Best Machines to Write With

I’ve said elsewhere on this web site that Macs and OS X were the machines and operating system for writers. I’m not the only one who feels that way; a recent article in Macworld and posted on its website discussed why Macs are loved by screenwriters in Hollywood.

The best writing machine out there is the flat panel iMac. The machine is very quiet, and the design of the machine, especially the way it allows you to place the screen directly in front, makes the computer disappear. It leaves you with only your writing; and, in the end, that’s that’s what’s important. I feel like the most intimate writing experience is had with the 15 inch iMac, but the 17 and 20 inchers have their joys as well.

Another configuration that is beautiful to behold and use is a Apple PowerBook hooked up to any of Apple’s ADC LDC monitors, an Apple keyboard, and your favorite mouse. It has the advantage of keeping your work in one place, especially if you travel from home to workplace or workplace to workplace. No file transfers are required; you simply close up the PowerBook, take it to where you want to go, and power it back up again. iBook’s also will work like this, but you’ll have to spend more for adapters that will drive larger external monitors. You can, of course, use monitors with VGA or DVI inputs with no adapters. See the specifications for your machine, or perspective machine, whichever the case may be.

If you’re determined to run Windows, then I have only one word for you if you don’t build your own PC's: Dell. If you’d like a small notebook that has nice performance, look into the Dell Latitude D400. It’s got a sleek design and is very portable. If you’re going the desktop route, pick a Dell not only because they’re good values but because they’re very quiet.