Best Laptops for Solicitors in the UK in 2025 – A Complete Buying Guide

Working out the best laptops for solicitors can get overwhelming. With nearly endless options for size, configuration, style, and price, choosing the best laptop to buy is challenging. And it’s not a decision to be taken lightly – you want to invest your money in a computer that will meet your long-term needs.

In this guide, we’ll discuss key considerations to help you find the best laptop and include recommendations to ensure you make the best decision.

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What to look for when choosing the best laptop for solicitors

The best laptop for solicitors isn’t necessarily the most expensive or technologically advanced. When selecting a laptop, you must consider multiple factors, including screen size, weight, battery life, and the types of ports and inputs it offers.

That said, choosing a cloud-based practice management system like Clio will open up your options, as you can easily use it from any laptop. Try it for free here.

Specifications

As laptops become increasingly commoditised, the difference between each model is smaller than before. Looking at actual specifications is also less important than ever. Also, most computer manufacturers use similar parts from a small handful of component manufacturers. 

However, it’s a good idea to understand key specs as you whittle down your list of the best laptops for solicitors.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is your computer’s brain. Intel or AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) make most CPUs, although Apple recently introduced its own. Look for an Intel Core i5 or i7 model for a Windows PC. Manufacturers use Celeron and i3s in low-spec, budget laptops. i9 processors are high-end, designed for advanced gaming or high-intensity data mining machines. Any AMD Ryzen CPU should perform well, and reviews on Apple’s M4 have been positive. Finally, an ARM has efficiency and energy-saving capabilities best suited to mobile devices.

CPU Speed

The speed of your computer’s central processing unit generally measures how fast the computer is – the faster, the better. CPU speed is typically measured in “clock speed,” expressed in Megahertz (MHz; one million cycles per second) or Gigahertz (GHz; one billion cycles per second, equal to 1,000 MHz). The more cycles a CPU can complete per second, the more operations it can execute. 2 GHz is good, but if you’re searching for fast laptop computers, 2.4 GHz is better.

Memory

Also known as random access memory (RAM), this number is typically measured in Gigabytes (GB). For example, a computer may have 4GB RAM. RAM is a temporary space where your computer stores data as it processes and executes commands. The greater the amount of RAM, the more data your laptop can process faster. You should look for a laptop with a minimum of 8GB RAM.

Storage

Data is stored on your laptop on a hard or solid-state disk drive, which is measured in gigabytes or terabytes. We recommend a laptop with at least 256GB of storage.

Solid-state drive

The best laptops for solicitors contain a solid-state drive (SSD). Traditionally, internal laptop storage was a hard disk drive (HDD). In recent years, however, SSDs have replaced disk drives in speed and performance. Most laptops now come with an SSD as standard. Avoid any laptop still using a traditional spinning hard disk drive.

Screen resolution

Screen resolution differs from your laptop’s physical screen size, which we’ll discuss below. Screen resolution is typically measured in pixels – the more pixels, the better. 1920 x 1080 pixels is considered full high-definition (HD), and we don’t recommend going any lower. We increasingly see 4K screens in laptops with a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels and OLED and Liquid Retina displays. However, high-resolution screens can drain battery life.

Size and portability

The first and easiest way to measure the size of a laptop is by its screen size, which typically ranges from 11″ to 17″. The smaller the screen, the lighter and more portable the laptop is—except you can’t see as much on a smaller screen. Consider a smaller screen if you’re on the go, like to work in different locations, or your workspace or desk is on the smaller side. If you think you’ll leave your laptop in your office most of the time or are concerned about eye strain, aim for something bigger. If you are office-based most of the time, you can also use an external monitor. Most laptops support external monitors, and it is not unusual for solicitors to have one or two external monitors on their desks!

The best laptop size for solicitors is 13″ or 14″. Laptops of this size are more comfortable for the eyes than an 11″ screen but more portable than a 15″ or bigger screen.

Battery life

If you’re frequently on the go, battery life is another key specification to pay attention to. Battery life isn’t always the easiest to measure – the manufacturer might say “12 hours,” but a laptop’s battery life depends on how you use it. Different applications use different amounts of power. If you expect to stay plugged in most of the time, you’ll be OK with an eight-hour battery life. But for busy solicitors on the go, we recommend a 10-hour battery life or greater.

Connectivity

Wired and wireless connectivity options are another grey area. What you look for here will depend on what accessories and peripherals you already have and how old they are. For example, if you are a solicitor with an older monitor, the monitor will connect to your laptop with an HDMI or even a VGA cable. A relatively new “wireless” mouse might need a tiny USB receiver plugged into the laptop.

Make an inventory of any accessories you have and look for a laptop or an adaptor that will allow you to use them.

But if you intend to start from scratch and don’t have any accessories to worry about, you’ll want a machine with at least one Thunderbolt/USB-C port. These ports are increasingly becoming the go-to wired connectivity option. In addition, for wireless connectivity, aim for a computer that meets the current Bluetooth wireless spec (5.0 or greater).

