Are you into graphic design? Looking to buy a new laptop? One that’s designed for your lifestyle without sacrificing function? There are plenty of great choices. In this article, we’re going to review and benchmark the best laptops for graphic design in the market today.
So before you splurge on the latest gadget, we hope you’ll check out our list. We’ll include each laptop’s key features—keyboard, display, the browsing speed, etc. Of course, we’ll also include, whenever available, its prices and what makes it unique from the rest of the bunch. So you can make a well-informed decision about your purchase.
In no particular order, here are today’s best laptops for graphic design.
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Apple MacBook Pro
Not everyone is a fan of Windows. Have you been using Apple and iOS since time immemorial and aren’t likely to jump ship to Microsoft? Understandably so since a lot of people aren’t comfortable switching from one platform to another. If that’s the case, you’ll love the MacBook Pro. So if you’re an Apple fan since the beginning, this is the best laptop for graphic design.
To ensure an incredible performance, the MacBook Pro is equipped with a state-of-the-art i7 processor and 16-GB RAM. It also has AMD Radeon Pro Graphics for an awesome high-resolution screen. All these for an amazing viewing and designing experience.
Function-wise, Apple products are known to be very smooth. You rarely hear people complaining about having a bad experience with it. The only downside, however, is its price. With a very established brand name, it’s no surprise how Apple products can be quite expensive.
Features of Apple MacBook Pro
- 15-inch screen, 2800 x 1800 screen resolution
- 2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
- 16 GB DDR3L RAM with 1600MHz memory
- 256 GB Flash Memory Solid State Drive
- Intel Iris Pro Graphics
- The average battery life is 9 hours
Acer Aspire V17 Nitro
Acer is a popular and reliable brand. It has established itself as a reputable maker of excellent laptops for graphic design. Not only that, it’s also a go-to computer for writers, bloggers, SEO specialists, online marketers, etc.
But the fact that this model has a 2-TB hard disk, a 2-GB GPU, and an i7 processor, it’s all the more awesome. It’s super-fast, and you can store as many designs without having to think about disk space issues. This is why the Acer Aspire V17 Nitro is a top pick for many graphic designers.
But did you know the Acer Aspire V17 Nitro isn’t just for graphic design? With a RAM of 16 GB, it’s perfect for other purposes as well. On top of graphic design, you can also use this laptop for gaming. This device also features the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 860M 2GB graphics card.
The Acer Aspire V17 Nitro. Truly a wonderful machine.
Features of Acer Aspire V17 Nitro
- 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700HQ Processor (Up to 3.8GHz)
- 3″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen IPS display
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM
- 16GB DDR4 Memory, 256GB SSD, 1 TB HDD
- Windows 10 Home
Lenovo Z70
Looking to start graphic designing? Perhaps upgrade your laptop to meet the requirements of the job? If you don’t have a big budget but planning to kit out, check out the Lenovo Z70. It’s one of the affordable best laptops for graphic design.
Lenovo is an established name in the laptop game. It’s reliable as it has developed excellent computer technology, which features top-of-the-line speed, graphics, and overall usage. What’s more, its price is comparatively lower than most top mainstream brands.
But what makes the Lenovo Z70 a good pick for graphic designers? To start off, this wonderful laptop has a 17-inch screen with an anti-glare display. What’s anti-glare? This means you can show clients your designs even under bright lights. It’s an excellent choice when it comes to visual advantages.
The Z70 also features a 16-GB RAM (it’s also available with an 8-GB RAM, which is sold at a lower price) with a fifth generation i7 processor. If its 17-inch screen isn’t enough, you can connect it to a bigger screen via HDMI. You can display your graphic designs to your clients on a bigger screen or a projector for clarity.
Features of Lenovo Z70
- 3-inch screen size
- 1920 x 1080 maximum screen resolution
- 4 GHz Intel Core i7 processor
- 8 or 16 GB RAM with 1 TB hard drive
- Average battery life of 4 hours
Asus ROG G752VL
Looking for a sleek, souped-up computer with specs that rivals the best laptops for graphic design today? Check out the Asus ROG G752VL. It has one of the best in terms of screen, storage, speed, and, of course, graphics. It’s very light, which makes it portable. You can easily bring it to your next meeting with your client.
