The graphics design industry is one of the most demanding and competitive. With so many different factors to consider, it can be difficult to find a laptop that fits your needs. Here are five laptops that will serve you well in the next few years.
The best laptop for graphic design 2021 is a difficult question to answer. There are many different factors that go into deciding what the best laptop would be.
Which computers are the best for graphic design? Choosing one of the finest laptops for graphic design, whether you’re a professional graphic designer, a student, or a novice, may be difficult.
You’ll need to consider a variety of factors in order to do this.
Here are a couple laptops that can satisfy all of your graphic design requirements. To save time, go over it.
To locate and read the purchasing advice with some helpful things to mind when selecting a laptop for graphic design, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Graphics Design Laptops – Cost
MacBook Pro (Apple) 16″ Touch Bar, Intel i9 2.4GHz 9th Gen 8-Core, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, AMD…
$2,504.00
$2,699.00
From $2,504.00, 1 was utilized.
11:08 a.m., September 9, 2021
ConceptD 7 CN715-71-71TE Creator Laptop, Intel i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, RTX Studio, ConceptD 7 CN715-71-71TE Creator Laptop, Intel i7-9750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, RTX Studio, ConceptD 7 CN715-71-
$2,999.00
11:08 a.m., September 9, 2021
15.6-inch Dell XPS 15 7590 Laptop with 4K UHD OLED InfinityEdge, Intel Core i7-9750H, NVIDIA…
$1,999.00
4 brand new items starting at $1,999.00
From $1,999.00 to $3,999.00, 3 were utilized.
11:08 a.m., September 9, 2021
HP – ENVY x360 2-in-1 15.6″ Touch-Screen Laptop – Intel Core i7 – 12GB Memory – 256GB Solid State Drive HP – ENVY x360 2-in-1 15.6″ Touch-Screen Laptop – Intel Core i7 – 12GB Memory – 256GB Solid State Drive
$899.00
$969.99
From $899.00 for 2 used
11:08 a.m., September 9, 2021
13.5-inch Surface Book 2 by Microsoft (Core i7, 8GB RAM, 256GB) (Renewed)
$1,299.00
$1,649.00
3 brand new items starting at $999.00
11:08 a.m., September 9, 2021
On September 9, 2021, at 11:08 a.m., this page was last updated.
Why Should You Use a Laptop Instead of a Desktop for Graphics Design?
In terms of performance, laptops are now on par with, if not better than, desktop computers.
As a consequence, you may work on it all day at your workplace or anywhere you choose and receive the same results as if you were working on a desktop.
It won’t overheat and shut off in the midst of the procedure.
When compared to a desktop, there are many benefits to utilizing a laptop for graphics design work.
This is despite the fact that a laptop costs more than a desktop with comparable specifications.
Its mobility is one of the most important benefits. The design is more adaptable, enabling you to take it with you and work on the move.
Instead of bringing the actual files or a soft copy on a USB drive, you may take the complete system and utilize an unoccupied laptop at your client’s workplace to give a presentation.
You can even take the screen alone to give a presentation anyplace if you select a 2-in-1 laptop, particularly one that is detachable. Showing the design to your customers on your smartphone is simple and painless.
Graphics Design Minimum and Recommended System Requirements
A dual core Intel processor with a base clock speed of 2 GHz or higher is the minimum system requirement for graphics design in a laptop. It must have a minimum of 4 GB of RAM and 100 GB of free hard drive space.
The screen should be at least 13 inches in size and have a resolution of 1280 900 pixels. The graphics card should be an Intel or AMD integrated version. It should have at least 64 MB of video RAM and support OpenGL 2.0 for dedicated graphics.
The specifications and settings of a laptop for graphics design will differ depending on the kind of work you do.
Because you never know what kind of work you’ll have tomorrow, it’s best to choose a laptop with more than the bare minimal system requirements. This will ensure that your laptop is future-proof.