You can also consider using an external docking port for connectivity to external devices when in the office and a mobile docking port when you’re on the go. Docking ports allow you to connect various devices using different port connectors.

Durability

Another hard-to-measure quality is durability. If you work remotely, use your laptop as a personal and work device, or share your machine with someone else, you’ll want something built to withstand a lot of handling.

Durability isn’t typically mentioned in manufacturer specifications, so we recommend reading reviews of any machine you’re interested in to hear what others say. Seeing the laptop in person also helps, as holding it in your hands can help determine if it appears solid and well-built.

What type of laptop is best for solicitors: Mac or PC?

There’s very little a Windows-based PC can do that a Mac can’t, or vice-versa. That’s why using a Mac or PC today is a personal choice. Apple’s MacBooks are typically more expensive than PC laptops with similar specifications. However, MacBooks usually have longer lifespans and better resale value. More PCs are available in each budget range. PCs also generally have more input/output options and more opportunities to configure the machine to your needs.

Practical considerations for Mac-using solicitors

If you’re a long-time Mac or iPhone/iOS user and are already familiar with Apple’s ecosystem, then a MacBook is a straightforward choice. Apple products work very well together if a MacBook fits your budget.

While some older on-premises legal software solutions didn’t work well or at all with Macs in the past, your MacBook will work well with the systems and processes you already use or plan to use today. Software compatibility between Mac and PC isn’t quite 1:1, but all significant programs and tools are available on Mac and PC. Cloud-based systems, including Clio, work equally well on both systems (see for yourself by booking a demo here). People also consider Macs to have top-of-the-line privacy and security.

What brand of PC should a solicitor buy?

Pop into any computer shop or search on Amazon for a laptop PC, and you’ll face dozens of manufacturers and brands. An unknown brand isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, a well-known brand name can make a difference in peace of mind and reliability. Getting the manufacturer’s support and help can be easier, or searching Google and finding user communities.

If you’re looking for the best Windows laptop computers, it’s hard to go wrong with one from the following manufacturers:

Dell

Still the biggest name in Windows-based computers, Dell has made great strides with form and function in recent years. Their current laptop lineups are sleek and well-designed. You can even customise them to fit your budget and needs. And Dell’s customer service consistently receives high marks.

Lenovo (ThinkPad)

The former IBM ThinkPad brand remains incredibly popular among business users. Lenovo has retained the black, boxy shape that IBM began. Functionally, you can find a ThinkPad with everything you need. Lenovo is also well-known for its support.

Hewlett-Packard

Although long-time computer and printer manufacturers may not be as popular as Lenovo and Dell today, they still offer many affordable options for PC users. However, HP’s support doesn’t have quite the same reputation as that of Dell and Lenovo.

Microsoft

Although Microsoft is best known for its Windows OS and Office software, it has made Surface Laptop computers for a few years. Microsoft’s modern laptop models are very well-received. Surface Laptops are hybrid tablet-computer models that offer both hardware keyboards and touchscreens, offering additional flexibility. They also come in a variety of stylish colours.

Regardless of what brand or model you select, be sure to follow best practices when it comes to data security.

The best MacBook for solicitors

If you decide to purchase one of Apple’s laptops, you have fewer options to consider than a PC. In a way, it’s easier to determine that way. And you can’t go wrong with a 14″ MacBook Pro with the M4 CPU, Apple’s powerful computer processing chip.

14″ MacBook Pro

Apple’s latest MacBook Pros, with their new M4 CPU, has received excellent reviews since its release. Significantly faster than the 13” MacBook Pro, the base 14″ model (£1,599) comes with:

• 16GB RAM
• 512GB SSD storage
• A 14.2” Liquid Retina XDR display 
• 3024 x 1964 native resolution
• 70W USB-C Power Adapter
• Three Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports

At just 3.5 lbs and with up to 22 hours of wireless web battery life, the 14″ MacBook Pro is great for solicitors who often work remotely. You can configure the base model with extra RAM and storage at an additional cost. You can also opt for the larger, more powerful 16″ model, which starts at £2,499.

The best Windows PC laptop for solicitors

While your options abound with Windows-based PCs, a Dell XPS 13 should meet most solicitor’s day-to-day needs.

Dell XPS 14

Dell’s XPS laptops are sleek, budget-friendly, and powerful. The XPS 13 base model (£1,249.00) features: 

• An Intel Ultra 7 CPU 
• 16GB RAM
• 512GB SSD storage
• A 14.5” display
• Three Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports
• An SD card slot

Battery life of up to 21 hours of Internet streaming with FHD display, and the device weighs 3.7 lbs (1.68kg). Dell offers multiple configurations, including a touchscreen option, for an additional cost. 

Beyond Mac or PC: Laptop alternatives for solicitors

If neither a Mac nor a PC seems right for you, don’t despair. Other available alternatives might meet your needs better. You may even find that the best laptop for you isn’t a laptop.

