I am a writer, and I use Microsoft Word. My publisher can open it and edit it with zero problems, and the files are easy to email size wise. It has all the bells and whistles, spell check etc, and since it is everywhere, you really can't go wrong with it. It is available for both PC and Mac, and the docs can be opened and saved on either.
Honestly, I can't even think of any other word processors that can even compete with Word. I suppose you could fiddle with a few of the not so common ones, but you will have issues when it comes to allowing others to open the docs on computers that don't have that particular word processor.
I like all the replies, but they forgot one thing, you. Not all keyboards on laptops are the same. Some will be the absolute PITS, and drive you nuts. Some will be okay, nothing extraordinary about them, then there are the ones with the keyboard you could spend hours typing on. That is the one you want.
So, take my advise and keyboard shop, basically you will find two OS out there in computer buying land, windows and mac, check out both. So, gird your loins, put on those walking shoes and take notes like all good authors do. There are lots of places that sell lots of laptops. Find the stores and play with the keyboards. Keep a list of the brand and model number or name of those you like and love. Don't think that if you like one brand that all their keyboards will be the same. Think of it as research. Take a friend and make a day of it. Good luck I know you will find one that just is the perfect one for you.
Also Word is a very good program, I agree with the group on this.
Then you will need to buy and install Microsoft Office or Microsoft Word or use what ever word software that comes preinstalled like Microsoft Works or download for free a compatible and comparable Office suite like Open office at http://www.openoffice.org/
Answers & Comments
I am a writer, and I use Microsoft Word. My publisher can open it and edit it with zero problems, and the files are easy to email size wise. It has all the bells and whistles, spell check etc, and since it is everywhere, you really can't go wrong with it. It is available for both PC and Mac, and the docs can be opened and saved on either.
Honestly, I can't even think of any other word processors that can even compete with Word. I suppose you could fiddle with a few of the not so common ones, but you will have issues when it comes to allowing others to open the docs on computers that don't have that particular word processor.
I like all the replies, but they forgot one thing, you. Not all keyboards on laptops are the same. Some will be the absolute PITS, and drive you nuts. Some will be okay, nothing extraordinary about them, then there are the ones with the keyboard you could spend hours typing on. That is the one you want.
So, take my advise and keyboard shop, basically you will find two OS out there in computer buying land, windows and mac, check out both. So, gird your loins, put on those walking shoes and take notes like all good authors do. There are lots of places that sell lots of laptops. Find the stores and play with the keyboards. Keep a list of the brand and model number or name of those you like and love. Don't think that if you like one brand that all their keyboards will be the same. Think of it as research. Take a friend and make a day of it. Good luck I know you will find one that just is the perfect one for you.
Also Word is a very good program, I agree with the group on this.
I use and prefer a full featured lap top and use Toshiba Satellite lap tops. Compare features, prices, models, spec's here: http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/home.to
Then you will need to buy and install Microsoft Office or Microsoft Word or use what ever word software that comes preinstalled like Microsoft Works or download for free a compatible and comparable Office suite like Open office at http://www.openoffice.org/
I use both.
Get any laptop... about 350 bucks or more.. not a NETbook.. those are the tiny laptops.
The only program you need is Microsoft Word. That is the best writing program available.
Have fun writing, share your work with the world!
WORD