Over the last couple of years, the subtle art of note taking has evolved from hurriedly jotting down things from a blackboard, to now all digital classrooms where you can teach from just a PowerPoint presentation. Think about it, it's now common place for high school students, college students and undergraduates to study solely off the lecturer's notes and presentation slides. I know that's what I did back in my uni days and I realized that studying is no longer limited to a notebook and textbook. Textbooks? A thing of the past for many in pursuit of a higher education, opting for cost effective, simpler ways of studying.
And with this evolution of education, students have also evolved to be tech savvy, taking notes on smartphones and laptops, recording classes and lectures, and easily sharing notes taken during class on cloud based word editors like Google Docs. Taking notes has been taken to another level, and that being said, you're going to need some of the best laptops for note taking to keep up with other students. Since many will have refined their own processes when it comes to taking notes, all we can really do is recommend some of the best laptops for you to fully take advantage of modern technology. Because really, at the end of the day, that's what technology is for; to simply the most mundane of tasks.
Modern Day
These days, you're pretty well equipped with a number of low-cost, affordable laptops that will still be just as capable to take notes. This is probably the most basic function that any laptop will be able to handle, so you don't exactly need a super powered, state of the art quad-core Intel Core i7 processors. You'll be able to get away with even lower powered Chromebooks equipped with an Intel Core M3 processor. Just something to keep in mind if you're on a really tight budget.
There are two ways to approach this; either finding a dead cheap, budget laptop or find something a little more high-end with flagship level specs that'll last you more than a couple of years.
But what exactly would an optimal, best laptop for note taking look like? Lucky for you we're here to highlight some solid features and specs that'll get you the best experience taking notes. Let's take a look at some of these important features the best laptop for note taking will have.
Important Features To Look For
1. Operating System
One of the most pertinent choices you'll have to make on our search for the best laptops for note taking is this; what operating system is it running on? I mention this because for most users, the answer will be vary. Depending on your own personal history of laptops and knowledge on laptop brands and tech, you're going to have a different answer. For the most part, the operating system your laptop runs is going to come in one of three OSs'; Windows 10, macOS and Chrome OS.
Windows 10
What are the differences between all these operating systems, you may ask? It's relatively simple to tell what differentiates these platforms. For most users, I'm going to assume they will have some sort of history and familiarity with Windows platforms, so most of you will be fine running a laptop with Windows 10. Windows 10 is the best version of Windows we've seen so far, and you're going to come across the Windows 10 Home version on most consumer laptop brands. It's packed to the brim with great features, a simple UI and great security features making 3rd party anti-viruses a thing of the past.
macOS
Next up we've got macOS, an operating system that not many will be accustomed to compared to Windows 10. A laptop running macOS will be one of Apple's MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air laptops which are pretty straight forward. If you're willing to spend the money for Apple's premium hardware and are familiar with the ecosystem and user interface, I'd recommend you get one of the latest from the MacBook lineup. You'll be well equipped for most tasks, especially for note-taking in classes and lectures.
Chrome OS
This is the only operating system that I think will leave most consumers questioning what it is. Simply enough, Chrome OS is the most basic, and simplest of all the OSs' we've seen so far with a Chrome-esque user interface throughout. You're pretty much limited to the Google app store in terms of external apps and programs, which does hinder the experience somewhat. But if you needed a bare minimum, decently performing, affordable laptop, Chrome OS and Chromebooks will be the way to go.
Either way, all three of the operating systems we've mentioned so far will excel at being a laptop for taking notes, it's just a matter of budget and personal preference.
2. Display
The display on the best notebook for note taking is one of the most important features you'll come across. This because the display will be the one piece of hardware you are constantly using and looking at, regardless of what task you're doing on your laptop. There are three major components that we'll be going through in regards to the display: display resolution, screen size, and touch-screen capability.
Resolution
The display resolution is the main spec we're going to be looking at as it's the most tangible in terms of value-to-feature ratio. Simply put, it's the easiest to compare amongst other laptops. For the most part, we're going to be keeping a base variant of a Full HD panel in our search for the best laptop for taking notes. A high-resolution display, like the Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels is the most flexible in terms of versatility with content available online.
Streaming videos, watching movies on Netflix, and even when you take notes, you'll be able to enjoy a crisp, clear and vibrant display with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. However, since we are including Chromebooks in the list, don't be surprised at seeing a HD display or two on our search.
Screen Size
Next up, the screen size, which is a little more flexible in terms of what to look for. Most laptop manufacturers will equip laptops with a screen size ranging from 13.3", 14" to 15.6". You're pretty much well equipped with any screen size, and is mostly up to your preference of having extra screen real estate or finding a smaller, light weight laptop. Whichever size you do end up choosing, just know that you're well equipped to take notes in class with pretty much any laptop.
