Ditch the Extra Stuff: Must-Have Gear for Writers Who Mean Business
Writers use the simplest tools to make the greatest impact. I realized that most “must-have” lists recommend unnecessary gadgets for writers. So, I put together my own essential list.
1. A Snappy Computer
A while ago, I wrote this article about the best laptops for writers, and these two came out on top: the M1 MacBook Air or a Chromebook.
In that article, I explained why they’re the best writing devices.
What matters is you need a fast laptop, that has a great keyboard, a great screen, is portable, and has a long battery life.
One of the quick-growing tech YouTubers, Mark Ellis Reviews, started his entire tech-review business writing on the base model M1 MacBook Air. You don’t have to go for the latest, or the shiniest laptop on the market. You’re a writer, not a 3D animator.
2. A Portable Monitor
I did not realize how much I needed another monitor until I got one. The ease of having your writing processor on one screen, and everything else on the other, is an experience every writer needs. I don’t need to switch between tabs to fact-check or reply to a quick WhatsApp message.
I can move my mouse over to the other screen.
I got a portable monitor from AliExpress some two years ago, and I can take it anywhere I want.
If you have a MacBook and an iPad, you can use the iPad as a second monitor — this feature is called Sidecar.
You can get any good-enough monitor from Amazon, check the reviews before you buy. I tell you, it is a game changer.
3. A Great External Keyboard and Mouse
a. Keyboard
This goes without saying, a great keyboard improves your overall writing experience. I don’t know if it is the same for everyone. I enjoy getting the click-clack feedback from hitting the keys.
I had a great keyboard; it was faulty, and it really stressed me.
I got a cheaper one from the same brand that has been serving me well.
It’s not as good as my more expensive faulty one, but it gets the job done.
I will invest in a mechanical keyboard soon.
Some people say it is a lot more satisfying. We’ll see.
(I also want to say that the M1 Air MacBook and most Chromebooks have amazing keyboards.)
If you work at a desk, you’ll need one. In my experience, it is a lot more comfortable to type on an external keyboard than angling your hands and wrists awkwardly to type on the computer’s keyboard itself.
b. Mouse
I have the magic trackpad, and it is one of my favorite devices I own.
In retrospect, I should have gotten a larger ergonomic mouse because of my wrists. The trackpad is great and I don’t regret it.
As a person who uses Canva regularly, I realized that a larger Logitech mouse offers an ergonomic design for longer usage and bigger hands like mine.
(I will get one of those later and use it alongside my magic trackpad.)
4. Notebooks
I can’t imagine a writer who does not have notebooks all around their house.
There are so many notebook choices on the market. Pick a high-quality book that will not allow ink to bleed through.
This YouTube video has some excellent suggestions for notebooks.
You can get a pocket-sized notebook that fits into your back pocket and is a lot more portable than regular-sized notebooks.
They are great for taking down quick notes or ideas and you can put them back into your pocket.
Fountain Pens
The first time I used a fountain pen, I fell in love with my handwriting all over again.
There’s something about taking notes with them. If you use one, you understand what I am talking about. They are more expensive than regular pens, but I think they’re worth it.
5. The ReMARKable 2
After watching a ton of reviews about this device, I can say it is the best digital notebook for anyone who loves to pen things down.
You can digitize your words perfectly, just like you would with a regular pen and notebook. It is a truly remarkable writing device. It is not a must-have, but if you can afford it, please get one.
ReMARKable lets you keep your notes forever and has the option to search through them and organize them well, unlike regular notebooks and pens that will get thrown away when you use them up.
6. Active Noise Canceling Headphones
Prolific writers like Tim Denning, Sean Kernan, and Ali Abdal often mention using noise-canceling headphones to listen to music while they write.
I have a pair of Soundcore Life P3 headphones and they have some of the best noise-canceling experiences I have ever used.
Most times when I work outside my house, I plug in the earphones to block out all the background noise, play my favorite music, and get to work.
7. Portable Reading/Desk Lamp
Why a portable lamp? I don’t always read or take notes at my desk. In fact, I do most of my reading on the bed or sofa.
Sometimes, I read books or write late into the night, with the lights off, and I need soft life beaming on the pages or keyboard. It makes my life as a nocturnal person a lot easier.
Finally
There are some other gadgets writers should have in their arsenal, like a smartphone for reading, writing, and timing (Pomodoro). You can also buy an iPad or tablet if you’d like. They also get the job done.
Before you go
My name is Temi (Tay-me). I am a writing solopreneur or a Writepreneur. This means I make money from writing online.
I run a ghostwriting agency where I write newsletters for busy content creators (hire me here).
I also publish on The Writepreneur where I share my journey as a digital writer.
I curate the best content from other content creators I find online. Take a peek.