Every lawyer knows that studying or practicing the law requires a lot of work. Though you can try to balance everything with old technology or outdated equipment, it’s much better (and more efficient) to get a good computer.
A reliable laptop is something every modern lawyer needs, but getting the right one isn’t simple. There are many out there, and each comes with its own characteristics and traits. Below, we’ll break down some of the best devices on the market so you can decide which one works for you and your firm.
Contents
Quick Summary
- The Apple MacBook Pro is a well-rounded model perfect for any lawyer. Its strong internal processor runs any and all programs, while the two Thunderbolt 3 ports give you excellent connectivity.
- The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is a great lightweight model for lawyers who want a portable device. It’s fast, versatile, and comes in a range of different beautiful colors.
- If you value features, it’s hard to do better than the Asus ZenBook 14. This slim model has an incredibly bright screen, plenty of internal storage, and a strong processor. The best workhorse out there.
Who Should Get This
As the title suggests, the following laptops are well-suited for lawyers. Each one has great specs and ample processing power, two key traits that help any law firm or law student keep track of dates, clients, and critical information.
That being said, the impressive machines also stand on their own. If you want a good laptop that’s perfect for both leisure and business, you’ll be hard-pressed to do better than what we’ve outlined here.
Best Laptop for Lawyers: What to Consider
Processing Power
Modern law takes quite a bit of advanced programs. It also takes a few older or more traditional ones as well. No matter which you choose or what you like to work with, you want a computer that can power everything with ease.
A solid processor is a must-have, as is a decent amount of memory. Just be aware that the faster your computer, the more money you’ll need to pay. Always budget accordingly.
Size
When getting your laptop, you need to know what you want to use it for. Is it a more stationary office device? Or is going to be something you use to do extra work at home?
Such factors will help you decide how big or small yours needs to be. If you don’t plan to move your laptop around much, you likely want something big with a large screen. If you do need to move it, lighter is always better.
Battery Life
As with any profession, lawyers work a lot. You never know when you’ll breakthrough on a case or hit a groove. There are many long nights as well. That’s why you need to get a computer with a strong, long-lasting battery.
You’re going to put in a lot of hours, and you don’t want to risk losing your flow to a dead or dying machine. Do your best to get something that lasts at least eight hours on one charge.
Best Laptop for Lawyers: Our Picks
1. Apple MacBook Pro
Few laptops are more elegant or feature-rich than the Apple MacBook Pro. This is one of the slickest-looking machines on the market, and it comes with a ton of processing power that will enable you to run any program you might need. The quad-core Intel Core i5 processor is lightning quick and the ultrafast SSD zips through operations in record time. If you need to get a lot of work done, this is the way to go.
Beyond the above features, the MacBook Pro also features some great bonus traits like the backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID. However, what makes it truly special (and worth the higher price tag) is the stunning Retina display with True Tone technology. This is one of the brightest screens on the market and the different colors pop off the display no matter what you use it for. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports are nice as well.
What We Like:
- Eight-generation quad-core i5 processor
- Beautiful Retina Display
- Backlit Magic Keyboard
- Touch ID
- Touch Bart
- Incredibly fast
- Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Eye-catching design
- 13-inch screen
What We Don’t Like:
- Not the cleanest user interface
- Expensive
2. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
Fully outfitted with a vibrant, 13.5-inch screen and tons of internal storage, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is a great choice for lawyers on the go. This incredibly lightweight device weighs in at just 2.79 pounds and comes with one of the slimmest designs on the market. Not only is it clean, there are also several available color options that range from the more subtle Matte Black all the way to Cobalt Blue and Platinum.
As with any Windows device, this Surface has a lot of internal power. That makes it especially useful for users who want a device for both work and relaxation. This enables you to keep track of meetings, cases, and clients, but it also allows you to relax with a video or game at the end of the day. Add on the 11.5-hours battery with fast charging and you have a complete machine that can do a little bit of everything.
What We Like:
- Thin, lightweight design
- Portable
- Fast
- Two USB ports
- 11.5-hour battery life
- Standby mode
- Quick charging
- Powerful processor
- Various fun colors
What We Don’t Like:
- On the expensive side
3. Asus ZenBook 14
The Asus ZenBook 14 is a great machine for lawyers because of its many features. This device is extremely fast, and the unique 5.65-inch interactive touchscreen trackpad allows you to better multitask or work with multiple programs at once. The screen pad is the star here. Not only does it turn into a numeric keypad, it also allows you to write on it directly if you want to take notes or jot down your ideas quickly.
If you use apps, this machine will run them flawlessly. In addition, the 16GB of RAM is plenty of power, while the 512GB SSD gives you a lot of space. The strong quality processor means you can run tons of programs with no issues and the 13-hour battery lets you work for hours and hours without needing to search for a plug. The lightweight design and 14-inch screen are great traits as well.
What We Like:
- 16GB RAM
- Wide, 14-inch screen
- 13-hour battery
- Only 2.7 pounds
- Slim design
- Strong processing power
- 512GB SSD
- Attractive shell
What We Don’t Like:
- A bit noisy
Useful Tips and Information
One of the reasons a solid laptop is so important for lawyers is the large amount of law software on the market. If you’re someone who knows exactly what they need and want, great. However, if you’re searching for the best program, this article will help you out.
Practicing law is one of the trickiest professions out there. Any amount of help, no matter how small, helps. If you’re new to the world or want some tips on how to improve, this video will get you in the right mindset.
Final Words
Being a lawyer definitely isn’t easy, but a good laptop can make it easier. A reliable machine helps you keep track of clients and cases. It’s also great if you need to run a lot of programs. Every device here will give you the results you need in a sleek, easy to use package.
Do you use a laptop in your practice? Which brands do you like and why? Let us know below.
