROM BELLROY
Everyday tasks can get hectic, especially if you’re on the road for a good chunk of time. Enter Bellroy’s Transit Workpack, which allows you to really keep your EDC gear organized so that you can stay light on your feet.
This awesome and spacious backpack features various internal pockets, a 16” compartment for your laptop, external pockets for your go-to equipment, and padded shoulder straps for all-day carry.
So whether you’re tackling everyday travel or lengthier journeys that require some airplane mileage, this extremely fresh gear hauler will do its job without fail.
Any questions?
Yeah. That’s what we thought.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Full zip-around opening for lay-flat packing
- External access laptop pocket fits 16" MacBook
- Mesh pockets for accessories
- Ventilated contour back padding system
- Padded shoulder straps
- Water-resistant zips
- 20L capacity
- 470 x 300 x 210 mm
Available in Midnight, Charcoal and Lunar
Transit Workpack
$199.00
[tab-section data-sc-active-background="#ffffff" data-sc-other-background="#ffffff" data-sc-color="#555555"][tab title="Details"] Everyday tasks can get hectic, especially if you’re on the road for a good chunk of the workday. With Bellroy’s Transit Workpack you can keep your EDC gear organized, so you can stay light on your… read more