So how do you find the right laptop for your podcast? Well, you don’t. I already did all the hard work needed.
From trying products myself to checking reviews left by users on forums, Amazon, Quora, YouTube, etc., I have covered all aspects to bring you the most comprehensive buying guide for laptops on podcasting.
This will ensure you get the best bang for your buck. So let’s dig straight into it.
Our Top Picks for Podcasting Laptops in 2022
Apple Macbook Pro
HP Envy 13
Dell XPS 13
Acer Aspire E 15
Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Apple Macbook Pro
HP Envy 13
Dell XPS 13
Acer Aspire E 15
Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Detailed Reviews of Laptops for Podcasting
#1: HP Envy 13
- 【Memory & Storage】LPDDR5x 6400MHz 16GB RAM | 1TB PCIe SSD. Everything is original from manufacturer. With massive amounts of storage and advanced communication power, PCI-e SSD are great for major gaming applications, multiple servers & more. Bundled with HDMI.
- 【14" & 2.8K & OLED】14" Micro-Edge BrightView 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED 48- 120HZ 500-Nits Display.
- 【Processor】AMD Ryzen7 7840U (8-core) Processor, Integrated AMD Radeon 780M Graphics, Microsoft Windows 11 Home.
- 【Features】Wi-Fi 6E (2x2/160) Gig+ & Bluetooth 5.3, Full-Size Backlit Keyboard & IR Camera with Privacy Shutter.
- 【AMD Ryzen AI Technology】Enhances Windows Studio Effects Capabilities Including Automatic Framing, Eye Contact Correction, and Advanced Background Effects.
HP is one of the major players in the computer industry, and the HP Envy does not let you down. It comes with a slick modern design, a fast processor, a long battery life, and a lot more. Let’s take a closer look at its specifications.
HP Envy 13 is powered by an Intel Core i7 processor with 4-cores. You can also boost its clock rate up to 4.7GHz for enhanced performance.
This feature is sure to come in handy while hosting a podcast, as you can have all your important sound-related programs run in the background without any lag.
To put that into perspective, Audacity, one of the significant audio editing software, requires only 2GHz of clock rate to work properly. The additional speed from the i7 processor allows you to work more flexibly as a result.
The Envy comes with a 13.3 inch full HD, IPS panel with multi-touch enabled. The touch screen might seem overkill, but it will be a significant time-saver when it comes to editing audio files.
Additionally, the display itself is one of the best available in this price range. So, when you are not recording podcasts, you can sit back and enjoy your favorite media and games in 1080p.
Other than that, it features a 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD, which provides higher bandwidth, speed, and efficiency when combined with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM.
The SSD massively decreases your import and export times and allows you to maintain fluent productivity. Overall, we believe these are some of the best hardware configurations you can choose for podcasting.
One of the best features of the Envy is the availability of a Thunderbolt 3 with a USD USB Type-C port. It allows lightning-fast data transfer between your system and any external hard drive or SSD.
Also, it also allows you to connect to an external monitor, which can be a major productivity boost while editing and sampling audio files.
Pros
- Excellent display
- Attractive aluminum design
- 11+ hours of battery life
- Value for money Lightweight
Cons
- RAM cannot be upgraded
#2: LG Gram 14
- 14” Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS LCD Screen
- Windows 10 Home(64bit)
- Intel 10th Generation Core i7-1065G7 CPU With Iris Plus graphics
- 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB M. 2 NVMe SSD
- Up To 18. 5 Hours Battery Life (72WH Lithium Battery)
The second laptop on the list is the LG Gram 14. Let’s start with the most obvious upside of going with this laptop; its weight.
The Gram 14 is designed to be a sleek and compact work buddy that you can travel with and work on the go. It’s even lighter than the latest MacBook Air M1, and its 2 lbs chassis doesn’t weigh down on your shoulders like traditional work laptops.
