Designers rely heavily on laptops to create stunning designs, whether it be graphic design, web design, or animation. As a designer, it’s crucial to have a reliable laptop that can handle the high demands of creative software while also providing a comfortable user experience. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the perfect laptop for your design needs. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 7 best laptops for designers in 2023 based on performance, design, and overall user experience.
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How to Choose the Best Laptops for Designers?
Choosing the best laptop for designers can be a daunting task, especially given the plethora of options available in the market. However, there are certain factors that you can consider when making your decision. Here are some tips to help you choose the best laptop for your design needs:
- The processor is the brain of the laptop, and a powerful processor is essential for handling complex design software. Look for a laptop with a fast processor, such as an Intel Core i7 or i9 or an AMD Ryzen 7 or 9.
- A good graphics card is essential for designers who work with software that demands high-resolution graphics. Look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as an NVIDIA GeForce or an AMD Radeon.
- The display is one of the most important components for designers, as it directly affects the quality of your work. Look for a laptop with a high-resolution display (at least 1920×1080), wide color gamut (at least 72% NTSC), and good viewing angles.
- The more RAM you have, the better your laptop will be at handling large files and complex software. Look for a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM, and if your budget allows, go for 32GB or more.
- Look for a laptop with fast and ample storage options, such as an SSD or NVMe drive, with at least 512GB of storage.
- Designers often work on the go, so long battery life is important. Look for a laptop that can last at least 8-10 hours on a single charge.
- Designers need to be able to take their laptops with them to meetings and work remotely. Look for a laptop that is lightweight, slim, and easy to carry.
- Laptops for designers can be expensive, so it’s important to consider your budget. Look for a laptop that offers the best value for your money and meets your specific needs.
List of 7 Best Laptops for Designers
1. MacBook Pro 16-inch
The MacBook Pro 16-inch is a powerhouse for designers with its 9th-generation 8-core Intel Core i9 processor, 16GB of RAM, and AMD Radeon Pro 5500M graphics card. The 16-inch Retina display offers stunning visuals and color accuracy, making it ideal for designers working on print or digital designs. The laptop also features a comfortable keyboard and touchpad and offers up to 11 hours of battery life.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 16-inch Retina display with True Tone technology |
| Processor | 9th-generation 8-core Intel Core i9 or i7 processor |
| Graphics | AMD Radeon Pro 5000M graphics with GDDR6 memory |
| Memory | 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of 2666MHz DDR4 memory |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB SSD storage |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours of web browsing or video playback |
| Ports | Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Keyboard | Magic Keyboard with scissor mechanism |
| Touch Bar | Touch Bar and Touch ID |
| Operating System | macOS |
| Weight | 4.3 pounds (2.0 kg) |
| Dimensions | 14.09 x 9.68 x 0.64 inches (35.79 x 24.59 x 1.62 cm) |
Pros
- Powerful performance with 8-core Intel Core i9 or i7 processor
- Stunning 16-inch Retina display with True Tone technology
- AMD Radeon Pro 5000M graphics with GDDR6 memory for exceptional graphics performance
- Magic Keyboard with scissor mechanism for comfortable typing
- Touch Bar and Touch ID for easy access to features and secure login
- Up to 11 hours of battery life for all-day use
- Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports for versatile connectivity
Cons
- High price point
- Limited port selection, as it only has four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- No SD card reader or USB-A ports, which may be inconvenient for some users
- Larger and heavier than some other laptops, which may not be ideal for portability
Review & Ratings
The MacBook Pro 16-inch has received positive reviews for its powerful performance, stunning display, and comfortable keyboard. It has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Apple’s website and 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.
