If you’re looking to buy the best laptop for court reporters so that you can provide an accurate record of a court or deposition proceeding, this guide will point you in the right direction.
We’ve recommended laptops with good battery life and the best keyboards. These laptops are portable, ship with decent amount of RAM, and are outfitted with USB ports.
Without further ado, here are the best laptops for anyone whose job entails capturing the words spoken by everyone during a court proceeding.
Best Laptops for Court Reporters at a Glance
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Dell XPS 15 (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Apple MacBook Pro (M2, 2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Acer Swift 5 (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Dell XPS 13 (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Pro, 2023) | Check Price on Amazon |
1. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) (Editors’ Choice)
Our Editors’ Choice for the best laptop for court reporters is the Apple MacBook Air with M2 chip. If you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the MacBook Pro is your best bet. The new MacBook Air M2 is Apple’s latest and greatest laptop, offering top-notch performance and an attractive redesign that boasts several practical benefits.
Unlike its predecessor, the M2 Air features a more uniform chassis that is thinner than ever before, measuring just 11.3 millimeters thick at the edges and weighing only 2.7 pounds. This makes it incredibly easy to carry around, with the laptop barely noticeable in a backpack.
In addition, the M2 Air features a larger 13.6-inch display with a thin, seamless bezel that provides plenty of color and detail. The Magic Keyboard is also back, complete with full-sized function keys, and the revamped MagSafe charger makes it easy to attach and detach the charging cable with a quick magnetic snap.
The M2 Air is also equipped with a powerful new Apple M2 processor, making it one of the fastest laptops on the market. It can easily handle heavy multitasking workloads and even light gaming, though more intensive games may cause the laptop to heat up. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge for day-to-day use.
The biggest downside to the M2 Air is its price, however, if you’re willing to pay for a larger display, better webcam, sleeker design, and useful MagSafe charger, the M2 Air is the best laptop money can buy. If you’re on a budget, the M1 Air remains a great option.
You’ll be hard-pressed to be disappointed with the the Apple MacBook Air with M2’s performance. The Apple MacBook Air with M2 chip is highly recommended.
PROS
- Enhanced processing speed
- Ample storage
- Better display
- Fast M2 performance
- Impressive battery life
CONS
- Display has a notch
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Key Specifications
Display: 13.6 inches; 2560×1664
CPU: Apple M2 Chip
GPU: 8-core or 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24GB
Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Weight: 7 pounds
2. Dell XPS 15 (2022)
The Dell XPS 15 (2022) is a 15-inch laptop that strikes the perfect balance between portability and screen size, making it an excellent choice for people who find 13-inch laptops too small and 16 or 17-inch laptops too cumbersome. The laptop retains the classic XPS look, complete with brushed aluminum, carbon fiber palm rests, and a slim design. The laptop is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around, making it an excellent option for people who travel frequently.
Under the hood, the Dell XPS 15 (2022) is powered by Intel Alder Lake processors and faster RAM, making it an excellent performer for everyday tasks. It features an Intel Core i7-12700H CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti Mobile graphics, providing excellent results during everyday use.
Battery life on the Dell XPS 15 is impressive, with the laptop easily lasting a full workday on a single charge.
The Dell XPS 15 (2022) is an attractive and comfortable laptop to use, with a larger screen and keyboard, making it a great option for professionals who spend long hours working on their laptops. Overall, the Dell XPS 15 (2022) is an excellent choice for court reporters looking for a powerful and portable 15-inch laptop.
PROS
- Outstanding performance
- Excellent design
- Good keyboard
- Impressive 3.5K OLED display
CONS
- Webcam could be improved
Dell XPS 15 OLED (2022) Key Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch 3.5K display, 3456 x 2160 pixels
CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i5 – i7
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
RAM: 8GB – 64GB DDR5
Storage: 256GB – 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe
3. Apple MacBook Pro (M2, 2022)
Apple’s MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) is an impressive device that boasts a range of new features and upgrades. As the first device to pack Apple’s brand-new M2 chip, it offers enhanced performance and functionality that sets it apart from its predecessors.
One of the most significant upgrades to the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) is the M2 chip itself. It features an 8-core CPU with four efficiency and performance cores, making it more powerful than the standard M1 chip. The M2 chip also has a 10-core GPU design, two more than the Apple M1 GPU that powers the 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch, and more than the MacBook Air with M2 chip. This allows for faster and smoother graphics performance, making the device ideal for tasks such as video editing, gaming, and graphic design.
The MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) also features a 16-core neural engine that is faster than the neural engine in the Apple M1, allowing for improved machine learning and AI performance.
In terms of design, the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) features a sleek and modern look that is both stylish and functional. The device has a 13.3-inch Retina display providing vivid and accurate colors and brightness in any lighting condition.
Other notable features of the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) include a Touch Bar that provides quick and easy access to frequently used functions and applications, as well as a Touch ID sensor that allows for secure and convenient authentication. The device also has 2 Thunderbolt ports that support fast data transfer speeds and external displays, as well as Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast and reliable connectivity.
The MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022) is an impressive device that offers a range of new features and upgrades. With its powerful M2 chip, sleek design, and advanced functionality, it is an excellent choice for court reporters in need of a high-performance laptop for work.
PROS
- Very fast performance
- Ample storage
- Sharp display
- Impressive battery life
- Excellent keyboard
CONS
- Retains previous design
Apple MacBook Pro (M2, 2022) Key Specifications
Display: 13.3 inches (2560 x 1600)
CPU: Apple M2 Chip (8-core)
GPU: Integrated 8-core M2 GPU | Integrated 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24GB
Storage: 256GB – 2TB
4. Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360
The Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 is a powerful 2-in-1 laptop that has been receiving positive reviews since its release. The device boasts Intel’s latest 12th Gen P-series processors, which are built for strong performance in thin and light laptops, making it a solid performer as a daily work machine.
The Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 is an ultra-thin laptop that does not skimp on performance. It’s a solid update to last year’s iteration and one of the best 2-in-1 laptops on the market right now.
One of the main draws is a new 12th Gen P-series processor, not forgetting the Super AMOLED display. The device has a slim form factor and long battery life, making it an ideal device for users who are constantly on the go.
The device delivers strong performance and battery life (up to 21 hours on a single charge) within a slim 2-in-1 package that’s especially ideal for those with other Galaxy devices.
Finally, the Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 comes with Wi-Fi 6E, which lets users access the next generation of ultra-fast data speeds. We recommend the Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 as one of the best laptops for court reporters.
PROS
- Speedy performance
- Gorgeous AMOLED display
- Ample storage
- Brilliant display
- Very portable
- Excellent keyboard and touchpad
CONS
- No QHD variant
Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 Key Specifications
Display: 15.6-inch 1080p Super AMOLED
CPU: Intel Core i7
GPU: Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSD
Size: 13.97 x 8.98 x 0.47 inches
Weight: 3.11 pounds
5. Acer Swift 5 (2022)
The Acer Swift 5 (2022) is a reliable laptop that is suitable for handling a wide range of everyday computing tasks. Its efficiency, quick startup time, and excellent performance make it an ideal choice for school or work, even when handling processor-heavy tasks without slowing down.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Acer Swift 5 also boasts an attractive design, with one of its standout features being the Gorilla Glass antimicrobial touchscreen. While this is a premium feature for a mid-range laptop, it is definitely worth the price increase as the screen is highly responsive, resists fingerprints and dust well, and feels like a natural extension of the laptop rather than just a tablet with a keyboard.
Battery life is also impressive, with over 11 hours of usage even with intensive programs running, and even longer when running normal tasks. The Thunderbolt 4 charging port refills the battery in just half an hour, providing a quick recharge option.
Furthermore, the Acer Swift 5 supports Wi-Fi 6E, enabling faster wireless internet connection speeds when available. Its lightweight design is also a plus, making it comparable to a smaller Chromebook, and possibly the best student laptop of the year.
The Swift 5 is not just stylish, but also has substance, with a slim but satisfying keyboard, a smooth trackpad, and an ultra-thin bezel. The Intel Alder Lake processor is incredibly fast and remains responsive whether plugged in or running on battery, making it one of the best mid-range laptops in terms of performance. However, it is important to note that the latest technology comes at a slightly higher cost than what one might expect.
It is a strong buy and one of the best laptops for court reporters.