8th generation Intel Quad Core i7 or above processor| 8 GB RAM | 256 GB SSD storage | Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 or AMD Radeon Pro graphics card| 13.5-inch screen | 1920 x 1080 pixels screen resolution | 6-hour battery life
9th generation Intel Core i7 or i9 CPU | 12 GB of RAM or more | 512 GB SSD or greater storage | dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX or RTX graphics card | 15.6-inch or larger screen | 1920 x 1080 pixels or higher screen resolution
2021’s Top 5 Graphics Design Laptops:
1. Apple MacBook Pro – Overall Winner
Sale
Apple MacBook Pro
Bottom Line: The laptop’s Intel Core i9 CPU processes data quickly, while the AMD Radeon Pro graphics handle visual performance well. When utilized for graphics design, the operating system, combined with the mix of RAM and storage, provides the greatest overall performance.
Characteristics
- 16-inch display
- 512 GB SSD storage
- 16 GB RAM
- Intel Core i9 9th generation processor
- MacOS is the operating system.
- AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU
Pros
- The screen is both big and high-resolution.
- The audio system is excellent.
- Touch ID and a touch bar are included with the laptop.
Cons
- On the keyboard, there is no separate number keypad.
- The quantity and kind of ports on the device are restricted.
- There isn’t any kind of optical drive.
This particular Apple MacBook model seems to have everything better than prior models, which will undoubtedly improve your graphics creation experience.
It has a big 16-inch screen, but that’s not all. Thanks to True Tone technology, this Retina display produces beautiful pictures with greater details.
The pictures have a brightness of 500 nits and are crisper and clearer.
Due to the exact optical alignment of the liquid crystal molecules, the brilliant whites seem stunning and precisely emphasized, while the deep blacks and shadows appear precise.
Furthermore, the P3 broad color gamut aids the screen in delivering vibrant and lifelike pictures.
It has an oxide Thin Film Transistor, or TFT, which charges the pixels 10 times quicker than a traditional amorphous silicon TFT.
When you utilize this system in power conservation or low-frequency modes, it also helps regulate the voltage to keep it constant.
This guarantees a razor-sharp resolution as well as a much longer battery life.
The system’s touch bar, which is incorporated into the system and sits on top of the keyboard, allows for simple navigation and operation.
Touch ID, on the other hand, guarantees that your system is secure against unwanted access.
Your project files and personal data will be secure on the device’s hard disk.
When it comes to storage, you’ll have 512 GB to store a big number of large files and folders.
Furthermore, this superfast SSD will guarantee that you can rapidly retrieve them should you need to resume working on a file from where you left off.
It will also speed up the startup of applications and the operating system, increasing your productivity and the overall performance of the computer.
If you’re searching for a way to pass the time in your spare time, this machine can provide it.
The laptop’s unique and sophisticated six-speaker audio system will enhance your entertainment and multimedia experience, while the high-quality screen will show beautiful pictures.
Thanks to its force-cancelling woofers, the sound generated will be cloudy and clear, with powerful bass that will fill the space.
The system’s keyboard has also been upgraded to provide a much better typing experience.
This new Magic keyboard has wide, well-spaced keys that enable even people with larger fingers to type easily.
The keys are sturdy, with excellent tactile feedback and travel distance.
However, since it does not have a separate 10-key numeric keypad, you may experience some difficulty punching digits quickly. Check out our review of the Apple Macbook Pro.
2. ConceptD 7 by Acer – Second Place
Acer ConceptD 7
Bottom Line: The Intel Core i7 CPU in this runner-up machine is powerful enough to handle all of the processing requirements for graphics design. The RTX graphics card, SSD storage, Thunderbolt 3 connector, cooling system, and 4K UHD screen all help it perform even better.
Characteristics
- 15.6-inch display
- 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD storage
- DDR4 SDRAM (16 GB)
- 9th generation Intel Core i7 9750H processor
- Windows 10 Professional (OS)
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 GPU
Pros
- Backlights are included with the keyboard.
- The cooling system works well.
- This model comes with a Thunderbolt 3 port that may be used for a variety of purposes.
Cons
- There is no separate 10-key numeric keypad on the keyboard.
- It comes at a high price.