2. Dell XPS 15
The Dell XPS 15 is a popular choice among designers for its sleek design and powerful performance. It features a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card. The 15.6-inch 4K UHD display offers exceptional color accuracy and brightness, making it ideal for editing and designing images and videos.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 15.6-inch FHD+ or 4K UHD+ display with InfinityEdge technology |
| Processor | 11th-generation Intel Core i7-11800H or i9-11900H processor |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or 3050 Ti graphics |
| Memory | 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of 3200MHz DDR4 memory |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours and 12 minutes of web browsing |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, USB-C 3.1 port, full-size SD card reader, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Keyboard | Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.3mm travel |
| Touchpad | Precision touchpad with multi-gesture support |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home or Pro |
| Weight | 3.99 pounds (1.81 kg) |
| Dimensions | 13.57 x 9.06 x 0.71 inches (34.47 x 23.06 x 1.8 cm) |
Pros
- High-quality FHD+ or 4K UHD+ display with InfinityEdge technology for a borderless viewing experience
- Powerful 11th-generation Intel Core i7 or i9 processor for efficient multitasking and performance
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 or 3050 Ti graphics for exceptional graphics performance
- Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports and full-size SD card reader for versatile connectivity options
- Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.3mm travel for comfortable typing
- Precision touchpad with multi-gesture support for precise control
- Lightweight and portable design for easy transportation
Cons
- Relatively short battery life compared to other laptops in its class
- The price may be higher than some other laptops with similar specifications
- Some users may prefer a larger display for certain tasks
- The webcam is located at the bottom of the display, which may be inconvenient for video calls
Review & Ratings
The Dell XPS 15 has received positive reviews for its sleek design, powerful performance, and excellent display. It has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Dell’s website and 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.
3. HP Spectre x360
The HP Spectre x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that’s perfect for designers who need a laptop that can double as a tablet. It features an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and Intel Iris Xe graphics. The 14-inch FHD touchscreen display offers excellent color accuracy and clarity, and the laptop also features a comfortable keyboard and touchpad.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 13.3-inch or 15.6-inch FHD or 4K UHD display with touchscreen and 360-degree hinge |
| Processor | 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics or NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics |
| Memory | 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB of DDR4 memory |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours and 15 minutes of web browsing |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, USB 3.2 Type-A port, microSD card reader, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Keyboard | Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.5mm travel |
| Touchpad | Precision touchpad with multi-gesture support |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home or Pro |
| Weight | 2.87 pounds (1.3 kg) for the 13.3-inch model, 4.02 pounds (1.82 kg) for the 15.6-inch model |
| Dimensions | 13.3-inch model: 11.75 x 8.67 x 0.67 inches (29.84 x 22.02 x 1.7 cm); 15.6-inch model: 14.17 x 8.91 x 0.79 inches (35.99 x 22.63 x 2.01 cm) |
Pros
- High-quality FHD or 4K UHD touchscreen display with a 360-degree hinge for versatile use
- Powerful 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor for efficient multitasking and performance
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics or NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics for exceptional graphics performance
- Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, USB 3.2 Type-A port, and microSD card reader for versatile connectivity options
- Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.5mm travel for comfortable typing
- Precision touchpad with multi-gesture support for precise control
- Lightweight and portable design for easy transportation
Cons
- Relatively short battery life compared to other laptops in its class
- The price may be higher than some other laptops with similar specifications
- Some users may prefer a larger display for certain tasks
- The speakers may not be as loud or high-quality as some other laptops
Review & Ratings
The HP Spectre x360 has received positive reviews for its versatile 2-in-1 design, long battery life, and comfortable keyboard. It has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 on HP’s website and 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.
4. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is a unique laptop that features a secondary 14-inch 4K touchscreen display above the keyboard. This makes it ideal for designers who need more screen real estate to work on multiple projects simultaneously. It also features a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics, making it a powerful machine for creative work.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 15.6-inch 4K UHD OLED display and 14-inch 4K UHD ScreenPad Plus display |
| Processor | 10th-generation Intel Core i9 processor |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics |
| Memory | 32GB of DDR4 memory |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours of web browsing |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A port, one HDMI 2.0 port, one audio combo jack |
| Keyboard | Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.4mm key travel |
| Touchpad | Precision touchpad with NumberPad 2.0 |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
| Weight | 5.51 pounds (2.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 14.13 x 9.68 x 0.94 inches (35.9 x 24.6 x 2.4 cm) |
Pros
- Innovative ScreenPad Plus display for increased productivity and workflow
- High-quality 4K UHD OLED display for vibrant and accurate colors
- Powerful 10th-generation Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics for exceptional performance
- Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and other connectivity options for versatile connectivity
- Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.4mm key travel for comfortable typing
- Precision touchpad with NumberPad 2.0 for precise control and additional number pad
- Large 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD for fast and ample storage
Cons
- Short battery life compared to other laptops in its class
- The weight and size of the laptop may be too large for some users
- The price may be higher than some other laptops with similar specifications
- The placement of the ScreenPad Plus display may not be comfortable for some users during extended use
Review & Ratings
The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo has received positive reviews for its innovative dual-screen design, powerful performance, and excellent display. It has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Asus’s website and 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon.
5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme is a powerful and durable laptop that’s perfect for designers who need a laptop that can handle heavy use. It features a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics. The 15.6-inch FHD display offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, and the laptop also features a comfortable keyboard and touchpad.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 15.6-inch 4K UHD IPS display |
| Processor | 10th-generation Intel Core i9 processor |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics |
| Memory | 32GB of DDR4 memory |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 9.5 hours of web browsing |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.0 port, Ethernet extension connector, audio combo jack |
| Keyboard | Spill-resistant backlit keyboard with 1.8mm key travel |
| Touchpad | Precision touchpad |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
| Weight | 3.76 pounds (1.71 kg) |
| Dimensions | 14.2 x 9.7 x 0.72 inches (36.1 x 24.6 x 1.8 cm) |
Pros
- High-quality 4K UHD IPS display for accurate and vibrant colors
- Powerful 10th-generation Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics for exceptional performance
- Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and other connectivity options for versatile connectivity
- Spill-resistant backlit keyboard with 1.8mm key travel for comfortable and efficient typing
- Precision touchpad for precise control
- Lightweight and compact design for easy portability
- Ample 1TB PCIe SSD for fast and spacious storage
Cons
- The battery life may not be as long as other laptops in its class
- The placement of some ports, such as the Ethernet extension connector, may be inconvenient for some users
- The price may be higher than some other laptops with similar specifications
- The design may not be as visually appealing to some users
Review & Ratings
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme has received positive reviews for its durable design, powerful performance, and comfortable keyboard. It has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Lenovo’s website and 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon.
6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is a sleek and stylish laptop that’s perfect for designers who need a laptop that can handle creative work on the go. It features an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and Intel Iris Xe graphics. The 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen display offers excellent color accuracy and clarity, and the laptop also features a comfortable keyboard and touchpad.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen display |
| Processor | 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 processor |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe graphics or AMD Radeon Graphics |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x memory |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 19 hours of video playback |
| Ports | USB-C port, USB-A port, Surface Connect port, headphone jack |
| Keyboard | Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.3mm key travel |
| Touchpad | Precision trackpad with multi-touch gesture support |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro |
| Weight | 2.79 pounds (1.27 kg) for the 13.5-inch model and 3.4 pounds (1.54 kg) for the 15-inch model |
| Dimensions | 12.1 x 8.8 x 0.57 inches (30.7 x 22.3 x 1.45 cm) for the 13.5-inch model and 13.4 x 9.6 x 0.57 inches (34 x 24.5 x 1.45 cm) for the 15-inch model |
Pros
- High-quality PixelSense touchscreen display for accurate and vivid colors
- Choice of powerful Intel or AMD processors and graphics for exceptional performance
- Long battery life of up to 19 hours for all-day use
- Lightweight and portable design for easy portability
- Versatile connectivity with USB-C, USB-A, and Surface Connect ports
- Full-size backlit keyboard with 1.3mm key travel for comfortable typing
- Precision trackpad with multi-touch gesture support for precise control
Cons
- Limited upgrade options, with non-expandable memory and storage
- The lack of a Thunderbolt 3 port may be a downside for some users
- The price may be higher than some other laptops with similar specifications
- Some users may not prefer the proprietary charging port
Review & Ratings
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 has received positive reviews for its sleek design, long battery life, and comfortable keyboard. It has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 on Microsoft’s website and 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon.
