What Is The Best Laptop For Artists? Top 6

Complete List: 6 best laptop for artists

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Art may seem like a non-digital activity. But from graphic design to web design, many artists use digital tools.

Artists, whether they’re illustrators, graphic designers, or animators, need a laptop that can keep up with their creative demands. But with so many different laptops on the market, it can be challenging to figure out which one is the best fit.

In this article, we will delve into the various factors that artists should consider when choosing a laptop and highlight some of the best options currently available. From display quality to processing power, we’ll explore the key features that can make a laptop an artist’s best friend. So, whether you’re a professional artist or just starting out, read on to find out which laptop is the perfect tool for your artistic endeavors.

As the world continues to become increasingly digital, more and more artists are relying on technology to create their work. Whether you’re a traditional artist looking to take your skills to the digital realm or a seasoned digital artist looking to upgrade your current setup, finding the right laptop is crucial to your success.

The best laptop for artists should have a few key features that make it stand out from the rest. First and foremost, it should have a high-quality display that accurately represents colors and has a wide viewing angle. This is especially important for graphic designers and illustrators who need to see their work in as much detail as possible.

Processing power is also crucial, as artists often use software that requires a lot of resources to run smoothly. A laptop with a powerful CPU and graphics card can handle complex tasks like rendering and animation without slowing down or crashing.

Additionally, storage capacity is a factor to consider since artists typically work with large files that can take up a lot of space. A laptop with a sizable hard drive or solid-state drive is essential to ensure that you have enough storage space for all of your work.

There are many laptops on the market that claim to be ideal for artists, but not all of them live up to the hype. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the top contenders for the title of the best laptop for artists. We will evaluate their display quality, processing power, storage capacity, and other features to help you make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing your next laptop.

Whether you’re a freelance artist or work for a design agency, having the right laptop can make all the difference in your creative process. So, let’s dive into the world of laptops and find the perfect one for your artistic needs.

1. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch

The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch is a high-end laptop designed for professionals and power users. It features a 16-inch Retina display with a resolution of 3072 x 1920, which delivers stunning color accuracy and excellent contrast. The display also supports P3 wide color gamut, which allows for more vibrant and true-to-life colors.

Under the hood, the MacBook Pro 16-inch is powered by a 9th generation 8-core Intel Core i9 processor, which delivers exceptional performance and speed. It also comes with 16GB or 32GB of DDR4 RAM, depending on the configuration, and up to 1TB or 2TB of SSD storage. The laptop also has a dedicated AMD Radeon Pro graphics card with up to 8GB of GDDR6 memory, making it an excellent choice for creative professionals who work with graphics-intensive applications.

In terms of connectivity, the MacBook Pro 16-inch features four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, which support fast data transfer and charging. It also comes with Wi-Fi 6 technology, which delivers faster wireless connectivity and better range. Additionally, the laptop has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a Touch Bar with Touch ID, which allows for quick and secure access to your device.

The MacBook Pro 16-inch has a sleek and stylish design with a slim profile and a weight of just under 4.4 pounds. It also has an improved scissor mechanism keyboard, which provides a comfortable typing experience, and a large Force Touch trackpad, which allows for precise and intuitive input.

Overall, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch is a top-of-the-line laptop that offers exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a range of features that make it an excellent choice for artists and other creative professionals. Its powerful specs, sleek design, and advanced features make it a worthwhile investment for those who demand the best performance and reliability from their devices.

You can use the iPad as a second display, but you can also have it mirror your MacBook. So if you use a stylus on your iPad, you can use it to draw on your laptop.

Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Excellent Retina display with True Tone technology
• Powerful processor and graphics card
• Long battery life
• Sleek design with a comfortable keyboard and trackpad
• MacOS operating system is optimized for creative work

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited ports
• No touchscreen option

2. Dell XPS 15

The Dell XPS 15 is a high-performance laptop that is suitable for artists, graphic designers, and other creative professionals. It features a 15.6-inch InfinityEdge display with a resolution of up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) that provides stunning visuals and excellent color accuracy.

Under the hood, the XPS 15 is powered by a 9th-generation 6-core Intel Core i7 or i9 processor, which provides speedy performance and smooth multitasking. The laptop also comes with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, which provides ample space for storing large files and applications. Additionally, the XPS 15 comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card, which is capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks with ease.