- There is no optical drive in the system.
The ConceptD 7 gives designers everything they need. It has high-end specifications, including a 9th generation Intel Core i7 CPU.
It features 6 cores with a base frequency of 2.6 GHz and a Turbo Boost clock of 4.5 GHz.
A 4K Ultra HD display with a narrow bezel all around is shown on the big screen. The pictures on this widescreen LED-backlit IPS panel appear nice and crisp at 3840 x 2160 pixels.
This screen is distinguished by its PANTONE certification, 400-nit brightness, 16:9 aspect ratio, 100 percent Adobe RGB color gamut, Delta E2, and Acer Color Blast technology.
The specialized Nvidia GeForce RTX video card, with its 6 GB GDDR6 VRAM, provides the greatest graphics performance.
The machine also has 16 GB of dual-channel DDR4 RAM with a bandwidth of 2666 MHz.
It features a PCIe NVMe SSD that provides quick and large storage of 1 TB.
A sturdy and comfortable backlit keyboard, a strong HD webcam with support for Super High Dynamic Range, and the familiar Windows 10 Professional operating system round out the package.
Working on it all day is possible because to the strong lithium-ion battery with an 8-hour life.
The Killer Double Shot Pro wireless-AC 1550 wi-fi networking allows you to transfer files and browse the internet.
At 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, it offers dual band MU-MIMO technology. Also helpful are the Killer Ethernet E3000 Gigabit LAN with 2.5 Gbps and Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility.
A Thunderbolt 3 port, three USB 3.0 Gen 1 connections, one HDMI 2.0 connector with HDCP compatibility, and one Mini Display port 1.4 are also included. These ports provide a wide range of connections.
Acer Purified Voice technology is integrated into the two built-in stereo speakers and microphones, resulting in a fantastic audio experience.
Other innovations, like as Waves MaxxAudio and Acer True Harmony technology, improve the sound quality even further. Check out our review of the Acer ConceptD 7 laptop.
3. XPS 7590 (Dell) – Excellent Display
Dell XPS 7590
Bottom Line: This graphics design laptop has a solid set of specifications and, most significantly, a high-resolution display. It’s very huge, and the thin bezel makes it seem much bigger. Color accuracy, resolution, anti-reflective properties, 100 percent DCI P3, and 400 nits of brightness are all advantages of the OLED screen.
Characteristics
- 15.6-inch display
- M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive (256 GB)
- DDR4 SDRAM (16 GB)
- 9th generation Intel Core i7 9750H processor
- Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card
Pros
- A Thunderbolt 3 port is included with the system.
- An SD card reader is available.
- Backlighting is available on the keyboard.
Cons
- There is no optical drive included in this package.
- A separate numeric keypad is not included with the keyboard.
- The system is very large, weighing in at over 5.5 pounds.
Apart from the tiniest HD camera built into the screen’s top bezel, this laptop has a number of other helpful and unique features.
The keyboard is sturdy and big enough, but it lacks a dedicated number keypad. Large keys are included with this illuminated keyboard.
A better typing experience is ensured by a reasonable quantity of key travel distance and tactility.
The Precision touchpad, which is situated in the middle, is just below it. It’s a good size and responds well to numerous touches and motions.
The 6-cell 97-watt-hour battery included in this system will provide you with all-day power.
The good news is that there is an external battery indicator that will tell you when the system needs to be plugged into a power source.
This laptop has a nice display that is big and has thin bezels to provide a wider viewing area.
This non-touch OLED panel has a 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels and shows pictures with the highest color accuracy and clarity.
It also has anti-reflective characteristics and is 100 percent DCI P3 for pictures with a brightness of 400 nits.
The laptop’s processing power is provided by an Intel Core i7 CPU from the 9th generation.
It has six strong cores and a large cache of 12 MB. Using Intel Turbo Boost technology, it can process data at a high speed of 4.5 GHz.
Graphic design and other sophisticated tasks will not be hampered by the lack of RAM. DDR4 RAM has a high bandwidth of 2666 MHz, allowing for quicker and more fluid multitasking.