The Gram 14 comes equipped with Intel’s 10th gen i7 CPU, so you can breeze through recording podcasts without stutters. In terms of graphics, we got to see the Iris Plus iGPU at work.
Even though it won’t be able to support heavy graphical tasks like video editing and gaming, it still provides decent usage for daily tasks like surfing, streaming videos, etc.
Furthermore, this laptop comes with a 14-inch IPS LCD panel with a white LED backlight. The picture quality is sharp and crisp and provides a great viewing experience.
Although it lacks the touch screen feature, it makes up for it with a 72Wh battery that offers 18 hours of power under heavy usage, so you won’t have to worry about plugging in your laptop during a long recording session.
It features 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, which provides blazing fast speeds and decreases task execution time by a significant amount. One of the similar features that it shares with the HP Envy is the presence of a Thunderbolt 3 connector with a USD USB Type-C port. It enables extremely rapid data transmission, meanwhile allowing you to connect an extra monitor.
Overall, we think the Gram 14 is a worthy pick for podcasters. It not only offers a good starting base for newcomers to podcasting but also offers something for the professionals.
Pros
- Great battery life
- Upgradeable RAM and SSD
- Lightweight
- Nice selection of external ports
- Comfortable keyboard
Cons
- No touch screen
#3: Razer Blade 15
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- More Power, More Cores: The 8-Core 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10875H processor provides the ultimate level of performance with up to 5. 1GHz Max Turbo.
- Studio Ready: The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super with Max-Q Design (8GB GDDR6 VRAM) graphics is up to 25% faster than the original RTX 20 Series with more cores and higher clocks.
- More Frames: Incredible performance paired with the fast 300Hz 15.6" Full HD thin bezel display helps edge out the win.
- Thin and Compact: The CNC aluminum unibody frame houses incredible performance in the most compact footprint possible, while remaining remarkably durable and just 0. 7" thin.
Razer products are usually considered to be gaming-focused, but that is far from the truth. The Razer Blade 15 is an excellent example of a high-performance ceiling with flexible usage, and that is what makes it a great choice for podcasters. Let’s talk about its hardware configuration.
The Razer Blade 15 offers a powerful blend of Intel’s 10th gen i7 processor with 8-cores and an RTX 2070 Super Max-Q GPU.
Together, both the CPU and GPU provide a high-end platform that lets you get the most out of your work. More specifically, the 8-core processor with a 5GHz boost clock rate and 8GB VRAM is a top-notch combo these days.
It comes with 16GB of RAM that is expandable up to 32GBs. Since most recording and editing software needs 4GB of RAM, you won’t face any problems running any podcast software.
With a 512GB SSD for booting and a 1TB HDD for storage, you’ll have all of your podcast files and apps on your fingertips and ready to go.
The display is 15.6 inches in size and has a 1920 x 1080 resolution that delivers a high-quality output with consistent brightness. The hues are also pleasant and relaxing to the eyes.
Since a larger screen is better while editing audio files, it makes the Blade 15 display perfect for podcasters. It also comes with a 300 Hz refresh rate, which is excellent for video editing and gaming as well.
What separates this laptop from the competition is its speaker sound quality. Blade 15’s speakers are robust and clear. They offer a fair amount of bass and high treble, with surprising attention going to the mid frequencies.
You are sure to receive minimal background noises and a near studio-quality experience with this laptop.
Pros
- Great CPU and GPU
- Excellent screen
- Good speakers
- Amazing display
- Durable build
Cons
- Poor battery life
#4: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
- Next-gen, best-in-class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet, so you can type, touch, draw, write, work, and play more naturally
- Faster than Surface Pro 6, with a 10th Gen Intel Core Processor – redefining what’s possible in a thin and light computer.
- More ways to connect, with both USB-C and USB-A ports for connecting to displays, docking stations and more, as well as accessory charging
- Standout design that won’t weigh you down — ultra-slim and light Surface Pro 7 starts at just 1.70 pounds
- All-day battery life up to 10.5 hours, plus the ability to go from empty to full faster — about 80% in just over an hour
Another excellent gadget for podcasters is the Microsoft Surface Pro 7. This laptop is inexpensive and ideal for video and audio podcasting with a touch screen display and 2-in-1 functionality.