Wondering what’s in store for you with the Asus ROG G752VL? You get top-notch characteristics and specifications, which is rarely shared by most laptops in today’s market. To start off, this device is designed with a sixth generation i7 processor. You can trust your experience with the Asus ROG is an awesome one with its 1 TB hard disk drive and 16 GB RAM. Truly perfect for graphic designers as yourself.
The Asus ROG isn’t only for graphic designing. Did you know it was originally designed as a gaming laptop? If you’re looking for a graphics-intensive computer, this one is an ideal pick. With its NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics, the Asus ROG is an excellent choice for both design and gaming purposes.
There’s also a plus with the Asus ROG. Its armor titanium and plasma copper look gives it a uniquely cool appearance. Isn’t that value for your money?
Features of Asus ROG G752VL
- 17-inch screen size
- 1920 x 1080 maximum screen resolution
- 10-finger multi-touch support
- 6 GHz i7 processor
- 24 GB RAM with 256 GB hybrid hard drive
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M with 2GB graphics memory
Asus Transformer Book T200TA
Don’t you wish for a laptop with touchscreen capability? Wouldn’t that make graphic designing a whole lot easier? It would definitely make the work more convenient, don’t you think? Well, guess what! The Asus Transformer Book T200TA has!
This is why the Asus Transformer Book is considered one of the best laptops for graphic design in the market today. It’s a preferred choice for many graphic designers who opt for a handy solution that will make their workflow fast and easy.
As a brand, Asus is definitely making its way to the top of the list of mainstream laptop brands. Rightfully so because Asus has the specs and characteristics to back it up. Let’s start with its Quad Core 64 bit processor, which also consists of 4 GB RAM and 64 GB SSD storage.
Its display is a 12-inch detachable touchscreen. Which means you can bring it anywhere. It’s portable and very convenient. The screen is also designed accordingly so as to not affect the graphics display in any way regardless of the angle of the screen.
The Asus Transformer Book also takes pride in its battery life that rivals that of Apple’s MacBook Pro. Many graphic designers take delight with the Asus Transformer Book’s battery power, which can let you use the device for up to 10 continuous hours of heavy use. It’s very unlikely that the device will die in the middle of your client meeting.
Touchscreen and long battery life, that’s the Asus Transformer Book.
Features of Asus Transformer Book
- 64-Bit Quad-Core processor with 4 GB RAM and up to 2.39 GHz
- 64 GB solid state storage capacity in tablet
- 2 MP webcam and 5 MP rear camera
- Smart HD bay in the dock for upgradable 2.5-inch hard drive
- Includes keyboard dock with Ethernet port, USB 3.0 port, and USB 2.0 port
Lenovo Flex 4 Convertible Touchscreen Notebook
Looking for a lightweight and portable laptop? Lenovo offers a great option. The Flex 4 can be transformed from a laptop into a tablet.
But how is it different from the Asus Transformer Book, you might ask? The Flex 4 has a bigger display, with its 15-inch touchscreen monitor (the Asus Transformer Book has a screen of 12 inches). But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
The Flex 4 has an 8 GB RAM with 2.5 GHz i7 processor (The Asus Transformer Book is equipped with a 64-Bit Quad Core processor with 4 GB RAM and up to 2.39 GHz). This laptop also has a 1 TB hard drive. And weighing at only about 2 kgs., it’s the perfect device for graphic designers who are always on the go. Why choose a bulky laptop when you can have a highly portable and convenient gadget during your commute to your office or to your next client meeting.
If you’re looking for a computer that delivers the performance you need, choose Flex 4. It’s not just a laptop; you can effortlessly switch it in 4 different ways: laptop, stand, tent, and tablet. It’s a gorgeous piece of technology that will help tackle your to-do list with ease and convenience. Use it for presentations, movies, browsing, and, of course, graphic designing.
With the Flex 4, think about optimum efficiency and value for your money. It’s one of the most affordable best laptops for graphic design in the market today.
Features of Lenovo Flex 4 Convertible Touchscreen Notebook
- Designed with a next-generation 6th generation Intel Core 1 chipsets and Windows 10 Home
- 8 GB RAM with 1 TB hard disk storage capacity and 2.3 GHz processor speed
- 14-inch display with LED-lit technology
- Stunning HD 1920 x 1080 maximum screen resolution
- Weighs 3.8 lbs.
