The Story of How I, an IT Support Engineer, Insisted on '32GB of RAM' for a Writer Friend's Writing PC - An IT Support Struggle Diary -
Hello, I'm Hade-san, an IT support engineer in my late 40s.
The other day, a writer friend of mine came to me with this question.
"Hade-san, I'm thinking of replacing my work PC soon. What should I buy?"
When I asked, it turned out their current PC was so sluggish that even booting it up was a struggle. They say they're slow at writing, but since their PC is slow too, they blame the PC for the delay...
If it's struggling to even boot, that's a terminal condition for a work tool.
Since they relied on me as an IT professional, I couldn't give a half-hearted answer.
I replied immediately.
"For starters, 32GB of RAM is a must. That's an absolute requirement."
The writer looked puzzled.
"Huh? I'm not doing video editing, you know? Do I really need 32GB just for writing text? And what even is RAM??"
...I understand. That's what most people would think.
But my conviction as an IT support engineer remains unshaken.
Today, I'd like to share why I recommend 'high-spec (32GB)' even for writing work, along with the 'serious top 5' list I researched and proposed.
*As of December 2025, I personally think the 'HP OmniBook 7 Aero 13-bg' (item #3) offers the best balance of price, performance, appearance, and weight.
Why do you need 32GB even if you're 'just writing'?
People often think 'writing work = just typing text,' but the actual work is much more complex, isn't it?
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The 'leaving browser tabs open' problem
You have 20, 30 tabs open for research... This alone consumes several gigabytes of memory.
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Multitasking is the norm
While writing, you're communicating on Slack, having meetings on Zoom, creating images in Canva, and cloud syncing is running in the background.
And in these days where AI usage is skyrocketing productivity, it's becoming standard to work collaboratively while conversing with AI.
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To use your 'tools' for a long time
PCs get slightly heavier every year with OS and app updates.
If you buy one that's just barely enough (16GB) now, you'll feel stressed in 2-3 years thinking, 'It's kind of slow...'
To keep your thoughts flowing, your tools need 'headroom (specs)'.
So, with the strict criteria that are hard to find in stores—'under 1.4kg because I carry it occasionally' and 'no-compromise 32GB RAM'—these are the 5 candidates I picked out for my acquaintance.
1. If you want to focus on 'weaving' your prose
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 or 13
The classic choice for a 'writer's PC': the ThinkPad.
The biggest reason I recommend this is the 'keyboard'.
For writers who pen long texts, the sensation at their fingertips is everything. The tactile, responsive typing feel ensures your fingers don't get tired even after hours of work.
They say 'a master craftsman never blames his tools,' but a professional should be extremely particular about their tools (keyboards).
Weight: Approx. 1.09kg
Why I recommend it: Overwhelming ease of typing and a sense of comfort like returning home.
Official website herehttps://www.lenovo.com/jp/ja/p/laptops/thinkpad/thinkpadx1/thinkpad-x1-carbon-gen-13-aura-edition-14-inch-intel/len101t0114
Click here for the Kakaku.com page
2. If you want to write elegantly even on a small cafe table
Dell XPS 13 (9350)
My acquaintance mentioned they 'sometimes write while on business trips,' so I included this as a candidate.
It's 13.4 inches, but the screen bezels are extremely thin, making the overall size surprisingly compact.
Even on a small, crowded round table at Starbucks, you can set this up smartly. The CNC-machined aluminum design satisfies the desire for ownership, and just having it boosts your 'motivation to write'.
Weight: Approx. 1.19kg
Why I recommend it: Fits perfectly in a bag. For those who prioritize design.
Click here for the Kakaku.com page
3. If you go back and forth between 'research' and 'writing'
HP OmniBook 7 Aero 13-bg
This one has a screen aspect ratio of '16:10'. It's a bit taller than a standard PC.
This 'extra bit of vertical space' is incredibly comfortable when you're writing a manuscript while researching on websites, as it allows you to display a lot of information at once.
The camera quality for web meetings is also outstanding, so it's especially recommended for writers who conduct online interviews and then immediately summarize them into articles.
Weight: Approx. 1.0kg
Why I recommend it: The screen displays a lot of information, which helps with drafting outlines.
Official Website
Link to Amazon
Kakaku.com
4. For the 'immersive' writer who wants to take care of their eyes
ASUS Laptop Zenbook 14 OLED UM3406KA
If there's one occupational hazard for writers who stare at screens for long hours, it's 'eye strain'.
This PC features an 'OLED' screen, so the blacks are truly beautiful.
When you set your editor to dark mode (black background), the text stands out clearly, which significantly reduces the burden on your eyes.
It becomes a gentle partner for those who tend to get immersed in writing until late at night.
Weight: Approx. 1.2kg
Why I recommend it: Screen beauty is justice. It makes a difference in eye fatigue.
Official Website
Amazon Product Page
5. For the pragmatic type who values cost-performance but won't compromise on specs
mouse B4-I5U01SR-A
'I want 32GB, but I want to keep the budget down.'
My answer to that request is simple: Japan's Mouse Computer is the only choice.
It may not be flashy, but it is sturdy and reliable.
Since it comes with 32GB pre-installed, there's no hassle with customization. It includes 24/7 phone support, so you can prevent situations like 'missing a deadline due to PC trouble!'
Weight: Approx. 1.4kg
Why I recommend it: Support when you're in trouble. Peace of mind as a tool.
[Bonus] A trick to make your load even lighter
All the PCs introduced here can be charged via 'USB Type-C (PD),' just like a smartphone.
Instead of the heavy original adapter, buy one ultra-compact charger (65W) that uses 'GaN (Gallium Nitride)' from brands like Anker or CIO.
It's about the size of an egg.
Just by putting this in your pouch, your bag will become much lighter.
In conclusion
'I'm just writing text, so a cheap PC is fine.'
I think that is half right and half wrong.
Because it's a tool you touch every day, choosing slightly more luxurious specs will reduce stress and, as a result, should lead to better output (articles).
I hope to share which PC my writer friend chose as a follow-up story later.
I hope this serves as a helpful reference for everyone choosing their own 'partner PC'.
See you later~
*Links within the article are based on information at the time of writing. Prices and stock are subject to change.