Touch-Screen Capability
The last display tech we're going to be on the look for is a touch-screen capable display. A laptop capable of multi-touch gestures and inputs will by highly useful for those looking to their their note taking game to the next level. This is because with a multi-touch capable display, taking notes becomes a much easier process especially in lectures with fast speaking professors and teachers.
For the most part, you're going to want to find a 2-in-1 convertible laptop as this will allow you to either fold or detach the keyboard. This would most times allow users to change between various modes such as laptop mode, tablet mode, stand mode, etc. From there, in tablet mode, you can use a stylus or digital pen to write down handwritten notes which seems to be the norm in most university classrooms today. A 2-in-1 laptop with is a great option to save cash on buying a tablet separately, and making your laptop your all-in-one dependable note taking machine.
3. Internal Specs
The next most important specs to take into consideration besides the display, will be the internal specs your laptop is equipped with. The main three components we're going to have to look for will be the processor, RAM and storage capacity.
Processor
The main spec that dictates how well your laptop performs will be the processor. Now the processor a laptop will be equipped with will range greatly across different manufacturers, product names and numbers that might confuse some of the readers here. But for the most part, to keep things simple let's take the Intel Core processor lineup as our scale. This could relate to a number of processors and generations, including but not limited to: Intel Core Celeron, Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7. Some other processors you might come across include would be AMD SoCs, where you'll encounter processors like the AMD Ryzen 5 or 7, etc. They're capable, powerful processors, but for ease of comparison we'll be focusing on Intel Core processors rather than something like the AMD Ryzen 5.
The best you could hope for when looking laptops would be something like one of the latest Intel Core i7 and Core i5 processor lineup. Basically, anything with a dual-core setup or better will be more than capable of handling tasks like to take notes, general browsing, and more.
RAM
The second important supporting spec for the best laptops for note taking will be the RAM capacity. Again, you're going to be met with some values and specs you may not be aware of, but anything over 4 GB of RAM should be considered good enough. I'd recommend finding a laptop with at least 8 GB of RAM as this will the most optimal capacity in terms of speed and capacity. The more RAM you have, the easier it will be for your laptop to multi-task between programs like your browser, Word, PowerPoint and a Zoom class. It will also make things faster to load up and overall affects how 'smooth' your laptop performs.
Storage Space
Lastly, how much storage capacity the best laptops for note taking will be the last important internal spec to look for. Most often you'll see a wide variety of solid state drive capacities, but anything over 256 GB SSD will be your best bet. Simply as a 256GB solid state drive will be the most efficient in terms of cost and how much size you get for it. Over time, all your notes, papers, assignments and presentations you have your laptop will pile up. Having enough SSD storage will be important to make sure your laptop doesn't face slowdowns, lag, and a lack of storage space.
And now that we've gone over some of the most important features when looking for the best laptops for taking notes in class, let's get straight into our list!
Best Laptops For Note Taking
1. Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Many working professionals and students across the globe can attest to how great it is to have something like the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 around. This versatile 2-in-1 laptop comes in a tablet form factor and can be paired with the Alcantara Type Cover as a keyboard and Surface Pen for a fully fledged convertible laptop experience. First off we'll notice the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 comes with a 12.3-inch PixelSense touch-display in a small and sleek body. Since it's just a tablet, this is as versatile as it can get as a convertible laptop. The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 weighs in just 1.7 pounds, and even with the keyboard attached wouldn't weigh too much.
On the inside, the laptop comes with an Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 8 GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. The 8th Generation Intel Core i5 processor is still a very capable performer and will be well suited to help you take notes. That paired with it's ability to transform into three various modes: laptop mode, tablet mode and studio mode, will allow you to handwrite notes. That's honestly a great proposition for students and undergraduates looking to make the most of their time in class.
You're getting a few extras that makes the laptop a great deal like a long battery life of 13.5 hours, Windows Hello sign in, a headphone jack, and Windows 10 Home. Even though this isn't the latest from the Surface Pro lineup, it's still a great deal in a capable, lightweight and attractive package.
2. HP Pavilion x360
If you were keen on the idea of a 2-in-1 laptop but wanted something a little more traditional and high-quality, the latest HP Pavilion x360 is a great choice. The laptop comes with a 14-inch Full HD touch-display which you're able to fold backwards to turn it into a tablet configuration. The display also comes with a one of the best screen-to-body ratios out of all the best laptops for note taking thanks to the paper thin bezels around the display frame.