- Easily switches from touchscreen to keyboard or touchpad
MSI Computer GE72 Apache Pro 029
MSI may not yet be as well-established as brands such as Apple, Lenovo, Asus, or Acer. But it’s definitely an upcoming name with a lot of potential. With the release of previous models, MSI seemed like an excellent choice for writers, bloggers, social media specialists, and online marketers. However, it isn’t a surprise if it had something special in store for graphic designers as well.
Introducing the MSI Computer GE72 Apache Pro 029.
If you’re looking for a good laptop for graphic design that features impressive speed, graphics, and storage at a more affordable price, choose MSI’s Apache Pro. This laptop has a 128 GB solid state storage with 1 TB hard disk drive. You can count on it to perform with fast and smooth efficiency. It’s ideal for heavy graphic design work.
The Apache Pro also features a 17-inch screen with a 1920 x 1080 display resolution. It’s bigger than most laptops on this list and definitely an excellent device when you need to view your designs conveniently.
What graphics are in it, you might wonder? The Apache Pro is equipped with the NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics so you can use everything without trouble. Graphic designing becomes an easily manageable task, taking your designs to a whole new level.
Features of MSI Computer GE72 Apache Pro 029
- Intel Core i7-7700HQ Quad Core processor with 2.8 to 3.8 GHz speed
- 32 GB RAM DDR4 2400 MHz with 256 GB solid state storage drive
- 1 TB 7200 rpm hard disk drive
- Steel series, full-color backlight keyboard with anti-ghost key and silver lining
- Runs on Windows 10 x64
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5
- 3-inch display with 1920 x 1080 maximum screen resolution
Toshiba Satellite Fusion 15 L55W-C5259
Why do we have tablet-convertible laptops for graphic design in this list? Because these gadgets provide an excellent opportunity for graphic designers in terms of portability and convenience in doing their work. Check out the Toshiba Satellite Fusion 15 L55W-C5259.
So what’s in store for you with the Toshiba Satellite Fusion? You get more options as you explore a variety of approaches to graphic design. It allows you to adopt various innovations and methods, bringing an outstanding output.
The Toshiba Satellite Fusion has a 16-inch IPS display. It also comes with an Intel Core i5 processor with Intel HD 550 graphics and 6 GB RAM. What’s more, it’s lightweight, weighing only about 5 lbs. Definitely, a convenient gadget that you can bring anywhere you want to go.
What’s more, the Toshiba Satellite Fusion doesn’t carry a hefty price tag. It’s relatively cheap, and you can find it on Amazon.
Features of Toshiba Satellite Fusion 15 L55W-C5259
- Intel Core i5 6200U processor with 2.3 GHz processing speed
- 1000 GB 5400 rpm hard drive with 6 GB RAM and 1 TB hard drive
- 6-inch display with Mobile Intel HD graphics
- 1920 x 1080 maximum display resolution
- 1 USB 2.0 port and 2 USB 3.0 ports
- Battery life up to 7 hours
Toshiba CB35-B3340 Chromebook
Are you a budding graphic designer? Planning to start your own graphic design business? Perhaps as a freelance designer? We have the gadget you can use. It’s not expensive, but it has the goods to carry out the tasks you need to complete. Check out the second Toshiba on our list. The Toshiba CB35-B3340 Chromebook.
The Toshiba Chromebook may not be closely rivaled by any of the other brands mentioned here; certainly not anywhere near Apple’s MacBook Pro. It may not be the first choice for seasoned, expert graphic designers, but it definitely has some kick and fire power to boast.
If you’re looking for an affordable option (since you’re still starting out with your graphic design work) but still offers you excellent performance, the Toshiba Chromebook is a must on your list of prospective laptops.
When it comes to graphic designing, many call the Toshiba Chromebook the starter’s pick. Why? It’s a good laptop you can use to hone your graphic design skills. If you’re a beginner or looking for your “first laptop” for graphic design and don’t have the budget for a top-of-the-line device like the MacBook Pro, this is definitely a good pick. Here’s why.
The Toshiba Chromebook is equipped with a 4 GB DDR3L memory, which makes it a formidable, high-performance machine. But it’s relatively cheaper than most of its counterparts in this list.
To give you an amazing design experience, this excellent laptop has a 13-inch monitor with integrated Intel HD graphics. And to top it all off, the Toshiba Chromebook is powered by a 2.16 GHz Intel Celeron Dual Core processor; enough to meet your graphic design needs.