SurfaceBook Pro 7 is powered by Intel’s i5 10th gen processor and supported by a durable battery with a life of 10.5 hours on a single charge.
Furthermore, it has a 12.3-inch display with a 2736 x 1824 resolution. This screen provides high-definition clarity with the appropriate amount of brightness. You’ll like the large display with minimal bezels and an IPS panel that will make working enjoyable.
The highlighting feature is, without a doubt, its 2-in-1 convertible functionality. You can turn your SurfaceBook into a tablet and work comfortably on the go. Or you can attach its keyboard and get the full workstation experience, that lets you record and edit podcasts with ease
It comes with an SSD of 256GB and 8GB of RAM, which supports almost every podcasting software and handles multitasking with ease. The Dolby audio system has a high pitch and a low bottom volume. There is no noise in the audio, and the depth is adequate.
All in all, we think that the SurfaceBook is best suited for work-oriented individuals who travel a lot. It’s lightweight, convertible, offers a nice selection of specifications, and has amazing display quality for its price.
The only downside is that you’ll have to make aftermarket purchases to get the SurfaceBook keyboard and stylus.
Pros
- 2-in-1 design
- Lightweight and durable
- Excellent display
- Ultra-Fast SSD
- Powerful hardware configuration
Cons
- Pen and keyboard are sold separately
#5: Dell XPS 15 7590
- 15.6" 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge anti-reflective touch IPS 100% a do be RGB 500-nits display
- 9th Generation Intel Core i7-9750h (12MB Cache, up to 4. 5 GHz, 6 Cores)
- 16GB DDR4-2666MHz, 2x8G
- 1TB PCIe SSD
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5
Dell is also an excellent brand and one of the best for podcasting. It is powered by the newest 9th generation i7 CPU, allowing you to get the most out of your system.
This laptop has 16 GB of RAM, which provides excellent performance and will enable you to access your information faster than ever before. Furthermore, the 1TB SSD storage improves bootup speed, allowing you to perform everything in seconds.
Additionally, it has an expansive display with small bezels. The 4K display panel has a brightness of 500 nits and vibrant colors. Even if you opt for a 1080p resolution, it won’t disappoint you.
With XPS 15’s touch mode, you can use many applications simultaneously with minimal lag, and it is yet another reason that will make you appreciate the display quality.
If you’re wondering that so many features will drain the battery very quickly, you’ll be glad to know that It has an impressive battery life, which lasts for around 5-6 hours overall under mixed usage.
Additionally, in terms of connectivity, you get a USB 2.0, USB 3.0, audio, HDMI, and more ports that are accessible. You can also connect an additional monitor using the HDMI port, which will help get a better visual output while editing.
It has Dolby stereo speakers that offer high quality and loud volume, and there is some good depth and bass in the speakers. Indeed, it is a brilliant drive overall and specifically for both video and audio podcasting.
Pros
- Powerful processor
- Responsive Touchpad
- Massive storage capacity
- Good battery life
- Lightweight and durable design
Cons
- Heating issues
#6: Apple MacBook Pro
Are you willing to spend big for top-notch features that will make podcasting a breeze? Then the MacBook Pro is just the laptop of your dreams, and here’s why.
- Brilliant Retina Display with True Tone technology
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
- Radeon Pro 560x Graphics with 4GB of video Memory
- Ultrafast SSD
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
What’s to Like
First and foremost, what I love the most about MacBooks is that they allow me to work on the go.
That is because they are compact and ultralight. The Pro weighs just 2.9lbs while the 13-inch screen means I can continue to work even when I am cramped up for space in a flight.
You also have the choice of a 15-inch screen which is ideal if you usually work on your podcast from your home or office or simply like a larger display for easy viewing.
