High-quality content creation requires the right tools, from radiant reels to brilliant blogs. Substandard hardware slows productivity and hinders the creative process, leading to lackluster outcomes.
But what gadgets does a content creator need to produce top-quality work? It depends on their field of expertise.
In this post, we’ll examine the numerous content creator professions and discuss which hardware suits specific needs. Then, we’ll present HP’s top content creation tools to streamline your creative endeavors.
What is a content creator?
Content creation has become popular in this fast-paced, social media-obsessed age. But what does the gig entail?
While the term conjures images of toned Instagrammers in luxurious locales, these aesthetically blessed “influencers” form a fraction of the content creator profession.
A content creator produces entertaining or educational content in a specific online medium. Common content types include blogs, podcasts, courses, gaming streams, photos, and short or long-form videos.
The title “content creator” often refers to an individual rather than a collective or production company. Content creators may receive remuneration for their efforts. However, many hobbyists create content for passion or online clout.
What hardware do content creators need?
The tech a content creator needs depends on their chosen profession. From laptops to peripherals and cameras, many gadgets can enhance the content creation process.
Instagrammers & influencers
A state-of-the-art camera is the most critical tool for Instagrammers, who must produce top-quality images near-daily. Some use flagship smartphones from big-name producers like Samsung or Apple, while others purchase standalone DSLR cameras to capture crisp pictures.
Video producers
In addition to a high-quality camera, most video content creators invest in a computer with a potent graphics processing unit. While top-end smartphones offer some video editing capabilities, they lack the advanced features of a PC and Windows-based software suite like Adobe Premiere Pro.
Gaming streamers
Crisp audio is the hallmark of a pro streamer, making a high-quality gaming headset a must. Streamers also need stacks of RAM to run streaming and gaming apps simultaneously.
Podcast creators
A state-of-the-art microphone is the most critical podcast-creation tool. Hobbyists and newbies may opt for a regular PC headset with a quality in-built mic. Professional podcasters, however, often prefer a standalone microphone plus a dedicated studio with excellent acoustics.
Writers
Bloggers and scriptwriters don’t need a war chest full of fancy kits - a laptop capable of web browsing and running Microsoft Word will do. Consider keyboard comfort (mechanical keys are ideal) plus portability for penning content on the move.
Graphics designers and illustrators
A high-performance laptop with a true-to-life display is essential for every visual art professional. Look for a PC with a high-resolution screen and excellent color accuracy. Convertible, two-in-one screens are a great way to showcase creations, while Stylus pens mimic the note-taking and drawing experience.
Content creator laptops from HP
HP offers a broad range of laptops for content creators in the UK. Here are some of our best-selling units.
HP ENVY x360 (16-aa0007na): Best HP laptop for video production
The HP ENVY x360 is among the best HP laptops for creatives, and the high-end
(16-aa0007na) model is ideal for animators and video editors.
Backed by a potent NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4050 and 16GB of RAM, this ENVY lets you edit even the most complex workflows with precision and ease. Meanwhile, a state-of-the-art Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H draws on 16 cores and 22 threads to keep things humming along.
Video editors and animators prefer large, high-definition displays to get a clearer picture of their creations. This ENVY x360 delivers the goods with a crisp 16-inch OLED display.
When it comes time to collaborate, flip this convertible into tent or tablet mode to show off your work. An in-built 9MP webcam and advanced features like autoframe and AI noise reduction enhance online conference calls.
· Operating system: Windows 11 Home
· Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
· Memory: 16GB RAM
· Storage: 1TB SSD
· Display: 40.6 cm (16”), 2.8K (2880 x 1800), OLED, touch screen, 120 Hz, 0.2 ms response time
· Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (6GB)
HP ENVY x360 (16-ad0003na): Best HP laptop for writers
Bloggers and other wordsmiths don’t need a potent dedicated GPU, which knocks a sizeable chunk off the sticker price. Coming in at under half the cost of the above option, this
HP ENVY x360 (16-ad0003na) is an excellent, affordable option for every content or copywriter.
The ultra-wide 16:10 WUXGA display gives you extra room to squeeze more content onto the screen, while its sizeable 16-inch frame means you’ll never have to squint. You needn’t worry about productivity-wrecking performance issues, as this beast comes with an AMD Ryzen™ 7 and 16GB of RAM.