So the next time you or your friends and family looking for affordable best laptops for graphic design, you might want to consider the Toshiba Chromebook.
Features of Toshiba CB35-B3340 Chromebook
- Intel Celeron Processor N2840 with 2.16 GHz processing speed
- 3-inch display Intel HD graphics with 1920 x 1080 maximum screen resolution
- 4 GB DDR3L SDRAM memory
- 16 GB solid state drive with 1600 MHz memory speed
- Average battery life of 9 hours
Asus ZenBook Pro UX501VW-US71
You might think we’re biased with the brand. After all, it’s the third Asus laptop on this list. But that isn’t the case. We just think this product belongs here because it’s an excellent device that offers top-of-the-line performance, convenience, and portability. It’s a wonderful product that can meet your graphic design requirements. Check out the Asus ZenBook Pro UX501VW-US71.
Wondering what can you expect from the Asus Zenbook that you can’t find on the other Asus laptops on this list? Let’s start with the Zenbook’s processor. It’s equipped with a sixth-generation i7 Skylake processor, which offers a boost in the laptop’s performance. This means you won’t have a problem running graphic design software products like Adobe Photoshop, 3D Max, and Illustrator. Definitely smooth running with the Asus Zenbook.
While the screen is relatively smaller (at 15.6 inches), the IPS display offers a wide range of colors. Certainly a notch higher and better than most graphic design machines in today’s market. Why? Because the Asus Zenbook is equipped with a built-in NVIDIA graphics card that provides a maximum screen resolution of 3840 x 2160. You can look forward to outstanding visual designs.
The Asus Zenbook also features a highly reliable solid state drive (according to most user reviews), which means you won’t have to worry about having your device break down and repaired often. At 1 TB hard disk drive and 512 GB of solid state drive, this state-of-the-art laptop will meet all your graphic design needs.
Looking to upgrade your kit? Asus Zenbook should definitely be included in your list of prospects. It’s one of the best laptops for graphic design today.
Features of Asus ZenBook Pro UX501VW-US71
- 6-inch screen with touch IPS 4K Ultra-HD display
- 3840 x 2160 maximum screen resolution
- Powerful processor: Intel Skylake Core i7-6700HQ 2.6 GHz Quadcore CPU
- 512 GB flash memory, solid state drive with transfer speeds of 1400MB/s and 16GB DDR4 RAM
- NVIDIA GTX 960M 2G graphics processor
- Weighs about 2 kg. with battery
- Average battery life is 6 hours
Other Mentionable Best Laptops for Graphic Design
Microsoft Surface Book
You won’t be disappointed with Microsoft’s laptop for graphic design. The Surface Book is powered with an Intel Core i5 processor, having an 8 GB RAM, 128 GB solid-state drive, and an Intel HD graphics processor.
The Surface Book can double as a tablet and has an amazing display which you can use with the Surface Pen. The downside, however, is that it’s a bit heavier than its counterparts. And it can be expensive if you want to kit it with additional specs.
Some say the Surface Book is the ultimate, the best laptop for graphic design. Arguably so, but it’s definitely up there. It’s an excellent machine that even at its lowest spec option, performs optimally.
The fact that it doubles as a laptop and a tablet is awesome. You can draw your designs with its Surface Pen like you would with a pen and paper. It’s a creative tool with a sketch book feel. Truly a versatile machine for your graphic design needs.
HP ZBook Studio G4 DreamColor
What do you get when you add power and portability to one machine? You get a fantastic laptop. That’s the HP ZBook Studio G4 DreamColor. Truly one of the best laptops for graphic design.
The HP ZBook Studio G4 is powered by Intel Xeon CPU processor with a 512 GB solid state storage drive and 32 GB RAM. It has a 15-inch display with 3840 x 2160 maximum screen resolution and weighs about 2 kgs. The downside, however, is its price.
Cool, sleek, and highly impressive power and performance—the HP ZBook Studio G4 is a top-end machine with an all-out power and incredible specs. It’s perfect for your commute since it’s lightweight and portable.
If the price isn’t a consideration, you should definitely consider getting the HP ZBook Studio G4.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of our guide for the best laptops for graphic design.
Do you have recommendations? What do you think are the best laptops for graphic design?
Feel free to share with us your suggestions in the comment section. Check out our blog for more content like this.