But the benefits of the 15-inch are not just limited to a larger screen, this MacBook also features a more powerful processor sure to help fly through your day-to-day tasks without any bumps.
And what really makes the MacBook Pro display worthwhile isn’t the size but the Retina Display that delivers an eye-popping display. But does that display not matter much to you?
Let’s talk about the features that make a bigger impact.
The MacBook comes with a 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor which together with the 16GB memory guarantees you a quick and smooth operation.
That is irrespective of whether you run one or multiple editing apps or tabs simultaneously (yup, this bad boy can pretty much handle it all).
Also, improving your productivity and helping you quickly shuffle between various options is the Touch Bar which displays customized options based on the app you are using
Furthermore, there is the 512GB SSD which not only guarantees you ample storage for all your videos and editing software but also quicker load and boot times.
And then when you just want to chill with your squad playing Fortnite or bigger games like GTA V, FIFA, etc. the Radeon Pro 560X Graphics Card is just the ideal graphics card for it.
To ensure all your data is transferred at the fastest possible speeds, the MacBook Pro comes with 4 Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports (now, transfer data at speeds up to 40GBPS).
The Audio of the laptop is way better than most Windows laptops so you do not necessarily need high-end headphones.
Team up with the 10-hour battery life and you have the ultimate gear for all your podcasting needs.
The Downsides
Well, the only main issue with it is the high price but if you have the budget, this is an absolute peach (a laptop you do not want to miss out on).
Pros
- Lightweight and portable build
- Retina display delivers surreal visuals
- The excellent speakers eliminate the need for a headphone
- Gives up to 10 hours of battery life
- The 512GB SSD gives ample space for storing all files
- SSD also guarantees you faster boot
- The i7 processor and 16GB memory allow for smooth multitasking
- With 4 Thunderbolt 3 USB Ports, data can be transferred at speeds up to 40GBPS
- The Radeon Pro 560X Graphics Card is good enough to enjoy some game time
- Touch bar increases productivity by providing app-related options
Cons
- It is one of the most expensive laptops on the list
If you would like to stick with Apple but looking for something cheaper, the MacBook Air is perfect, and believe it or not is an Amazon best-seller.
#7: Dell XPS 13
The XPS 13 is another power-packed laptop that is capable of more than just podcasting and goes toe to toe with the MacBook Pro in terms of both features and portability.
- 8th Generation Intel Core i7 8550U Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.0 gigahertz)
- 16GB LPDDR3 2133 megahertz; Recycle friendly: 90% of the laptop’s parts can be easily recycled or reused, and the white bamboo packaging trays are 100% recyclable
- 1TB PCIe Solid State Drive
- 13.3 Inches 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) Infinity Edge touch display
- With Windows 10, you’ll experience fast start ups, a familiar yet expanded Start menu, and great new ways to get stuff done
What’s to like
One of the best things about the Dell XPS 13 is its display as the 13.3-inch display is a 4k Ultra HD display. So you get detailed colors and contrast that are sure to blow anybody’s mind away (just what a movie or gaming freak wants to hear).
Furthermore, it is an InfinityEdge display which means you get more viewing area (it is almost all screen). Plus, since IPS Panel means it can be viewed from multiple angles with ease.
Oh and not to forget, it is a touchscreen display so you do not need to use the mouse or keyboard all the time.
Team the display up with the sleek and sexy build of the XPS 13 and you have a highly portable laptop that you can use from a hotel room, the beach, or on a flight.
And that touchscreen display can also take a beating since it is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 which prevents cracks and scratches in case of minor falls (so you can be the clumsy you around it).
Supporting that display are the excellent speakers that eliminate the need for you to spend extra on expensive headphones and earphones even for podcast production.
As for the components, the 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U Processor and 16GB RAM can take on whatever you have to throw at it. So all your editing and recording software should run seamlessly.
Even booting should take no more than a few seconds with the 1TB SSD which guarantees you sheer speed and tons of space eliminating the need for an additional hard drive or constant backups.
