Last Updated on 06/09/2023 by Dolly
As a lawyer, having a portable laptop that allows you to view your client’s data wherever you are is essential. You can take them to court, board meetings, or even your own house. You’ve come to the correct place if you’re looking for the finest laptops for lawyers. With the help of our guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to choose the best gadget for you.
Your workflow will be more productive if you have a laptop with high performance and storage for your client’s files. In general, a robust laptop that will last you at least four years will cost at least $1,000. You can, however, choose a style within your budget that is suitable for the programs you use. If you utilize older practice management software, for example, a Windows machine may be a better choice.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Lawyer Laptop
The best laptop for lawyers is not always the costliest or technologically advanced. When selecting a laptop, you should examine a variety of aspects such as screen size, weight, battery life, and the sorts of ports and inputs available.
Specifications
As computers grow more commoditized, the gap between each model is becoming smaller. Examining real requirements is also arguably less relevant than it has ever been. Furthermore, the majority of computer manufacturers employ comparable parts from a small number of component suppliers. Still, before deciding on the best laptops for lawyers, it’s a good idea to have a general awareness of a few crucial features.
CPU
The central processor unit is the brain of your computer. Most CPUs are manufactured by Intel or AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), while Apple has lately produced its own. Look for an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor in a Windows PC. The i3 is becoming obsolete, while the i9 is a high-end processor intended for powerful gaming computers. Any AMD Ryzen CPU should perform admirably, and early feedback on Apple’s M1 has been overwhelmingly positive.
CPU Speed
In general, the speed of your computer’s central processing unit measures how quick the computer is—the faster, the better. CPU speed is often expressed in terms of “clock speed,” which is measured in Megahertz (MHz; one million cycles per second) or Gigahertz (GHz; one billion cycles per second, equal to 1,000 MHz). The more operations a CPU can perform per second, the more cycles it can complete per second. 2 GHz is adequate; 2.4 GHz is preferable.
Memory
This amount, also known as random access memory (RAM), is commonly measured in Gigabytes (GB). A computer, for example, may contain 4GB of RAM. RAM is a temporary storage area on your computer where commands are processed and executed. The more RAM your laptop has, the more data it can handle at a faster rate. We recommend investing in a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM.
Storage
This parameter, often known as a memory but not to be confused with RAM, tells you how much space you have on your computer to save information. Although storage space is likewise measured in GB, it is not the same as RAM. As the typical laptop memory capacity increases, laptop storage will be measured in Terabytes (TB, or 1,000 GB). Although most individuals save information and documents in the cloud, internal or on-device storage space is still necessary. When you don’t have internet connectivity, on-device storage is very important. A laptop with at least 256GB of storage is recommended.
Solid-state drive
A solid-state drive, or SSD, is found in the finest laptops for lawyers. Internal laptop storage has always taken the form of a hard disk drive or HDD. SSDs, on the other hand, have surpassed disk drives in terms of speed and performance in recent years. Despite the fact that SSDs are still more expensive than HDDs, the tradeoff in terms of speed and performance is definitely worth it. Avoid any laptop that still has a rotating hard disk drive.
Screen resolution
Screen resolution is distinct from physical screen size on your laptop, which we’ll discuss further below. Pixels are commonly used to gauge screen resolution—the more pixels, the better. We don’t advocate going any lower than 1920 x 1080 pixels for true high-definition (HD).
Size and portability
The first and most straightforward way to determine the size of a laptop is by its screen size, which normally runs from 11′′ to 17′′. The smaller the screen, the lighter and more portable the laptop—but you can’t see as much. Consider a smaller screen if you’re frequently on the road, like to work in multiple locations, or your workplace or desk is on the small side. If you anticipate leaving your laptop at your desk most of the time or are concerned about eye strain, go for something larger.
Lawyers should use a laptop with a screen size of 13′′ or 14′′. Laptops with a 13″ screen are more comfortable on the eyes than those with an 11″ screen, but they are less portable than those with a 15″ or larger screen.