The SSD’s speedier PCIe version not only speeds up the startup of the system and applications, but also offers enough storage capacity for your data.
Its excellent speed and responsiveness will enable you to rapidly access your data and operate your applications.
The dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card is also capable of delivering smooth picture streams to the screen.
Its unique 4 GB GDDR5 dedicated memory guarantees color accuracy and speed of images.
These capabilities of the graphics card are what allows creative applications and software to run faster.
Complex computer activities such as graphic design, video editing, game streaming, and photography benefit from this.
You’ll have a number of choices for connecting this gadget to your external devices and transferring files and data at fast speeds.
An SD card reader, USB 3.0, and, most significantly, Thunderbolt 3 are all included in one system.
On this laptop, you will have no trouble creating the finest design and doing other computer chores.
With its 64-bit architecture, the newest features and capabilities of the Windows 10 Home operating system will be of great assistance to you.
4. HP Envy x360 (HP Envy x360) – A Versatile 2-in-1 Laptop with Touchscreen
Sale
HP Envy x360
Bottom Line: This laptop’s design makes it a popular option among those looking to utilize it for graphic design. This versatile 2-in-1 touchscreen laptop allows you to utilize it in four different modes while remaining comfortable. The 3600 hinge is robust enough to keep it in place in any position.
Characteristics
- 15.6-inch display
- 256 GB SSD storage
- DDR4 SDRAM (12 GB)
- 8th generation Intel Core i7 8550U processor
- Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
- Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU
Pros
- Touch is supported on the screen.
- A fingerprint reader is located immediately under the keyboard controls.
- A separate numeric keypad is included with the keyboard.
Cons
- The graphics processor is built-in.
- This gadget does not have an optical drive.
- The trackpad is not in the middle of the screen.
When you utilize this one-of-a-kind HP model for graphics creation, you won’t be able to ask for much more from a laptop.
You’ll receive an 8th generation Intel Core i7 CPU, which is powerful enough to handle all of your graphics design requirements. It should be able to function at a minimum of 1.8 GHz.
This computer also allows you to multitask effortlessly, thanks to the 12 GB SODIMM DDR4 SDRAM with a 2400 MHz frequency.
Because of the 256 GB Solid State Drive, the OS and applications will start up quickly. It will also provide you enough room to store all of your project files, big and little.
Because of its long battery life, you may work on this tablet all day using the 64-bit Windows 10 Home operating system.
There are many ports and slots to connect all of your external devices. The system also comes with excellent 802.11b/g internet capability.
You may also depend on the good display for visuals, which is big enough and displays pictures in full HD quality.
A sturdy 360-degree hinge keeps this IPS LED display in place.
Thanks to the machine’s flawless performance, you may write, view movies, or draw in four distinct configurations in complete comfort. Check out our review of the HP Envy x360.
5. The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is a good value for money laptop.
Sale
Microsoft Surface Book 2
Bottom Line: This laptop will always offer reasonable performance, whether it is utilized for graphics design or any other computer task. The touchscreen on this small and compact gadget is removable. The extended battery life, CPU, and GPU contribute to the device’s usefulness and value for money.
Characteristics
- 13.5-inch display
- 256 GB of storage
- 8 GB RAM
- Intel Quad Core i7 8th Generation Processor
- Windows 10 Professional (OS)
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 GPU
Pros
- This system has an excellent battery life.
- The display is clear, removable, and touch-enabled.
- The system is lightweight and easy to transport.
Cons
- The keyboard does not include a numeric keypad.
- It’s not simple to remove the screen.
- The system does not have an optical drive.
This Microsoft Surface Book is also a capable graphics design computer. It is equipped with an Intel Core i7 CPU from the 8th generation.
Data will be processed at a high speed of up to 4.2 GHz by the four cores. It is, in reality, one of Microsoft’s most powerful laptops.
All of your multitasking requirements will be met, and all of the essential applications and software will be loaded quickly, thanks to the 256 GB storage and 8 GB of RAM.