Even with all that scorching power and looks, the laptop maintains its coolness thanks to the built with GORE™ Thermal Insulation.
It employees heat pipes and dual fans that draw out the heat so you can work all day long even with the laptop on your thighs.
Further helping you work for long hours without any interruption is the 10-12 hours battery life while charging also takes not more than a couple of hours from 0%.
The keyboard is backlit so you can even work during the night without disturbing your roommates or family members.
For quick transfer of all your files and folders, the laptop features 2x Thunderbolt 3 with PowerShare which you already know is capable of delivering speeds of up to 40GBPS.
If you are an eco-friendly person you will be happy to know that around 90% of the laptop’s parts can be recycled or reused.
It also comes with Microsoft Cortana to which you can communicate from 14-feet away as the laptop has four built-in mics and Waves-enabled speech technology.
With Cortana (Microsoft’s own version of Siri), you can book appointments, get the latest score or weather updates, etc. in seconds (just say it and it shall be done).
The Downsides
One of the main drawbacks of this laptop is the placement of the webcam. If you make a lot of video calls or are often live through your laptop, getting the adjustment right can be tedious as the webcam is placed below the display.
It also has a slightly lower graphics card but since you will be using the laptops for podcasting, that should be no issue at all.
It will cost you well over $1000 but nonetheless is a cheaper alternative to the MacBook Pro.
Pros
- It is light and compact
- Excellent cooling
- It also has a long battery life of 10-12 hours
- The 1TB SSD provides you both space and speed
- The 13.3-inch Ultra HD display is crystal clear and can be viewed from multiple angles
- Corning Gorilla Glass covering protects the display
- The multiple Thunderbolt 3 ports provide you with 40GBPS of transfer speed
- Cortona is your own virtual assistant
- The sound quality of the laptop is impressive
- With the backlit keyboard, you can also work easily in the dark
- Most of the parts are recyclable and reusable
Cons
- It costs over $1000
- The webcam is placed below the display so making video calls is slightly tougher
- It has an integrated graphics card
#8: Acer Aspire 15 (Podcasting Laptop on a Budget)
Are you on a tight budget or simply do not want to spend too much on a laptop for podcasting? Well, the Acer Aspire 15 is available for less than $600 but sure packs a punch above its weight with its features.
- 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor (Up to 3.4GHz)
- 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LED-lit IPS Display
- 8GB Dual Channel Memory & 256GB SSD
- Up to 15-hours of battery life.Adapter: 65 W
- Windows 10 Home
What’s to like
Most often budget laptops are not really powerful unless you actually have the Acer E15 which has an 8th Gen i5-8250U Processor with a clock speed that can reach up to 3.4GHz making it the fastest processor you can get in this price range.
Further, the laptop also has 8GB RAM which is good enough to run most programs without any lagging and hanging or opening multiple browsers and tabs at once without toasting the components.
Also, boosting the speed is the 256GB SSD which ensures better boot time and faster loading of apps compared to a laptop with a hard drive (might be a little lacking in space but definitely checks all boxes in the speed departments).
And if you thought budget gaming laptops often lose out on good graphics cards, the E15 will definitely make you rethink. That is because it comes with a 2GB Dedicated GeForce MX150 graphics card.
This gives you faster rendering if you are making any video edits or sound edits and also allows you to play all the latest gaming titles without any screen tearing.
If you are a workaholic and do not like any kind of interruption during work, the 14-15-hour long battery life is just the kind of feature to support you.
And you can continue that all through the night in complete darkness as well with the backlit keyboard.
It also has a big 15.6-inch display and since it is Full-HD, from viewing videos, recording podcasts to even movies, it is all a delight. You also get good viewing angles so you can work from the couch, bed, etc.
The TrueHarmoney Technology gives the speaker a good bass and volume range so even at a higher volume the sound does not distort giving you an immersive movie or music experience.