Battery life
If you’re often on the go, battery life is another important consideration. Battery life isn’t always easy to quantify—the manufacturer may state “12 hours,” but the real battery life of a laptop depends on what and how you use it. Furthermore, different programs need varying quantities of electricity. If you anticipate being plugged in the majority of the time, eight-hour battery life will be enough. However, for busy lawyers on the go, we recommend a battery life of at least 10 hours.
Connectivity
Another area of ambiguity is the availability of wired and wireless communication options. What you should seek here will depend on what attachments and peripherals you already have and how old they are. For example, if you are a lawyer and have an outdated monitor, you can connect it to your laptop using an HDMI or even a VGA cable. Even a new “wireless” mouse may require a small USB receiver hooked into the laptop. Make a list of all your accessories and hunt for a laptop or an adaptor that will allow you to use them.
If you’re starting from scratch and don’t need any accessories, you’ll want a machine with at least one Thunderbolt/USB-C connector. These ports are quickly becoming the preferred wired connectivity option. Furthermore, for wireless connectivity, look for a computer that adheres to the most recent Bluetooth wireless protocol (5.0 or greater).
Durability
Durability is another difficult to quantify attribute. If you frequently work remotely, use your laptop as both a personal and a professional device, or use your machine with others, you’ll want something that can handle a lot of abuse.
Because durability isn’t often listed on manufacturer specifications, we recommend reading reviews of any equipment you’re considering to see what others have to say. Seeing the laptop in person is also beneficial, since feeling it in your hands allows you to judge whether it appears solid and well-built.
What type of laptop is best for lawyers: Mac or PC?
There’s very little a Windows-based PC can’t accomplish that a Mac can’t. As a result, determining whether to use a Mac or a PC today is mostly a matter of personal preference. MacBooks from Apple are often more expensive than PC laptops with comparable specifications. However, MacBooks often have longer lifespans and higher resale value. There are more PCs available in each price bracket. PCs also feature more input/output choices and more ways to customize the system to your needs.
Practical issues for lawyers who use a Mac
If you’ve been using a Mac or iPhone/iOS for a long time and are already familiar with Apple’s ecosystem, a MacBook is an obvious choice. Apple products complement one other quite well, as long as a MacBook is within your price range.
While certain outdated on-premises legal software solutions did not operate well with Macs in the past, your MacBook will perform well with the systems and processes you are currently using or plan to employ. Although software compatibility between Mac and PC isn’t nearly 1:1, all-important apps and tools are available on both platforms. Clio and other cloud-based solutions work equally effectively on both systems. People also believe that Macs provide superior privacy and security.
Top 10 Best Laptops for Lawyers
1. Dell XPS 13 7390
Dell’s XPS series is one of the best conventional laptops for high performance and quality. The XPS 13 7390 is a well-built 2-in-1 gadget that can function as a laptop or tablet. The product is made of a single block of aluminum and features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and diamond-cut double-anodized sides.
This model has also been improved with dual thermal fans to keep your laptop cool during extended use. It sports a MicroSD card slot, an InfinityEdge touch display, and is powered by Windows 10 Home.
Key Features
- Battery Life | 11 hours
- Screen Size | 13.4 inches
- Display Resolution | 1920 X 1200 pixels
- Processor | 10th Generation Intel Core i7-1065G7
- Memory | 32 GB
- Storage | 512 GB SSD
- GPU | Intel® Iris Plus Graphics
- Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 AX1650, Bluetooth 5.0
- Product Dimensions | 8.15 x 11.69 x 0.51 inches
- Weight | 2.90 pounds
- Stylus | Supports
- Warranty | Dell 1 year
Pros
- Durable and withstands scratches
- Has a MagLev keyboard with fingerprint reader
- Lightweight and portable
- Quality 4K display
- Efficient Intel 10th Gen “Comet Lake” CPU
Cons
- Occasional fan noise
- Keyboard is slightly uncomfortable
2. Dell XPS 9570
Dell’s hardware competes with other top brands such as Apple, so you know you’re getting a high-quality product. At a somewhat higher price range, the XPS 9570 has a larger screen with infinity edge anti-glare. On a widescreen, the 4K touchscreen and full HD display have crisp and true colors. It offers a large storage capacity, allowing you to preserve all of your client’s data on a single device. The operating system on this laptop is Windows 10 Home.