In terms of connectivity, the Dell XPS 15 has two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. It also features Wi-Fi 6 technology, which delivers faster wireless connectivity and better range. Additionally, the laptop comes with a full-sized backlit keyboard that offers comfortable and responsive typing, and a large Precision touchpad that allows for accurate and intuitive navigation.

The Dell XPS 15 has a slim and lightweight design, with a weight of just 4 pounds, making it easy to carry around. The laptop also has a durable aluminum body and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 that offers protection against scratches and damage.

Overall, the Dell XPS 15 is an excellent laptop for artists and other creative professionals who require a high-performance device for their work. With its powerful specs, stunning display, and advanced features, the XPS 15 is a reliable and efficient choice for those who need a device that can handle demanding creative workloads.

Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Beautiful 4K display with vibrant colors
• Fast processor and graphics card
• Solid build quality with a sleek design
• Plenty of ports, including Thunderbolt 3
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• Battery life could be better
• Loud fan noise under heavy load
• Some users may find the keyboard and trackpad less comfortable than other laptops

3. HP Spectre x360

The HP Spectre x360 is a versatile and powerful 2-in-1 laptop that is an excellent choice for artists and creative professionals. It features a 13.3-inch Full HD touchscreen display that provides excellent color accuracy and stunning visuals. The display also supports multi-touch gestures, making it ideal for artists who prefer to work with a stylus.

Under the hood, the Spectre x360 is powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 or i5 processor, which delivers speedy performance and smooth multitasking. The laptop also comes with up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, which provides ample space for storing large files and applications. Additionally, the Spectre x360 comes with an Intel Iris Xe graphics card, which is capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks with ease.

In terms of connectivity, the HP Spectre x360 has two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. It also features Wi-Fi 6 technology, which delivers faster wireless connectivity and better range. Additionally, the laptop comes with a backlit keyboard that offers comfortable and responsive typing, and a large Precision touchpad that allows for accurate and intuitive navigation.

The HP Spectre x360 has a sleek and stylish design, with a weight of just 2.87 pounds, making it easy to carry around. The laptop also has a durable aluminum body and a 360-degree hinge that allows you to use it in tablet mode, tent mode, or stand mode, making it a versatile device for artists and creative professionals.

Overall, the HP Spectre x360 is an excellent 2-in-1 laptop for artists and creative professionals who require a high-performance device for their work. With its powerful specs, stunning display, and advanced features, the Spectre x360 is a reliable and efficient choice for those who need a device that can handle demanding creative workloads.

Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• 4K display with great color accuracy
• Long battery life
• Versatile 2-in-1 design with touchscreen and stylus support
• Comfortable keyboard and trackpad
• Lightweight and portable

Cons:

• The graphics card is not as powerful as other laptops on this list
• No dedicated graphics card option
• Slightly more expensive than some comparable models

4. Microsoft Surface Book 3

The Microsoft Surface Book 3 is a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 laptop that is an excellent choice for artists and creative professionals. It features a detachable 13.5-inch or 15-inch PixelSense touchscreen display that provides excellent color accuracy and stunning visuals. The display also supports multi-touch gestures, making it ideal for artists who prefer to work with a stylus.

Under the hood, the Surface Book 3 is powered by a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 or i5 processor, which delivers speedy performance and smooth multitasking. The laptop also comes with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, which provides ample space for storing large files and applications. Additionally, the Surface Book 3 comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card, which is capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks with ease.

In terms of connectivity, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. It also features Wi-Fi 6 technology, which delivers faster wireless connectivity and better range. Additionally, the laptop comes with a backlit keyboard that offers comfortable and responsive typing, and a large Precision touchpad that allows for accurate and intuitive navigation.

The Microsoft Surface Book 3 has a sleek and stylish design, with a weight of just 3.38 pounds for the 13.5-inch model and 4.2 pounds for the 15-inch model, making it easy to carry around. The laptop also has a durable magnesium body and a unique detachable design that allows you to use it as a tablet or a laptop, making it a versatile device for artists and creative professionals.

Overall, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 is an excellent 2-in-1 laptop for artists and creative professionals who require a high-performance device for their work. With its powerful specs, stunning display, and advanced features, the Surface Book 3 is a reliable and efficient choice for those who need a device that can handle demanding creative workloads.

Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Stunning high-resolution display
• Powerful processor and graphics card
• Versatile 2-in-1 design with detachable tablet mode
• Long battery life
• Comes with a stylus

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited ports
• The keyboard and trackpad may not be as comfortable as other laptops

5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is a high-performance 2-in-1 laptop that is designed to meet the needs of artists and creative professionals. It features a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display that provides excellent color accuracy and sharp details. The display also supports multi-touch gestures, making it ideal for artists who prefer to work with a stylus.

Under the hood, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga is powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor, which delivers speedy performance and smooth multitasking. The laptop also comes with up to 16GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, which provides ample space for storing large files and applications. Additionally, the ThinkPad X1 Yoga comes with an Intel Iris Xe graphics card, which is capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks with ease.

In terms of connectivity, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga has two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. It also features Wi-Fi 6 technology, which delivers faster wireless connectivity and better range. Additionally, the laptop comes with a backlit keyboard that offers comfortable and responsive typing, and a large Precision touchpad that allows for accurate and intuitive navigation.

One of the standout features of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is its durable and stylish design. The laptop has a lightweight yet sturdy aluminum body and a 360-degree hinge that allows you to use it in tablet mode, tent mode, or stand mode. The laptop is also designed to meet MIL-STD 810G military standards for durability and reliability.

I do not have personal experience using laptops, but based on reviews and feedback from users, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga is a highly recommended device for artists and creative professionals. Its powerful specs, high-quality display, and versatile design make it a reliable and efficient choice for those who require a device that can handle demanding creative workloads.

Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Excellent display with great color accuracy
• Versatile 2-in-1 design with touchscreen and stylus support
• Durable and well-built
• Good battery life
• Comfortable keyboard and trackpad

Cons:

• No dedicated graphics card option
• More expensive than some comparable models
• Slightly heavier than other laptops on this list

6. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo

The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is a high-performance laptop that is designed for artists and creative professionals who need a device that can handle demanding workloads. It features a 15.6-inch 4K OLED touchscreen display that provides stunning visuals and excellent color accuracy. Additionally, the laptop has a unique ScreenPad Plus, a secondary 14-inch touchscreen display located above the keyboard, which provides additional screen real estate for artists to work on.

Under the hood, the ZenBook Pro Duo is powered by a 10th-generation Intel Core i7 or i9 processor, which delivers speedy performance and smooth multitasking. The laptop also comes with up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage, which provides ample space for storing large files and applications. Additionally, the ZenBook Pro Duo comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or 3070 graphics card, which is capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks with ease.

In terms of connectivity, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo has two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. It also features Wi-Fi 6 technology, which delivers faster wireless connectivity and better range. Additionally, the laptop comes with a backlit keyboard that offers comfortable and responsive typing, and a large Precision touchpad that allows for accurate and intuitive navigation.

The Asus ZenBook Pro Duo has a sleek and stylish design, with a weight of 5.51 pounds, making it easy to carry around. The laptop also has a durable aluminum body and a unique dual-display design that allows artists to work more efficiently and creatively. Additionally, the laptop comes with an included stylus, which is perfect for digital drawing and sketching.

Overall, the Asus ZenBook Pro Duo is an excellent choice for artists and creative professionals who need a powerful and versatile device for their work. With its high-quality display, innovative secondary screen, powerful specs, and advanced features, the ZenBook Pro Duo is a reliable and efficient choice for those who require a device that can handle demanding creative workloads.

Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros:

• Dual 4K displays for maximum screen real estate
• Powerful processor and graphics card
• Unique design with a secondary touchscreen display
• Good battery life
• Comes with a stylus

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy and bulky
• The keyboard and trackpad are located in a non-standard position

Choosing the right laptop for your artistic needs can be challenging, but with this list, you can weigh the pros and cons of each model to find the perfect one for you. Ultimately, the best laptop for artists will depend on your individual needs and budget, so consider all factors carefully before making a purchase.

Factors to consider before purchasing

Many excellent laptops work well for art, but not all of them.

You need to choose a laptop that’s powerful enough to run your art programs. And if you’re in art school or a professional artist, you’ll need long battery life.

Here are a few things you should consider and why they can make or break the best laptops for artists.