You can depend on the system’s strong battery, which enables for up to 17 hours of movie playing.
The dedicated video card will provide you with quicker and better graphics performance. It features 2 GB of GDDR5 memory, which allows it to recreate pictures quickly and accurately.
The most appealing feature is the vivid PixelSense display. Both in terms of size and performance, it’s very good.
Without the keyboard, you may remove the touchscreen and utilize it as needed.
The keyboard, on the other hand, is excellent to text on, despite the lack of a separate numeric keypad. Check out our review of the Microsoft Surface Book 2.
How Do You Select the Best Laptops for Graphic Design?
Searching for a laptop to utilize for graphic design may be difficult. This is because selecting a laptop for general usage, basic computing, or gaming is quite different.
It will be more challenging if you are unfamiliar with the specifications to search for. Here are a few key features to look for in a graphics design laptop.
Windows vs. Mac
To start narrowing down your options, decide whether you want to utilize a MacBook or a Windows laptop.
The majority of graphic design software, like others, is intended to run on both Microsoft Windows and Apple’s iOS platforms.
You must, however, ensure that your files and laptop are both compatible with the operating system and the applications you want to use.
The MacBook’s advantage is that its display seems to be more color correct and of higher quality.
This is because Macs have long dominated the field of graphic design, and there are just a few specialist graphic design apps developed specifically for iOS.
A Windows laptop, on the other hand, has the benefit of being able to run other general applications, making it suitable for personal or corporate use.
Additionally, these devices have additional connections and upgradeability possibilities.
It’s all up to you.
CPU
In terms of visual design, you’ll need a CPU that’s both quick and powerful. This will make it easier for you to operate graphics design software that is more complicated.
In theory, you’ll be better off with a quad-core CPU from a higher series and generation. An i5 CPU will do, but an i7 processor from the 7th generation or above will be preferable since it will be quicker while also future-proofing your system.
Card for graphics
Because it’s all about visuals, your laptop’s graphics card is one of the most essential features to consider.
It may be a processor-integrated graphics chip or a separate graphics card, but a dedicated GPU is preferable.
However, this does not rule out the possibility of using the inbuilt GPUs.
Modern integrated graphics cards, on the other hand, are much more than basic, and are specifically intended to perform much more than show web pages and spreadsheets.
As a result, if you don’t need a lot of 3D designs, an integrated chip is a good option. It will be sufficient to run the majority of graphic design applications. It will also save you a significant amount of money.
On the other hand, if you’re not on a tight budget and need to work with a lot of sophisticated programs and designs with a lot of textures, a dedicated graphics card is a must.
A laptop with a mid-range GPU, such as the GTX 1070, is an option. If you have the funds, an Nvidia Quadro graphic card is recommended for professional and sophisticated visual creation.
Memory
If you often work with several browser tabs and applications open at the same time, you will need sufficient RAM.
You’ll need additional RAM even if you’re working with extremely big files.
Remember that the more RAM you have, the easier it will be to move between applications, tabs, and browse through many complicated files.
A graphics design computer should have at least 8 GB of RAM.
However, since RAM is inexpensive, you should opt for as much memory as possible on your laptop to be on the safe side.
Having said that, it’s also essential to remember that you shouldn’t overcrowd your laptop with RAM.
Typically, 16 GB is the minimum you should strive for, with 32 GB or more being excessive.
a storage device
A conventional Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and a Solid-State Drive (SSD) are two types of storage devices.
In compared to an SSD, HDDs are considerably less expensive and have a lot larger capacity.
However, there are certain drawbacks to it that you should consider before selecting one for your graphics design laptop.
The HDDs are heavier, therefore your laptop will be heavier as well. If mobility is important to you, a hard disk drive is a no-no.
In comparison to an SSD, it will also function at a slower pace.
Apart from that, owing to the existence of spinning discs within, these HDDs are prone to damage and failures, as well as generating a lot of heat during operation.
Because speed is important, select a laptop with at least 256 GB of SSD for graphics design.
Size and kind of display
Because graphic design is primarily about images, the display on your laptop will play a crucial role.