The Dell XPS 13 is a lightweight, quick enough, and well-built laptop that has gained popularity in recent years due to upgrades. This laptop’s improved performance at an inexpensive price has made it a popular pick for many individuals.
Dell is continually working hard to outperform the market’s larger fish, such as Apple. When you ask someone, “Which laptop is the best?”
I’m confident he’ll recommend two to three laptops, with Dell included somewhere in the mix.
Now, let’s get back to the laptop. Its lightweight and slim form make it highly appealing.
Dell offers three different models: the Core i5 256 GB, the Core i7 256 GB, and the Core i5 128 GB. This laptop is equipped with a Core i7 CPU from the 10th generation, which results in increased processing power and speedier performance. In terms of performance, this laptop employs cutting-edge technology.
This laptop has 16GB of RAM.
How about storage space?
So, let me tell you that a lawyer requires a high storage capacity in order to keep multiple case studies and client details. And, if the lawyers use this laptop, they will never run out of storage space.
Because the Dell XPS 13 has a huge storage capacity ranging from 512GB to 1TB. This is a large storage capacity that a law student or lawyer can employ to preserve all of his or her material.
This Dell XPS 13 now has a 13-inch IPS display with 4K technology. This workstation boasts a stunning ultra HD display with a resolution of 8402160.
Despite having a high-quality monitor, the graphics card is not very good. If you enjoy playing high-quality video games in your spare time, this laptop is not for you. You should look at the computers I mentioned above.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, you should avoid this laptop. Instead of selecting this laptop, you should look at alternative high-quality laptops such as the Apple MacBook Pro, Microsoft Surface 3, and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon.
This laptop’s keyboard provides a smooth typing experience. If you’re a typical user, this laptop can last up to a half-day, or 12 hours, on a single charge.
Overall, if you’re solely looking for a laptop for work, this is the one to get. However, if you intend to use this laptop for gaming, you better hunt for another model.
Key Features
- Battery Life | 9 hours
- Screen Size | 15.6 Inches
- Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Processor | 4.1 GHz core_i7
- Memory | 16 GB
- Storage | 512 GB Flash Storage
- GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
- Connectivity | 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth
- Product Dimensions | 9.3 x 14.1 x 0.66 inches
- Weight | 4.41 pounds
- Stylus | Supports
- Warranty | Dell 1 year
Pros
- Value for the cost
- Quality build
- Good six-core processor
- Quality 4K touch screen
- Light for a 15.6-inch laptop size
Cons
- Slightly heavy
- Higher price point
3. Apple MacBook Pro
Apple provides high-quality products and exceptional customer service for everything they sell. If you want dependability and performance, as well as ample storage for your work, the MacBook Pro is an excellent choice.
It has a retina display, real tone technology, and a backlit magical keyboard. The MacBook Pro runs the Mac OS operating system, which includes programs created specifically for Macs. This design is easily available with various memory and storage levels.
The Apple MacBook Pro is a beast that everyone recommends. However, Apple is the brand, and if you’re a law student or a lawyer, this laptop is ideal for you. Apple is constantly two steps ahead of its rivals. This laptop includes everything a student requires as well as everything a professional requires from a laptop.
This laptop’s screen is sharp and colorful thanks to the 13-inch Retina display. A lawyer would feel flexible and at ease while reading on this laptop because, most of the time, a lawyer must read to increase his knowledge by reading various case studies.
The wonderful thing about this laptop is that it includes a powerful 9th Generation Intel i5 processor. The Intel i5 processor lets you perform whatever you want at an incredible speed of up to 5.0GHz, without lagging or hanging anywhere. It can multitask and run heavy apps twice as fast as a quad-core processor.
This MacBook Pro has reached new heights in terms of performance thanks to the latest Intel i5 chip. This MacBook Pro is available in two sizes: one 13-inch and one 15-inch.
In terms of graphics and display, it offers a maximum resolution of 2880 x 1800, which you won’t find on any other laptop. In addition, Apple has employed its incredibly innovative technology Retina Display on the screen, which serves to provide the client with an incredible vision.