Under the hood we're met with some capable performers starting off with one of the latest Intel Core processor in the i5 lineup, 8GB of RAM and a generous 512GB SSD. Since this is one of the latest quad-core processors from Intel, we can be assured of the HP Pavilion x360's performance especially with the great supporting specs it comes with. So far, this a great deal with a high-quality laptop with flagship level specs for a super affordable price point.
This capable performance is further supplemented with great extra features that makes taking notes that much easier. Things like up to 9 hours of battery life with a 0-50% charge in 45 minutes, four configuration modes: laptop mode, tablet mode, stand and tent mode, backlit keyboard, Wi-Fi 6 support, headphone jack, and a USB-c port. All in all, the HP Pavilion x360 is a fantastic, versatile and powerful 2-in-1 laptop and comes up as a strong contender in our search for the best laptop for taking notes.
3. Samsung Chromebook Pro
For those of you looking for a super affordable, capable Chromebook the Samsung Chromebook Pro has impressive standout features. Even though this is a 'Chromebook', you're getting a 2-in-1 capable laptop with a gorgeous 12.3-inch QHD LED touch-display and some decent bezels. It isn't the most futuristic, best looking display frame we've seen, but it's much better than some other laptops at the same price tag rocking a shoddy HD display.
From the internals though you start to see why the laptop is as cheap as it is. The Samsung Chromebook Pro comes with an Intel Core M3 6Y30 processor, 4 GB RAM, a petite 32GB eMMC and Intel HD Graphics 515 GPU. To be fair, the 4 GB RAM is somewhat manageable, but the 32GB eMMC storage may be just too little for most users. I'd advise finding a external SSD to supplement the storage capacity on the Samsung Chromebook Pro.
But that's not all cos the Samsung Chromebook Pro has a few extra features sprinkled in to make it the complete experience. Some of these features include a built-in pen, up to 9 hours of battery life, and weighs in at just 2.3lbs making it a super portable laptop. Okay yeah, I get it, it's not the best laptop in terms of performance, but it really is a great deal for those who just need a super basic, attractive tablet and laptop device all in one. The best part is going to be the price tag, so keep that in mind before dissuading this one.
4. ASUS Chromebook Flip
For a Chromebook, the ASUS Chromebook Flip takes things to the next level and comes with very attractive specs and design making it range up in the premium Chromebook category. The laptop features a 14-inch FHD NanoEdge touch-display with truly slim bezels on all four corners. Trust me, you don't usually see these types of specs on a Chromebook. The overall design matches up to the internals with a elegant silver tone and a compact frame.
Even on the inside the ASUS Chromebook Flip impresses with one of the latest Intel Core i3 processors, 8 gigs of RAM and 128GB SSD. There are a few other configurations to choose from, so if you needed some extra performance or wanted to downgrade for a better price tag, you should choose those variants. Similar to the other laptops on the list, the ASUS Chromebook flips is a convertible laptop that features four various modes: laptop, stand, tablet, and tent mode.
The laptop also features some great extras like up to 12 hours battery life, dual USB-C ports, Wi-Fi 6 support, backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader and weighs in at a lightweight 2.5lbs. All together, these specs come to create a very impressive package and makes the ASUS Chromebook a high-quality companion.
5. Lenovo Yoga 730
The Lenovo Yoga 730 is a fantastic deal for what you're getting for the money. Starting off with a 13.3-inch Full HD touch-display with super slim bezels around the frame. You're met with a sizable chin though, but it's pretty average considering the competition. The Lenovo Yoga 730 also comes in a 2-in-1 body capable of transform to laptop and tablet mode as you please. Otherwise, you're not getting much in terms of design aesthetics besides a simple, three toned gray theme in a compact frame.
What solidifies this as a well-equipped laptop is the internal specs it features. The laptop comes with a slightly dated Intel quad-core Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD. A great lineup of specs that'll be able to handle most tasks from note taking, to browsing, light gaming and any other programs you need to use. To supplement the impressive spec sheet is a bunch of extra features to make a complete package.
Some of the features packed in the laptop include up to 5 hours battery life, a fingerprint reader, dual Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, Dolby Atmos audio, backlit keyboard, and weighs in at 2.5lbs. Adding in all these features, the Lenovo Yoga 730 crosses off all the right specs to get you a fully equipped, high-quality, dependable laptop.
Conclusion
After going through some of the best laptops for note taking around, we've got a pretty good selection to choose from.
But we're going to have to crown just one as the best of the best, and this time around it's going to be the ASUS Chromebook Flip!
Even though the laptop is running ChromeOS, the appeal it brings to such a wide market is clear. You get pretty much everything you need from an attractive, durable build to solid performance that'll last. Add in great extra features like a fingerprint reader, a long battery life, stunning screen and at an affordable price, you've got a deal that's difficult to pass up.