PROS
- Impressive design
- Fast SSD
- Excellent display
- Very fast processor
CONS
- Average speakers
Acer Swift 5 (2022) Key Specifications
Display: 14-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) Touch
CPU: Intel Core i7-1260P
GPU: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
Size: 12.2 x 8.4 x 0.59 inches
Weight: 2.65 pounds
6. Dell XPS 13 (2022)
The Dell XPS 13 (2022) laptop is a high-end laptop that comes with a 13.4-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. It’s powered by Intel’s 12th Gen Core i7 processors, with up to 32GB of RAM and up to 1TB of NVMe storage. The laptop has a sleek, premium design and is constructed with a mix of aluminum, carbon fiber, and glass.
In fact, the Dell XPS 13 has always been one of the best Windows laptops around, and the 2022 model improves on that reputation. It’s thinner and lighter than before, while still delivering a superb display, keyboard, and decent battery life. It comes in two attractive new colors, Umber and Sky, that add a touch of sophistication to your office or workspace.
The XPS 13’s keyboard remains one of the best on any laptop, and its display is still one of the best around. The battery life is excellent, lasting eight and a half hours.
The webcam and speakers are both dependable, though the latter can muddy sound at higher volumes. However, some features from last year’s model have been removed, and it faces stiff competition from the MacBook Air M2.
All in all, the Dell XPS 13 is an excellent choice for court reporters looking for a superb and super-portable Windows notebook for working from anywhere.
PROS
- Enhanced processing speed
- Cool design
- Good pricing
CONS
- Limited number of ports
Dell XPS 13 (2022) Key Specifications
Display: 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display
CPU: Up to 12th Generation Intel Core i7-1250U
GPU: Up to Intel Iris Xe Graphics
RAM: Up to 32GB LPDDR5 RAM
Storage: Up to 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe
7. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Apple has made the new MacBook Air a lot better than previous models with improved internals, storage, and keyboard. The laptop touts a decent 2560 x 1600-pixel Retina display.
Made of aluminum and powered by macOS Catalina operating system and Apple’s M1 chipset, the 2020 MacBook Air can handle typical day-to-day computing tasks of a court reporter effortlessly.
With the 2020 MacBook Air, you get up 16GB of RAM. The entry-level configuration ships with 8GB of RAM, 256GB storage, Apple’s M1 chip, and an 8-core GPU.
In terms of weight, the MacBook Air is pretty much lightweight. No problems hauling the MacBook Air (11.9 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches, 2.8 pounds) in the backpack going to and from work.
Gold, Silver, and Space Gray are the three beautiful colour versions of the MacBook Air. Your choice comes down to personal preference.
The laptop boasts two USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports on the left and a headphone jack on the right. How about the microSD card reader? Well, there isn’t one really.
We’d be lying if we said you’d be falling off your chair with excitement at the MacBook Air’s battery life. However, its battery life is just OK. In fact its battery life is a notable improvement over previous models. You should get at least 9 hours of productive work out of the laptop when it is not plugged in.
There’s no getting around the fact that the new MacBook Air still remains an excellent laptop given its decent specs.
So, if you’re looking for an affordable MacBook, then buy the Apple MacBook Air. It is one of the best laptops for court reporters.
PROS
- Super fast processors
- Improved keyboard
- Lightweight
- Excellent battery life
CONS
- Limited number of ports
- Webcam could be better
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Key Specifications
Display: 13.3-inch Retina Display, 2560 x 1600 pixels
CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 7-core – 8-core GPU
OS: macOS Catalina
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Storage: 256GB – 2TB PCIe SSD
Size: 11.9 x 8.36 x 0.63 inches (304 x 212.4 x 16.1 mm)
Weight: 1.27kg (2.8 pounds)
Notable Mention
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Pro, 2023) has good specs for court reporting.
8. Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Pro, 2023)
PROS
- Outstanding performance
- Excellent battery life
- Crisp display
CONS
- Pricey
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Pro, 2023) Key Specifications
Display: 14.2 inches
CPU: Apple M2
GPU: Apple M2 GPU
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB
| No. | Item | |
| 1 | Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) (Editors’ Choice) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Dell XPS 15 (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | Apple MacBook Pro (M2, 2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | Samsung Galaxy Book2 Pro 360 | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Acer Swift 5 (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Dell XPS 13 (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 7 | Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 8 | Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Pro, 2023) | Check Price on Amazon |
Bottom Line
The laptops we’ve reviewed are the best laptops for providing an accurate record during a deposition proceeding. These laptops provide the best bang for your buck and are worth owning.