On the other hand, this laptop can handle 4K videos, so if you want to edit photos and videos in your spare time or play games, this is the laptop for you.
This laptop includes a 4GB Radeon Pro 560 graphics card.
While the lawyer or law student can utilize other apps, such as CMS, that their institution, colleges, or school provides, or do anything else without worry and faster than others.
This beast can be used continuously for 8 to 9 hours. It also includes some intriguing features, like the Advanced Security System, which allows you to unlock your MacBook Pro using Touch ID at the tip of your finger. Apple Pay may also be used to make safe online purchases, rapidly access system settings, and even switch between users with a single touch. That’s incredible.
You may personalize this laptop by adding shortcuts to the Control Strip to help you work faster and more efficiently.
Key Features
- Battery Life | 10 hours
- Screen Size | 13 inches
- Display Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels
- Processor | 1.4GHz quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5
- Memory | 8 GB
- Storage | 512GB SSD
- GPU | Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
- Connectivity | 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Bluetooth 5.0
- Product Dimensions | 13.41 x 9.76 x 2.41 inches
- Weight | 5.95 pounds
- Stylus | No
- Warranty | Apple 1-year
Pros
- Execellent performance
- Sleek, portable design
- Customizable storage and memory
- Vibrant retina display
- Backlit magic keyboard
Cons
- No USB-A ports
- No touchscreen capabilities
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
Microsoft has enhanced speed and made the Surface Laptop 3 up to two times faster than the Surface Laptop 2. It also boasts a lengthy battery life, charging from zero to 80 percent in about an hour. This laptop runs Windows 10 Home and offers USB-C and USB-A ports for convenient communication. It’s also one of the lighter options on this list, which makes it ideal for travel.
The Microsoft Surface Notebook 3 is the greatest lightweight laptop for lawyers. This laptop features a stunning, clean, and elegant appearance and weighs only 2.79 pounds, making it easy to carry.
This lightweight machine is available in a variety of colors, and all of the color combinations are excellent and seem really cool and appealing. The Microsoft Surface 3 is available in Matte Black, Platinum, Cobalt Blue, and Sandstone finishes. You can select from a variety of rich tone-on-tone color combinations.
This laptop is twice as fast as its predecessor, the Surface 2. While the processor in the Microsoft Surface 3 is a 10th generation quad-core i7. You can accomplish everything you want with such a modern processor and fast speed.
Key Features
- Battery Life | 11.5 hours
- Screen Size | 13.5 inches
- Display Resolution | 2256 x 1504 pixels
- Processor | 1.3 GHz apple_ci7
- Memory | 16 GB
- Storage | 256 GB SSD
- GPU | Intel Iris Plus Graphics
- Connectivity | Bluetooth
- Product Dimensions | 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.57 inches
- Weight | 2.8 pounds
- Stylus | Supports
- Warranty | 1-year hardware
Pros
- Fast performance
- Improved battery life
- Fast charging
- Lightweight and portable
- USB type A and C
Cons
- High price-point
- Low on built-quality and durability
5. Asus ZenBook 14
The Zenbook 14 is a one-of-a-kind design that includes a four-sided NanoEdge and an interactive 5.65-inch touchscreen trackpad display beneath the keyboard. You can quickly write on the screen pad or move between the main and the screen pad displays.
This laptop, which runs Windows 10 Pro, is a lightweight and portable alternative. The keyboard is lighted, and the trackpad has a number pad option. Additionally, it has USB 3.1 Gen 2 type A and C connections, HDMI, DC-IN, USB 2.0, and a microSD card reader.