Lastly, there are USB 3.0 ports so all your data transfers are also quick. It has no ThunderBolt port but you get an excellent speed of about 10GBPS for all file transfers.
Drawbacks
On the downside, the laptop is on the heavier side as it weighs around 5lbs. Plus it is also not as compact as the MacBook or Dell XPS 13 which means carrying it around is going to be tougher.
Also, it has an i5 processor. Now, that is way better than an i3 or other lower processors but does not match the ability of an i7 laptop.
Also, the 256GB provided isn’t a lot of space so you might need to take regular backups especially if you have lots of large video files to store.
Pros
- The is the best budget podcasting laptop for beginners
- It has an 8th Gen i5-8250U Processor which clocks at 3.4GHz
- With 8GB RAM, it can handle multitasking with ease
- The 256GB SSD gives you great boot time and software, games, etc. load in an instant
- Supporting all your graphics-intensive is the 2GB Dedicated GeForce MX150 graphics card
- It has a great 14-15 hours battery life which is more than what you will need on a regular workday
- The backlit keyboard helps you work comfortably in the dark
- It has a large 15.6-inch Full-HD display and captures good colors and contrast
- TrueHarmoney Technology delivers quality bass and no distortion at higher volumes
- The USB 3.0 ports are ideal for fast data transfers
Cons
- It is heavier and larger than other models and thus not so travel-friendly
- The processor isn’t as powerful as that of the MacBook or Dell XPS 13
- The 256GB SSD is fast but not spacious enough
#9: Microsoft Surface Pro 6
Microsoft Surface Pro 6 offers a great mid-range solution for podcast production and perfectly combines cost-effectiveness with excellent features.
- A best in class laptop with the versatility of a studio and tablet
- More power now with the new 8th Generation Intel Core processor
- Ultra slim and light, starting at just 1.7 pounds. Sensors : Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope
- All day battery life, with upto 13.5 hours of video playback
- Pair with our signature type cover in luxurious Alcantara material and rich colors for a full keyboard experience
What’s to like
The best about using the Surface Pro is its versatility. That means you can go from using it as a laptop to a tablet or use it in tent mode within seconds.
This makes the Surface Pro another very travel-friendly option (so you can upload your podcasts while enjoying coffee in the hills or while chilling at the beach).
Plus, it weighs just 4 pounds, and thus carrying it around in any mode should be hassle-free.
And to run any software you have been using to make edits or to easily handle the numerous tabs you work with, the laptop is equipped with an i5 processor and 8GB RAM.
If you want something even more powerful, you can go with the i7 variant but then again you will have to pay the big bucks.
Another awesome feature of the Surface Pro is its PixelSense Display. The 12.3-inch Full-HD display will give you colors and contrast that are sure to leave you in awe of it (movie night just got a lot better).
You also get a 256GB SSD. And as you probably already know an SSD is way faster than a hard drive so your laptop boots in a flash and the apps load much faster.
The battery life of the laptop is another mention-worthy feature as it can run for a whopping 10-11 hours on a single charge.
And lastly, with the USB 3.0 port, you can easily have your data backed up within a matter of minutes.
The Downsides
Firstly, the graphics card is a bit of a letdown. While the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 can handle a few games like Fortnite or PUBG and others on lower graphics settings, playing the latest games can be an issue.
Also, you do not need any of the accessories like the 360 Surface Dial or the mouse but in case you intend on getting them, they are charged separately and thus increase the overall cost.
Lastly, the 256GB of space won’t be enough for people with lots of videos and images to store so make sure you take regular backups to maintain the high speed an SSD promises.
Pros
- It can be used as a laptop, tablet, or even in tent mode offering you excellent versatility
- It is both lightweight and compact and thus easy to carry
- 3-inch PixelDisplay delivers great colors and contrast
- The i5 processor and 8GB RAM can handle various software and multiple tabs
- Comes with a USB 3.0 port for high transfer speeds
- The 256GB SSD is really quick
- The battery lasts for about 6-8 hours which is a good runtime
Cons
- Low-powered graphics card
- Buying the accessories can increase the purchase cost
- Disk space is low
#10: Asus VivoBook
Asus is one of the most reputable brands in the market and its VivoBook is an excellent mid-range laptop for any podcaster and comes with pretty impressive features.
