Graphic design requires a robust and adaptable laptop to manage large files, run the Adobe Creative Suite, and perform 3D rendering. In 2024, a wide range of laptops designed expressly to meet graphic artists’ needs will be available on the market. This article will discuss the top laptops for graphic artists, focusing on mobility, performance, display quality, and affordability.
16 inch Apple MacBook Pro (2024)
Creative benefits have always loved the Apple MacBook Pro. The 2024 16 inch edition is no exception. With Apple’s most recent M3 Pro or M3 Max CPUs installed, it provides outstanding performance for tasks demanding a lot of graphics.
Performance
The M3 chips remarkable speed and efficiency allow you to run multiple design applications simultaneously without experiencing delays. For 3D designers and video editors, the M3 Max variants incorporation of a 32 core GPU guarantees fluid rendering and real-time previews.
Display
With a 1600 nits peak brightness and exceptional colour accuracy, the 16 inch Liquid Retina XDR display is among the best in the business. Because of its True Tone technology and P3 wide colour gamut, this display is ideal for tasks where colour accuracy is crucial.
Portability
The MacBook Pro 16 inch combines performance and mobility, making it a fantastic option for designers who are always on the go, even though it is a little heavier than other laptops on this list.
Price
The MacBook Pro 16 inch, which starts at about $2,499, is expensive, but experienced designers will find its performance and display quality worthwhile.
Dell XPS 15 (2024)
Another robust laptop that has attracted a large following among graphic artists is the Dell XPS 15. Black appearance and superior hardware make it a solid rival to the MacBook Pro.
Performance
The Dell XPS 15 can run even the most demanding design applications with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU and a 13th generation Intel Core i9 processor. Additionally, the laptop supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, so you should have no trouble handling demanding tasks.
Display
For picture editing, illustration, and video production, the 15.6 inch OLED display option is an excellent alternative because it has a 4K resolution, fantastic colour accuracy, and deep blacks.
Portability
The XPS 15 is comparatively light for its class, weighing slightly under 4 pounds. Because of its extended battery life and small profile, it will be an excellent solution for designers who need to work on the fly.
Price
The base model of the XPS 15 starts at $1,799, but upgrading to the higher features can cost well over $3,000. However, for dedicated graphic designers, the display quality and performance make the purchase worthwhile.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (2024)
For graphic designers, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is a unique and flexible choice that combines strong hardware with cutting-edge design features.
Performance
The Surface Laptop Studio can handle demanding design work, thanks to options for NVIDIA RTX 4060 or 4070 GPUs and Intel’s 13th generation Core i7 or i9 processors. Additionally, it supports 32GB of RAM, which enables seamless multitasking.
Display
With a resolution of 2400×1600 and a refresh rate of 120Hz, the 14.4 inch PixelSense Flow display provides exceptional colour fidelity. Illustrators and designers who prefer a hands on approach will find this laptop appealing because of its touchscreen capabilities and Surface Slim Pen 2.
Portability
The Surface Laptop Studio is designed with mobility in mind, featuring a unique hinge that allows you to switch between laptop, stage, and studio modes. Weighing around 4 pounds, it’s portable enough for most designers.
Price
The Surface Laptop Studios base price is $1,599, while more expensive models can reach $3,000. Its design and versatility make it an excellent option for creatives who require a flexible workspace.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 (2024)
Despite being primarily promoted as a gaming laptop, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14s high performance parts and small form factor make it a surprisingly excellent challenger for graphic design.
Performance
Packed with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU and AMD’s Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, the Zephyrus G14 can easily manage intensive design work. It also offers enough room and speed for big projects, supporting up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage.
Display
Featuring a 100% DCI P3 colour gamut and a refresh rate of 120Hz, the 14 inch QHD+ display provides exceptional visual quality, making it perfect for design work. For graphic designers, precise colour representation is essential; the Pantone validated display guarantees this
Portability
The Zephyrus G14 is one of the lightest laptops in its class, weighing only 3.6 pounds, which makes it an excellent option for designers who require a portable workspace.
Price
Priced competitively, with a starting price of $1,699, the G14 is a more cost effective choice for graphic artists who yet require high
HP Spectre x360 16 (2024)
Elegant, powerful, and featuring a fantastic display, the HP Spectre x360 16 is a 2 in 1 laptop perfect for visual designers.
Performance
The Spectre x360 16 includes the 13th generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. It can handle typical graphic design jobs, such as photo editing, vector graphics, and light video editing, even though it is less potent than other options on this list.
Display
Perfect for design work, the 16 inch OLED display with 4K resolution offers rich contrasts and vivid colours. Those designers who prefer to doodle or comment directly on the screen will find further versatility in the touchscreen abilities and built in stylus match.
Portability
The Spectre x360 16 is quite portable, weighing slightly over 4 pounds. Its dual purpose design increases its adaptability as a creative tool by enabling you to move between laptop and tablet modes.
Price
The Spectre x360 16, which starts at $1,499, is more affordable for graphic designers who still want a powerful laptop with a stunning display.
Conclusion
The best laptop for graphic design depends on your needs and financial situation. The top options for the best possible performance and display quality are the Dell XPS 15 and Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch. Regarding adaptability and modern design elements, the HP Spectre x360 16 and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are fantastic options. However, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is an excellent choice for designers on a tight budget because it provides top-notch performance at a more affordable cost.
Any graphic artist should invest in a high quality laptop, regardless of their chosen model. The ideal notebook will help you realize your creative goals, increase productivity, and improve the quality of your work.