Key Features
- Battery Life | 13 hours
- Screen Size | 14 inches
- Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Processor | Intel i7-10510U
- Memory | 16 GB
- Storage | 512 GB PCIE
- GPU | NVIDIA GeForce MX250
- Connectivity | 802.11ax (WiFi 6), Bluetooth 5.0
- Product Dimensions | 12.7 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
- Weight | 3.3 pounds
- Stylus | Supports
- Warranty | Asus 1-year standard
Pros
- Unique and quality ErgoLift design
- Touch-screen trackpad
- Long battery life
- Multiple ports and configuration options
- Very portable, lightweight, and compact design
Cons
- Expensive
- Can become hot
6. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon 8th Generation
Lenovo produces some of the greatest Windows laptops and offers excellent customer service. Their 8th Generation ThinkPad X1 Carbon offers a high level of build quality, including a long-lasting 1080p touchscreen display, backlit keyboard, and fingerprint reader. It runs Windows 10 Pro and has a maximum optional memory and storage capacity of 16 GB and 1 TB, respectively.
If you’re a law student or a professional lawyer seeking a laptop that will last for a long time, then Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is the one to get.
Lenovo laptops are the best to buy for business applications. I’ve used this Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon for almost a year and am still using it. What I enjoy about this laptop is its performance when opening too many tabs at once or coping with a busy task.
I’ve never had a problem with performance. Other laptops I’ve described don’t have many ports, and ports are just utilized for connectivity. But this, my personal favorite, has a plethora of ports. I typically use Thunderbolt 3 from that many ports to connect my laptop to some other portable monitors.
When I finish my work and want to watch Netflix, I connect my laptop. It boasts an incredible processing power of up to 1.9GHz and an 8th Gen quad-core processor that makes this computer perform faster and better.
Lenovo X1 Carbon employs IPS technology, which is designed to increase viewing angle dependency and convert low-quality color to high-quality color. It features a screen size of 14 inches and a resolution of 25601440. Cool!
This tiny and lightweight laptop is designed to endure longer and provide a fantastic user experience. Under normal conditions, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon’s battery life can last up to 11 hours.
You will not feel burdened while carrying this laptop because it weighs only 2.5 pounds. This means you may easily travel with this laptop anywhere, anytime.
Other notable features include a webcam, fingerprint reader, HDMI port, 4 USB ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and a USB Type-C port.
It is the greatest ultrabook with hardware upgradeability. In the event that the hardware becomes obsolete or damaged, you can quickly upgrade it. However, it will assist you in keeping this laptop running for a long time.
Key Features
- Battery Life | 11 hours
- Screen Size | 14 inches
- Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Processor | Intel Core i5-10310U
- Memory | 16 GB
- Storage | 512 GB PCIe SSD
- GPU | Intel UHD Graphics
- Connectivity | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth
- Product Dimensions | 12.7 x 8.5 x 0.6 inches
- Weight | 4.84 pounds
- Stylus | Supports
- Warranty | Lenovo 4-years
Pros
- High-quality performance
- Great customer service
- Great keyboard
- Long battery life
- Has various ports and configurations
Cons
- High price-point
- No SD or microSD card slot
7. HP Spectre x360
The HP Spectre x360 is a tough touchscreen laptop with a 4K HD screen and Corning Gorilla Glass protection. A full-size backlit keyboard, an HP audio boost, and an Imagepad with multi-touch gesture capabilities are also included. With the USB Type-C Thunderbolt 3.0 connections, you can effortlessly run multiple demanding applications at the same time and transmit data at high speeds.
The package includes an HP stylus pen, a laptop sleeve, a professional upgrade to Windows 10, and three years of McAfee internet security.
The HP Spectre x360 is one of the greatest lightweight laptops with high quality. Overall, this laptop is best suited for lawyers and law students. This laptop features a thin design that makes it eye-catching and appealing. This is one of the laptops with long battery life and an excellent display.
The HP Spectre x360 is a touch-screen with an IPS display and a 13.3-inch screen. Corning Gorilla Glass protects the screen. The 3840 x 2160 4K resolution, combined with the BrightView WLED backlit multitouch, improves the display’s sharpness and clarity. Overall, as I previously stated, this laptop has a stunning display.