- Powerful 8th Generation Intel Core i5 8250U 1.6GHz (Turbo up to 3.4GHz) processor
- 15.6 Inches Full HD WideView display with ASUS Splendid software enhancement
- 14.2 inches wide, 0.8 inches thin and portable footprint with 0.3 inches ASUS NanoEdge bezel for a stunning 80% screen to body ratio
- 8GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage combo; Ergonomic chiclet keyboard with fingerprint sensor
- Comprehensive connections including USB 3.1 Type C (Gen1), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and HDMI; Lightning fast 802.11ac Wi Fi keeps you connected through any congestion or interference
What’s to like
One advantage the VivoBook has over the Acer Aspire E15 is that is it is equipped with both an SSD and an HDD.
While the 128GB SSD can be used to install the operating system for a great boot and load speed, the 1TB HDD will give you all the storage you need without adding to the cost (so you get the best of both worlds).
Also, even though it has the same 15.6-inch Full-HD display, its higher body to screen ratio means you get more viewing area without the added weight and bulkiness of the E15.
That is why the VivoBook only weighs 3.2lbs and is also more compact than the E15 but not as much as the XPS 13 or the MacBook.
Further adding to the display is the Tru2Life Video technology which captured even more contrast and colors in every pixel to deliver you a vivid display that will make streaming movies and matches a pleasant experience.
It is powered by the same 8th Gen i5-8250U processor and also clocks at 3.4GHz which in tandem with the 8GB RAM will run all your tabs, software, and other shenanigans without any trouble.
Sound quality does not disappoint either so if you do not have headphones/earphones just turn up the volume on the laptop speakers without any worries.
It also has two USB 3.0 Ports which is important for any podcaster since all the large files get backed up in a jiffy when needed.
The Downsides
But like any mid-range laptop, the VivoBook also has its drawbacks.
For starters, it has an integrated graphics card but while that is not of much concern to a podcaster, you will definitely be disappointed with the 5-hours battery life which is way lower than what the E15 offers.
Plus, there is no backlit keyboard so you cannot be working in the dark.
Pros
- It offers both speed and large storage with a 128GB SSD and 1TB HDD
- The SSD can be used to install the OS while HDD is perfect for other file types
- 15.6-inch immersive display with with a higher screen-to-body ratio
- With Tru2Life Video technology, the colors and contrast captured are more detailed
- It has an i5 processor that clocks at 3.4GHz which is good enough for most tasks
- You can also multitask with ease as it has an 8GB RAM
- The speakers are also quite good
- It is lightweight and compact
Cons
- Low battery life as it lasts only 4-5-hours
- The integrated graphics card isn’t very powerful
- There is no backlit keyboard so you cannot work in the dark
Buying Guide for Podcasting Laptops In 2022
CPU
CPU is often called the brain of the computer. The better your CPU is, the more workload it can handle efficiently. Having good content isn’t the only thing you should look into if you are a podcaster, as it is equally important to have a good sound quality that appeals to your audience.
And if you have an underpowered PC, you may not be able to process your audio and add your desired sound effects. For this reason, it is important to have a good CPU so that you can take full advantage of appropriate sound editing software.
If your CPU isn’t up to the mark, you’ll be experiencing a lot of lag and latency. We recommend using a quad-core processor with at least an i5 9th gen chip for the best experience. Apple’s M1 and AMD’s Ryzen chipsets are also excellent options to consider as they can tally their performance with Intel’s CPUs.
RAM
To put it simply, RAM is the short term memory of your laptop. Think of it as a temporary buffer between your hard drive and the CPU. It caches, i.e. stores your data so that the CPU can access it quickly and is responsible for loading all the effects and layers you put into your timeline to create a preview. The larger the file you’re editing, the more RAM you’ll need.
