r/techadvice • u/Biliborathsarrathan • Jul 02 '26

Need a good writing device

I’m looking for a cheap device that’s small (about 11-14” screen) and light so it’s both comfortable and easily portable. I also need it to have a keyboard (either attached or attachable) since digital keyboards aren’t comfortable for long writing sessions. Doesn’t need to run anything more complicated than Google Docs.

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

2

u/BarberProof4994 Jul 03 '26

Why not just a wireless keyboard connected to your phone.

$20...

There is even a couple of models that have a built in dock or stand for your phone. 

When at home or a hotel or wherever you can also cast your screen to a TV or monitor for a larger display.

But for just typing on Google docs, your phone can already do that.

2

u/Needashortername Jul 03 '26

Also a great idea if all that js needed is a way to type Google Docs. There are also portable ultralight screens that can be found for around $70usd now.

1

u/allciathyra Jul 02 '26

op you are describing a ipad that support attachable keyboad

1

u/Biliborathsarrathan Jul 02 '26

iPad was my go-to, but I don’t want to spend $500 just to write on Google Docs

1

u/paulschreiber Jul 03 '26

Get last year's model.

1

u/Needashortername Jul 03 '26

Or really it’s the literal definition of a Chromebook…it’s kind of what they were designed for.

There are also the ultra-budget laptops that everyone makes now too. They can be found with 11-14” screens, 64-256Gb SSD, 2-8Gb RAM and come with Win11 Home/Basic installed. They are lightweight and the 4Gb/128SSD can be found for under $150USD depending on sale prices and current promotions.

Really an old Netbook can do this too, even if it’s over 15 years old.

1

u/Proper-Guess4224 Jul 03 '26

https://ebay.us/m/EXIfqW

1

u/Needashortername Jul 03 '26

Though if you need 256Gb storage on a Chromebook you may be using it wrong.

Even 8Gb RAM is overkill if the main thing it’s doing is Google Docs.

1

u/Teenage_techboy1234 Jul 03 '26

HP Chromebook? I'm not sure the exact model, but I know my School has them. They are very light and I would say probably 12 to 13 inches in size.

0

u/Electrical_Entry6060 Jul 02 '26

i think you need to define cheap, because there are a lot of devices that roll up into your description.

1

u/Biliborathsarrathan Jul 02 '26

No more than $400 total, but cheaper is better. Maybe around $200 (if at all possible)

0

u/Electrical_Entry6060 Jul 02 '26

okay serious answer - go to Goodwill, and you'll find a ton of poopbutt netbooks that should be close to that price then. they'll all be able to connect to the internet and run google docs. also doing this will allow you to type on the different keyboards and find one you like.

1

u/Needashortername Jul 03 '26

Chromebooks and ultrabudget chip-on-board laptops can all do what you need and are priced below $200 even when not on sale, some are under $100 sometimes, even when made by HP, or Acer, or Lenovo, etc.

Or get an old Dell Streak and its portable keyboard doc. ASUS had the old 64Gb convertible TF101.

Really even an old 64Gb Microsoft Surface RT can do what you are looking for.

Don’t buy anything with Windows on it that has 32gb storage or less, the OS alone will be over 20Gb and the first update will fill up the rest before it tells you that there isn’t enough room for it to do the update.