Is a Chromebook a good laptop for solicitors?

Chromebooks are laptop computers that use Google’s Chrome OS.

Chrome OS doesn’t have as many features as a Mac with macOS. Chromebooks also don’t have the customisable options that a PC with Microsoft Windows offers. That’s why Chromebooks are generally less powerful and more affordable. They’re often recommended for schools and students. 

Considering that, we recommend looking at a Mac or PC first. But suppose you don’t find a model that suits you. If tight budget or you don’t generally run too many applications simultaneously, a Chromebook can be a helpful alternative. 

Top-of-the-line Chromebooks are fast, have strong battery life, and will let you manage most day-to-day needs. And any cloud-based programs should work on a Chromebook. 

Google’s Chromebook Plus offers twice the processing power, up to double the storage and memory, and a battery life of around 10 hours

Can a lawyer use a tablet instead of a laptop?

Tablet computers such as Apple’s iPad Pro and Microsoft’s Surface Pro are becoming increasingly powerful and closing the traditional computer gap. Even Apple’s iPadOS now lets you use a mouse with its Pro tablets, making them more computer-like than ever!

For the most part, the gap is still there. When narrowing down the best laptops for solicitors, we wouldn’t recommend using a tablet as your everyday computer for now. Beyond its functionality limits, you’re also looking at additional expenses. Top-performing tablets are expensive, and you’ll likely need to add extra hardware like a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

However, if you have the budget and want to try this approach, then a 12.9″ iPad Pro or a Microsoft Surface Pro 11 are your best bets.

2-in-1 PCs for solicitors: Best of both worlds? 

There’s one more alternative for you to consider – a 2-in-1 PC that can serve as both a traditional computer and a touchscreen tablet. These 2-in-1 PCs usually have a screen that either detaches completely or rotates (with the keyboard folding away behind it). 

These models offer flexibility over traditional laptops and tablets and a certain amount of fun. But a model boasting decent specs and a screen that is large enough can be costly. At the high end, you can look at HP’s Spectre x360 or Microsoft’s.

Laptop recommendations for solicitors

Factoring in all of the above can make decision-making difficult. To help, we’ve gathered a few recommendations: 

Best high-end, power laptop for solicitors

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12

This machine has it all – and with a price tag of £1,900, it should. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 has an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H Processor, up to 32GB RAM, a 14″ 2.8K OLED touchscreen display, Bluetooth 5.3, two USB-C® Thunderbolt™ 4 ports, two USB-A ports,  a HDMI 2.1 port, 57Whr battery, and weighs 1.09kg.

Best laptop for solicitors on the go

Apple MacBook Air

It has similar specs when compared to its Pro-level companion, but it is thinner, lighter, and more affordable, so you can’t beat the MacBook Air. Apple’s MacBook Air is perfect if you often travel or run from client meetings to court. The 13” (M4 chip) features 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD storage, a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with IPS technology, two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, and offers 18-hour battery life, all under 2.7 lbs. (1.24kg), with a £999 price tag.

Best laptop for solicitors on a budget

Dell Latitude 3450

With solid performance specs and a starting price of £575.12 (ex VAT), The Latitude 3450 is a prime choice for solicitors on a budget. It comes with 8GB RAM as standard, 512GB SSD storage, a 14″ display, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, one HDMI 1.4b port, and an RJ-45 network port. Weighing 3.3 lbs (1.5kg.), the Latitude 3450 is the best laptop for solicitors on a budget . 

Best laptop for solicitors working from home

P EliteBook 1040 G11

If you need a mix of portability and power – something that will last all day as you manage cases and all night as you stream movies with the family, consider HP’s EliteBook (£1,539 (incl VAT)). It features an Ultra 7 155H CPU, 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD storage, a 14″  touchscreen display, two Thunderbolt™ 4 with USB Type-C, one USB Type-A 5Gbps signalling rate, 1 HDMI port,fast-charging to 50% in 30 minutes, and weighs 1.18kg.

AI-enabled laptops for solicitors

We are beginning to see AI-enabled laptops with specialised hardware that allows them to handle local AI tasks. Laptops powered by Microsoft Windows use Copilot to deal with local AI tasks. Apple Intelligence is available in the latest MacBooks. AI applications are designed to improve productivity but are power-hungry. If you’re on battery, using built-in AI tools will reduce your useable time.

Take your time and find the best laptop for you

Whatever laptop you select, remember that you’ll likely spend many hours daily with it. You want a comfortable laptop that suits you in form and function and will last. Take the time to do your due diligence, read user reviews, ask salespeople questions, visit stores, and hold the models in your hands. 

Once you’ve found the right laptop, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much of a difference it makes in your work. No matter which laptop you choose, Clio can help you simplify every aspect of your law firm, from billing to communication and document management. Try Clio for free today.

We published this blog post in March 2024. Last updated: March 24, 2025.

Categorized in: Business