Top 5 portable writing systems for getting work done (hands on)

Whether producing long reports for work, writing online, or working on that novel, a good keyboard will go a long way to help get it done. The five devices and keyboards covered here are field tested and make great portable writing systems.

This is my current favorite system for heavy writing. They'll fit in the smallest gear bags, even in the pockets on cargo pants, so it's no effort at all to carry everywhere. The iPad mini 3 has a crisp high-resolution display so it's easy on the eyes for extended writing sessions. The Jorno keyboard is not much bigger than an iPhone when folded up, yet large enough for rapid typing.

The iPad mini 3 starts at $399 and the Jorno is $99

See the Jorno review on ZDNet

The largest iPhone available is plenty big enough to use as a display for writing. Like the slightly larger iPad mini display, it is crisp and easy to view. The ZAGG Pocket Keyboard has nice keys that feel good when writing a lot. Unfold it and it connects to the phone or tablet, instantly ready to write your masterpiece.

The iPhone 6 Plus starts at $199 with contract and the ZAGG Pocket Keyboard is $70.

See the Pocket Keyboard review

The iPad Air 2 in the Slim Book is like a small MacBook, and works like one. Open the lid and start working in seconds. The keys feel much like those on MacBooks, and that's a very good thing. There are no compromises using this duo.

The iPad Air 2 starts at $499 and the ZAGG Slim Book is $100.

Don't miss the Slim Book review on ZDNet

The tablets from Amazon are not expensive, and used with the Logitech Keys-To-Go, they make a great portable writing system. The keyboard is spill and dust proof, making it a good fit to handle anything that happens on the road.

The Kindle Fire HDX is less than $200 and the Logitech Keys-To-Go is $70.

Review of Logitech Keys-To-Go

This Windows hybrid is a real laptop when the tablet part is docked with the keyboard. Those uncomfortable with using non-traditional keyboards should find this laptop format to be better for work.

This hybrid can be found on the web for $250 and is a capable yet inexpensive writing system.

Review of T100 on ZDNet