Key Features
- Battery Life | 9 hours
- Screen Size | 13.3 inches
- Display Resolution | 3840 x 2160 pixels
- Processor | 1.8 GHz core_i7
- Memory | 16 GB
- Storage | 512 GB SSD
- GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Connectivity | 802.11ac Wifi, Bluetooth 5
- Product Dimensions | 12.18 x 8.58 x 0.57 inches
- Weight | 2.93 pounds
- Stylus | Supports
- Warranty | 1-year
Pros
- Touchscreen capabilities and stylus pen included
- Corning Gorilla Glass protected screen
- Quality 4K display
- MicroSD card reader
Cons
- Memory isn’t upgradeable
- High price-point
8. Acer Aspire 5
Acer Aspire 5 is a laptop to consider if you want a low-cost choice with a 10th generation Intel Core processor. It includes numerous features that are often seen on more costly laptops, such as two built-in microphones, a good webcam, and a fingerprint reader. It also boasts a backlit keyboard and a full HD widescreen LED-backlit IPS display. You can also quickly install a hard drive for more storage, and the memory can be upgraded to 20 GB. The operating system on this laptop is Windows 10 Home.
Key Features
- Battery Life | 8 hours
- Screen Size | 15.6 inches
- Display Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Processor | 3.6 GHz apple_ci5
- Memory | 8 GB
- Storage | 256 GB NVMe SSD
- GPU | NVIDIA GeForce MX150
- Connectivity | 802.11ax, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 4.0
- Product Dimensions | 14.31 x 9.86 x 0.71 inches
- Weight | 3.97 pounds
- Stylus | Supports
- Warranty | Acer 3-years
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Upgradeable RAM and storage
- Backlit keyboard
- Fingerprint scanner
Cons
- Battery life less than average
- Reviews mention customer service concerns
9. Acer Chromebook 11
If you’re on a tight budget, the Acer Chromebook 11 nonetheless offers impressive features. Its pricing range includes the processing power of the Intel Celeron N3060, allowing you to easily access files, edit papers, and execute case studies.
It boasts a full HD screen, a spill-resistant keyboard, and an extra 100 GB of online storage with the Google disk. The chrome operating system (OS) suggests that the system is entirely based on the internet. You can still access over 2 million applications.
Key Features
- Battery Life | 10 hours
- Screen Size | 11.6 inches
- Display Resolution | 1366 x 768 pixels
- Processor | 2.4 GHz celeron_n3350
- Memory | 4 GB
- Storage | 32GB eMMC
- GPU | Intel HD Graphics 500
- Connectivity | 802.11g, Bluetooth
- Product Dimensions | 11.89 x 8.23 x 0.84 inches
- Weight | 2.78 pounds
- Stylus | No
- Warranty | Acer 3-years
Pros
- Very budget-friendly
- Portable and lightweight
- Quality processor
- Good battery life
- Has additional cloud drive storage
Cons
- Less internal storage
- Old-fashioned design
10. Huawei MateBook X Pro
This 3K touchscreen laptop is lightweight, compact, and only 0.57-inches thick. It has an HD screen and a fast 8th generation Intel Core i7-8550U processor. If 512 GB isn’t enough storage for your stuff, you can quickly expand to a maximum of 2TB.
It is also long-lasting and has longer battery life. The Huawei MateBook X Pro boasts a metallic body with diamond-cut edges and a screen-to-body ratio of 91 percent. You can watch videos for up to 12 hours, work for 14 hours, or browse the web for 15 hours. It is powered by the Windows 10 Home operating system.
Key Features
- Battery Life | 12-hour average
- Screen Size | 13.9 inches
- Display Resolution | 3000 x 2000 pixels
- Processor | 1.6 GHz core_i5
- Memory | 8 GB
- Storage | 256 GB SSD
- GPU | UHD620
- Connectivity | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5
- Product Dimensions | 11.97 x 0.57 x 8.54 inches
- Weight | 2.93 pounds
- Stylus | Supports
- Warranty | 1 year manufacturer
Pros
- Fast performance
- Both USB Type-A and Type-C ports
- Long battery life
- Secure One-touch power and authentication button
- Ultra-Thin Bezel of 4.4mm
Cons
- Less storage
- Limited availability
Conclusion
The best laptops for lawyers are portable, long-lasting, and have enough storage space for all of your papers. You need to know that you can rely on this device to work when you need to view your client’s files in multiple locations. This list of ten laptops provides viable choices for all budgets.