· Operating system: Windows 11 Home
· Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS
· Memory: 16GB RAM
· Storage: 1TB SSD
· Display: 40.6 cm (16”), WUXGA (1920 x 1200), touchscreen
· Graphics: AMD Radeon™ Graphics
HP ENVY x360 (16-ac0007na): Best for graphic designers
The cornerstones of a good graphic design laptop are resolution, color accuracy, and a sizeable screen. Sporting a 16-inch, 2.8K display, the
HP ENVY x360 (16-ac0007na) offers all the clarity a budding designer could need. Plus, thanks to its best-in-class color accuracy rating of 100% DCI-P3, the device lets you create true-to-life images for every conceivable medium.
While the vibrant OLED display is the main selling point for visual arts professionals, it’s worth noting this laptop is no slouch. A zippy Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and 16GB RAM will see you power through demanding design apps, from Photoshop to Illustrator. You also get a massive 1TB SSD to store projects of all shapes and sizes.
· Operating system: Windows 11 Home
· Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155U
· Memory: 16GB RAM
· Storage: 1TB SSD
· Display: 40.6 cm (16”), 2.8K (2880 x 1800), OLED, touch screen, 120 Hz, 0.2 ms response time
· Graphics: Intel Graphics
HP peripherals to bolster productivity
Selecting the right laptop or desktop PC is the first step toward content creation success. But by adding a peripheral or two, you can knock up your productivity a notch. Here’s a small selection of sought-after PC accessories among professional content creators.
HP U28: Best monitor for graphic design
A hit among graphic designers and video production pros alike, the
HP U28 is a vibrant 28-inch monitor with superb color accuracy. Content creators can switch seamlessly between sRGB to optimize color reproduction and DCI-P3 for a wider gamut and deeper hues.
The colour-calibrated 4K display offers true-to-life accuracy, and its IPS panel provides a clear view from almost any angle. HP Eye Ease offers an always-on blue light filter that doesn’t affect color accuracy for those extra-long content creation sessions. A discreet USB-C charging port powers the unit while minimizing cord clutter.
· Size: 71.12 cm (28”)
· Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
· On-screen controls: Low blue light mode; Anti-glare
· Response time: 4 ms GtG (with overdrive)
· Ports: HDMI; USB-C; Audio; USB hub; DisplayPort
HP 350: Best keyboard for creators
Custom-designed for content creators and digital nomads on the move, the
HP 350 is a compact, travel-friendly keyboard. Even though its slimline frame slips into a tiny case, the tactile, standard-sized keys make long typing sessions a breeze. Connectivity is equally simple, as you can hook up three devices simultaneously through Bluetooth 5.2.
Customizable shortcuts help bolster productivity, and the 60% post-consumer recycled plastic chassis comes in a brilliant black or white finish.
· Colours: Black or white
· Form: Compact design
· Connectivity: up to three devices through Bluetooth
· Battery life: up to 2 years
· Supported OS: Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Chrome OS, Android, and iOS.
HP 935: Best mouse for content creation
Crafted for creatives, the
HP 935 is a wireless mouse designed to enhance productivity. Seven programmable buttons let you customize commands across various apps, allowing you to switch complex keystroke sequences for a simple single-click solution.
The mouse can connect to three devices of various OS via Bluetooth 5.2. Optimal ergonomics come from its comfortable grip, responsive strategically designed buttons, and a hyper-fast scrolling wheel.
The long-lasting battery survives up to 12 weeks on a single charge. When it finally runs flat, recoup up to three hours of use with a quick one-minute charge - if only our phones and laptops could recharge that fast. Thanks to its innovative track-on-glass sensor, you can use this device on virtually any surface without a mousepad.
Summary
Creativity is the primary driver behind high-quality content creation. But without the right gear in your toolkit, you won’t achieve the productivity you need to pump out top-notch content quickly and consistently.
Whether you’re a writer, video producer, photographer, or designer, it’s worth investing in quality hardware. Revisit some of our recommendations to pinpoint the best HP products for you. With these tools for content creators in your arsenal, you can let your creativity soar.
About the Author
Harry Stewart is a Tech Takes contributor covering everything from how-to guides to laptop reviews.