1. Large Screen

You can get a small laptop for your art, but it will make it harder to see certain details. Look for a laptop with decent screen size and a high resolution. That way, you can see the various colors you use, and you can see the details and the bigger picture.

You don’t need a massive laptop, but consider testing a laptop before you get it. That way, you can make sure it’s comfortable to use and you can do most of your common art projects on it.

Most laptops are between 11 and 17 inches, so test some of each size. You may find you don’t need the biggest screen to do your art. But you also don’t need to settle for a smaller screen.

2. Fast Performance

You also need to consider how a laptop performs. If running Adobe InDesign or Photoshop requires a lot of power, you’ll need a more powerful computer.

That way, your computer won’t run slowly when you use those programs. If your computer runs slowly, that can make using it stressful and annoying.

And if you use it for art every day, that will get old quickly. If possible, choose the most powerful laptop you can find. That way, you won’t have to worry about losing speed while running art software.

3. Software Compatability

If you already have a favorite program for art, you’ll need to choose a laptop to run it. While many programs are compatible with both Windows and Mac, not all work on both operating systems.

That could narrow down your choices for the best laptop for artists. You can switch to a new program when getting a new computer. But that will take a lot of time.

You’ll have to learn how to use the new program and possibly a new operating system. That may be okay if you just do art for fun. If you’re a professional artist, you should stick with what you know.

4. Portability

You may also want to consider if you can take your laptop to work, school, or elsewhere. Think about how easy it will be to put the laptop in your backpack or a laptop bag and take it with you.

Along with portability, you should consider how durable a laptop will be. The more you travel with it, the more damage it could incur.

You’ll also want to consider how often you need to charge your computer. If you need to always plug it in, you may want to choose something else to use on the go.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the best laptop for artists can be a daunting task. It requires careful consideration of various factors that impact your creative workflow. However, choosing the right laptop is crucial for ensuring that you have the tools necessary to bring your artistic vision to life.

The laptops listed above are some of the best options available in the market and stand out for their high-quality displays, powerful processing capabilities, and storage capacity. They offer a range of features and functionalities to meet the diverse needs of artists, from illustrators to graphic designers to animators.

It’s important to note that the right laptop for you ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Take the time to research and evaluate the models you’re considering before making a purchase. Consider the specs, display quality, battery life, design, and any other features that are important to your creative process.

Investing in the right laptop can make all the difference in your artistic career. With the right tools at your fingertips, you can unleash your creativity and produce exceptional work that meets your clients’ or personal expectations. So, take the time to find the perfect laptop for your artistic needs, and get ready to take your creativity to the next level.

Want to learn more about the best laptops? Check out our buying guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is it essential for a laptop to have a dedicated graphics card for artists?

A1. While a dedicated graphics card can help speed up the processing of complex visual projects, it’s not essential for all artists. If you primarily work with 2D illustrations, a laptop with an integrated graphics card may suffice. However, for 3D modeling, animation, and other demanding visual work, a dedicated graphics card can make a significant difference in performance.

Q2. Can a touchscreen laptop be beneficial for artists?

A2. Yes, touchscreen laptops can be helpful for artists, particularly for those who prefer to work with a stylus or use touch gestures to control their digital tools. Touchscreen laptops also offer greater flexibility when it comes to navigating the software and creating intuitive interfaces.

Q3. Do artists need a high-resolution display?

A3. Yes, a high-resolution display is essential for artists, as it allows for greater detail and clarity in their work. A display with at least 1080p resolution is recommended, but if you work with high-resolution images, a 4K display would be ideal.

Q4. What is the recommended storage capacity for a laptop for artists?

A4. The recommended storage capacity for artists can vary depending on their needs. If you work with large files and software, a minimum of 512GB of storage is recommended. However, if you work with video or animation, you may need even more storage.

Q5. What should I look for in a laptop keyboard for artistic work?

A5. A comfortable keyboard is essential for artists who spend extended periods working on their laptops. Look for a laptop with a keyboard that has good key travel and tactile feedback, as this will make typing more comfortable and efficient. Additionally, backlit keys can be helpful for working in dimly lit environments.

These are just a few of the many questions that artists may have when choosing a laptop. By understanding your needs and the requirements of your creative work, you can find the perfect laptop that meets your needs and helps you bring your artistic vision to life.