When it comes to selecting the appropriate display, there are a number of things to consider.
The size will be crucial since it will decide two distinct things. One is the viewing area, and the other is the device’s portability.
A 13-inch monitor is usually too tiny for your work to view pictures properly and in depth.
Instead, choose a laptop with at least a 15-inch screen; a 17-inch screen will be preferable, but it will be heavier and more difficult to transport.
The display’s resolution is also crucial. In most cases, a full HD monitor is the best option.
The pictures shown have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which will aid in more effective design.
You may also choose with Apple’s Retina display or HiDPI screen, which is the Retina HD display.
These displays typically have a considerably greater pixel density, allowing you to see more detail in the pictures.
If you want to get a 2-in-1 device that can be used as a conventional laptop, a standalone tablet, and various modes in between, you’ll be better off getting a screen that enables touch, which comes at an additional expense.
However, ensure that the screen is of high quality and that there are no bothersome fingerprint issues.
If you’ll be using your laptop a lot on the move, look for a display that has anti-glare capabilities. The sun’s reflections and glares will be eliminated.
Also, instead of a TN or VA display, go for an IPS panel. This will provide you a broader viewing angle, sometimes up to 178 degrees, making it simpler to share your screen with others when presenting.
It will also have a greater color gamut and brightness.
When it comes to display brightness and color gamut, they should both be at least 300 nits and 100% Adobe RGB, respectively.
Both of these are critical features of the display. If color isn’t your main issue, a monitor with 100 percent sRGB will suffice.
A display’s color accuracy is usually evaluated in Delta-E, with a lower value indicating more color accuracy.
A color-accurate monitor can assist you in determining how your final work will appear on a TV, smartphone screen, or print.
If possible, use a display with a Delta-E value of less than 5. This Delta-E must, however, be compared to the color gamut.
It will have a lower and better Delta-E score if it is smaller. This is due to the fact that the display will have a considerably less color range to work with.
Life of the battery
You never know when inspiration or ideas may hit, and as a graphic designer, you’ll want to change things up a little when they do.
It will be inconvenient if you have to search for a power outlet first before working on your ideas, particularly if you are not at your job.
To address this issue, you’ll need a long-lasting laptop in addition to a lightweight laptop.
If you can afford it, choose a laptop with a battery life of more than 12 hours on a single charge and continuous usage, but if you can’t, make it a point not to settle for anything less than 8 hours.
At the very least, you’ll be able to work on it all day.
FAQs:
Is it possible to create graphics on a gaming laptop?
Because graphic creation requires a laptop with high specifications, a gaming laptop is preferable.
Is RAM a critical consideration when purchasing a laptop for graphics design?
Yes, since the CPU does the majority of the work in visual design. It will slow down if you run several applications at the same time. It’s possible that your laptop may freeze and shut off.
What graphics design accessories should I consider utilizing with my laptop?
Consider adding and utilizing a monitor calibrator for color accuracy, external hard drives for extra storage, Wacom tools for digital drawing forms, printers, and a wireless keyboard and mouse to improve your productivity.
Is there any hardware or software that I need to operate graphics design software on my laptop?
On paper, most graphic design software requires a Core i7 or Ryzen 7 processor, 8 to 16 GB of memory, a dedicated GPU with at least 8 GB of VRAM, and 256 GB of SSD storage.
The budget graphic design laptop 2020 is a best-selling laptop that has been around for a while. It’s also the most popular graphics design laptop on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What laptop should I buy for graphic design?
In general, a laptop that is powerful enough to handle graphic design software will be of a higher quality than the average laptop. This depends on what type of graphics design you are doing and how often you do it. If you are not sure of your work load, I would recommend going with a more expensive computer so that there is less risk of purchasing something too underpowered for your needs.
Is the Acer Aspire 5 Good for graphic design?
Which computer is best for graphic design?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on what you are using the computer for. For example, if you are using your computer to play games, then an AMD processor would be better than an Intel processor. However, if you are using your computer for graphic design work, then an Intel processor would be better than an AMD processor.
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