7. Acer ConceptD 7
The Acer ConceptD 7 is a powerful laptop that’s designed specifically for creative professionals. It features a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics. The 15.6-inch 4K UHD display offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it ideal for designers working on print or digital designs. The laptop also features a comfortable keyboard and touchpad and offers up to 8 hours of battery life.
Specification
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 15.6-inch 4K UHD IPS display |
| Processor | 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics |
| Memory | 16GB of DDR4 memory |
| Storage | 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 hours of battery life |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.0 port, mini DisplayPort 1.4, SD card reader, audio combo jack |
| Keyboard | Backlit keyboard with 1.6mm key travel |
| Touchpad | Precision touchpad |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Pro |
| Weight | 4.63 pounds (2.1 kg) |
| Dimensions | 14.1 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches (35.8 x 24.7 x 1.8 cm) |
Pros
- High-quality 4K UHD IPS display for accurate and vibrant colors
- Powerful 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics for exceptional performance
- Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports and other connectivity options for versatile connectivity
- Spacious 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD for fast and ample storage
- Backlit keyboard with 1.6mm key travel for comfortable and efficient typing
- Precision touchpad for precise control
- Lightweight and compact design for easy portability
Cons
- The battery life may not be as long as other laptops in its class
- The price may be higher than some other laptops with similar specifications
- The design may not be as visually appealing to some users
- The placement of some ports, such as the HDMI and mini DisplayPort, may be inconvenient for some users
Review & Ratings
The Acer ConceptD 7 has received positive reviews for its exceptional display quality, powerful performance, and innovative cooling system. It has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Acer’s website and 4.1 out of 5 on Amazon.
Conclusion
Finding the best laptop for designers can be a daunting task, but this list should help narrow down the options. The MacBook Pro 16-inch is an excellent choice for designers who prefer the macOS ecosystem, while the Dell XPS 15 offers a sleek design and powerful performance. The HP Spectre x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop, and the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is perfect for designers who need more screen real estate.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme is a durable and powerful option, while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is great for on-the-go design work. Finally, the Acer ConceptD 7 is specifically designed for creative professionals and offers exceptional performance and display quality. Consider your specific needs and budget when choosing the best laptop for your design work, and you will be on your way to creating stunning designs in no time.
FAQ’s
Q: What are the important features to look for in a laptop for designers?
Ans:- Important features to consider include a high-quality display with accurate color reproduction, a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card, plenty of RAM, and ample storage space.
Q:- Which operating system is better for designers, Windows or Mac?
Ans:- Both Windows and Mac operating systems are capable of handling design software, but Mac is often preferred by designers due to its better color accuracy and display quality. However, Windows laptops tend to offer more powerful hardware options at a lower cost.
Q:- What is the best laptop for graphic design?
Ans:- Some of the top laptops for graphic design include the Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 15, HP Spectre x360, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme, and Asus ZenBook Pro Duo.
Q:- Can I use a gaming laptop for graphic design?
Ans:- Yes, gaming laptops can be used for graphic design as they typically come with powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards. However, they may be bulkier and heavier than traditional laptops, and their battery life may be shorter.
Q:- How much RAM do I need for graphic design?
Ans:- At least 16GB of RAM is recommended for graphic design, but 32GB or more is ideal for handling large files and multitasking.
Q:- How important is the display for a laptop used for design work?
Ans:- The display is extremely important for a laptop used for design work, as it should have accurate color reproduction and high resolution for detailed work. A high-quality display can also reduce eye strain and make work more enjoyable.
