{"id":11060,"date":"2024-03-28T13:14:52","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T13:14:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/?p=11060"},"modified":"2025-03-24T16:45:57","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T16:45:57","slug":"best-laptops-for-solicitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clio.com\/uk\/blog\/best-laptops-for-solicitors\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Laptops for Solicitors in the UK in 2025 \u2013 A Complete Buying Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u2019s not a decision to be taken lightly – you want to invest your money in a computer that will meet your long-term needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll discuss key considerations to help you find the best laptop and include recommendations to ensure you make the best decision.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWhat is the best laptop for solicitors?\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t
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Ultimately, the best laptop for solicitors depends on you - the solicitor. You should choose a laptop based on how you work, where you work, your style, and your budget. These factors are unique, so the best laptop for another solicitor may not be your best option.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Try Clio for free<\/h3>\n

You don\u2019t need the fanciest laptop on the market\u2014just the right tools<\/strong>. With Clio\u2019s cloud-based system, you can manage your entire practice from almost any device. Try Clio free and see how flexible legal work can be.<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\tStart your 7-day free trial<\/a>\n\t\n

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What to look for when choosing the best laptop for solicitors<\/span><\/h2>\n

The best laptop for solicitors isn\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span>Try it for free here.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Specifications<\/span><\/h4>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s a good idea to understand key specs as you whittle down your list of the best laptops for solicitors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Central Processing Unit (CPU)<\/h4>\n

The CPU is your computer\u2019s 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\u2019s M4 have been positive. Finally, an ARM has efficiency and energy-saving capabilities best suited to mobile devices.<\/p>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

CPU Speed<\/h4>\n

The speed of your computer\u2019s central processing unit generally measures how fast the computer is – the faster, the better. CPU speed is typically measured in \u201cclock speed,\u201d 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\u2019re searching for fast laptop computers, 2.4 GHz is better.<\/p>\n

Memory<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Storage<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Solid-state drive<\/h4>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Screen resolution<\/h4>\n

Screen resolution differs from your laptop\u2019s physical screen size, which we\u2019ll 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

Size and portability<\/span><\/h3>\n

The first and easiest way to measure the size of a laptop is by its screen size, which typically ranges from 11\u2033 to 17\u2033. The smaller the screen, the lighter and more portable the laptop is\u2014except you can\u2019t see as much on a smaller screen. Consider a smaller screen if you\u2019re on the go, like to work in different locations, or your workspace or desk is on the smaller side. If you think you\u2019ll leave your laptop in your office most of the time or are concerned about <\/span>eye strain<\/span><\/a>, 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!<\/span><\/p>\n

The best laptop size for solicitors is 13\u2033 or 14\u2033. Laptops of this size are more comfortable for the eyes than an 11\u2033 screen but more portable than a 15\u2033 or bigger screen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Battery life<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re frequently on the go, battery life is another key specification to pay attention to. Battery life isn\u2019t always the easiest to measure – the manufacturer might say \u201c12 hours,\u201d but a laptop\u2019s 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\u2019ll be OK with an eight-hour battery life. But for busy solicitors on the go, we recommend a 10-hour battery life or greater.<\/p>\n

Connectivity<\/span><\/h3>\n

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 \u201cwireless\u201d mouse might need a tiny USB receiver plugged into the laptop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make an inventory of any accessories you have and look for a laptop or an adaptor that will allow you to use them.<\/span><\/p>\n

But if you intend to start from scratch and don\u2019t have any accessories to worry about, you\u2019ll 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).<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019re on the go. Docking ports allow you to connect various devices using different port connectors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Durability<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another hard-to-measure quality is durability. If you <\/span>work remotely<\/span><\/a>, use your laptop as a personal and work device, or share your machine with someone else, you\u2019ll want something built to withstand a lot of handling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Durability isn\u2019t typically mentioned in manufacturer specifications, so we recommend reading reviews of any machine you\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What type of laptop is best for solicitors: Mac or PC?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s very little a Windows-based PC can do that a Mac can\u2019t, or vice-versa. That\u2019s why using a Mac or PC today is a personal choice. Apple\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t

Practical considerations for Mac-using solicitors<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re a long-time Mac or iPhone\/iOS user and are already familiar with Apple\u2019s ecosystem, then a MacBook is a straightforward choice. Apple products work very well together <\/span>if<\/span> a MacBook fits your budget.<\/span><\/p>\n

While some older <\/span>on-premises legal software solutions<\/span><\/a> didn\u2019t work well or at all with Macs in the past, your MacBook will work well with <\/span>the systems and processes you already use or plan to use<\/span><\/a> today. Software compatibility between Mac and PC isn\u2019t quite 1:1, but all significant programs and tools are available on Mac and PC. <\/span>Cloud-based systems<\/span><\/a>, including Clio, work equally well on both systems (<\/span>see for yourself by booking a demo here<\/span><\/a>). People also consider Macs to have top-of-the-line privacy and security.<\/span><\/p>\n

What brand of PC should a solicitor buy?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Pop into any computer shop or search on Amazon for a laptop PC, and you\u2019ll face dozens of manufacturers and brands. An unknown brand isn\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for the best Windows laptop computers, it\u2019s hard to go wrong with one from the following manufacturers:<\/span><\/p>\n

Dell<\/span><\/h4>\n

Still the biggest name in Windows-based computers, Dell has made great strides with form and function in recent years. Their <\/span>current laptop lineups<\/span><\/a> are sleek and well-designed. You can even customise them to fit your budget and needs. And Dell\u2019s customer service consistently receives high marks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lenovo (ThinkPad)<\/span><\/h4>\n

The former <\/span>IBM ThinkPad brand<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hewlett-Packard<\/span><\/h4>\n

Although long-time computer and printer manufacturers may not be as popular as Lenovo and Dell today, they still offer many <\/span>affordable options for PC users<\/span><\/a>. However, HP’s support doesn\u2019t have quite the same reputation as that of Dell and Lenovo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Microsoft<\/span><\/h4>\n

Although Microsoft is best known for its Windows OS and Office software, it has made Surface Laptop computers for a few years. Microsoft\u2019s modern laptop models are very well-received. <\/span>Surface Laptops<\/span><\/a> are hybrid tablet-computer models that offer both hardware keyboards and touchscreens, offering additional flexibility. They also come in a variety of stylish colours.<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of what brand or model you select, be sure to follow best practices when it comes to\u00a0<\/span>data security<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best MacBook for solicitors<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you decide to purchase one of Apple\u2019s laptops, you have fewer options to consider than a PC. In a way, it\u2019s easier to determine that way. And you can\u2019t go wrong with a 14\u2033 MacBook Pro with the M4 CPU, Apple\u2019s powerful computer processing chip.<\/span><\/p>\n

14\u2033 MacBook Pro<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t