Usually, podcasters require around 4GB of RAM. However, to be on the safer side, we recommend going for a laptop with 8GB RAM or 4GB RAM that is upgradeable in the future.
GPU
A powerful GPU isn’t really a necessary requirement when you’re looking to only edit audio. However, if you are into video podcasting, you will need a decent GPU to handle all the video editing tasks. You have the option to choose between two types of GPUs: integrated and dedicated graphics.
To put it simply, integrated graphics are built into your processor and shares the same hardware. It is weaker than its counterpart but provides a decent output for a significantly lower price. On the other hand, dedicated graphics cards are self-reliant and give a massive boost to the graphics capability of your PC.
If you’re not looking to edit videos full time, we recommend you go for either an iGPU or an NVIDIA graphics card with a 2GB VRAM for your laptop to work smoothly. However, if you want to edit larger video files, you will get the best performance from a dedicated GPU.
Display
A good display is necessary for any laptop, and lacking one can tone down the whole work experience of the laptop. Clear, high resolution displays not only allow easy reading of tiny details during audio editing, but they are all the more important if you’re video podcasting.
A laptop with a 1920x1080p resolution display should adequately serve your needs. If you’re also looking to work outside, a laptop with a brightness of at least 250 nits should give you the best experience.
Storage
A good storage drive plays a vital role in making your trading lag-free. Not only does it determine how much data your laptop can hold, it directly affects its performance. We recommend going for an SSD instead of an HDD to ensure faster performance. That is because SSDs store files in flash memory that can be accessed at speeds of more than 500mbps, while HDDs can only access it at 125-150mbps.
The slow speed of HDD can bottleneck your laptop, and you might experience longer load times or lag. Go for a laptop with an SSD of 256GB or higher storage space to meet all your storage needs.
Battery Life
A decent battery life is vital in laptops, especially for people who use them for extended periods. Editing is a very resource-intensive task and uses a lot of battery, which can become a problem since you’ll have to be plugged in all the time.
A good battery life will not only let you work for long hours, it also terminates the need to have your charger nearby everywhere you go. We recommend going for a laptop with a battery life of 5 hours or higher as well as fast charging for the best experience.
Ports
Ports are really important for a podcaster to transfer files from their cameras, phones, etc. Hence, a laptop with a wide variety of ports is always helpful. You need HDMI ports to connect to external screens for high detail projects. Nowadays, thunderbolt ports are also becoming quite popular as they can be used to connect to an external screen to split the workload of your laptop and support a wider range of formats than HDMI ports.
Design
Light and sleek laptops not only look more professional and classy, but they also allow portability. It is an important factor to look for while buying a laptop. Another thing to look out for is the thermal management of the laptop. Since podcasting requires you to work for long hours on your laptop, good thermal management is important to prevent your laptop from overheating.
FAQs
Can you record podcasts on a laptop?
When it comes to recording a podcast, you simply need to plug in a USB microphone and open the audio recording software on your computer. Once your microphone is plugged in, the recording software should accept it as the default input device.
How much RAM do I need for podcast editing?
For amateur podcasters, it is recommended to select a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM. The more RAM your laptop has, the better it will be able to handle multiple audio tracks, editing software, and plugins.
Why do podcasters wear headphones?
The more you can do to make the editing process easier while you are recording, the better. Listening to the audio while you are recording is one of the best ways to hear more than you can hear on your own.
Final Suggestions
For any podcaster, buying a powerful or at least a mid-range laptop can be a game-changer as it makes editing really easy. Plus, you can also use the laptop for other tasks like gaming, editing music, etc.
You can also opt for an i3 processor but avoid Chromebooks at all costs because it has limitations and there are a lot of things you will miss out on because of that.
If you have been using a different laptop for your podcast and want to share your experience with it, don’t forget to drop it in the comments section below.
