Best laptops for graphic design (2023): PCs and Macs

In the business of graphic design, the tools you use can make all the difference in how well your creative ideas come to life. As 2023 comes to a wrap, more and more graphic designers need laptops that can handle their needs.

Because of the mix of cutting-edge technology and design expression, there are many options for the best laptop for graphic design. Getting the right laptop is the key to reaching your full designing potential, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new graphic designer just starting in digital design.

In this in-depth guide, we look at the Best laptops for graphic design, both PCs and Macs that graphic designers can use. The guide covers a wide range of the best features and specs needed for graphic designing, such as raw processing power, colour accuracy, ergonomic design, and how it works with industry-standard software.

With that said, let’s go through the various laptops on our list.

1. MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

The MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is a notable inclusion in the lineup of laptops for graphic design in 2023. Apple’s lightweight and ultra-portable laptop has undergone significant improvements with the introduction of the M2 chip. The most impressive feature of the MacBook Air is its stunning Retina display, boasting high-resolution and vibrant colours, which is a crucial factor for graphic designers who require precise colour accuracy in their work.

The M2 chip delivers remarkable processing power, ensuring smooth multitasking and the ability to handle demanding graphic design software effortlessly. This laptop’s fanless design not only makes it whisper-quiet but also contributes to its portability, making it an excellent choice for designers on the move.

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2. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is another compelling option among the laptops suitable for graphic design in 2023. This innovative laptop from Microsoft combines powerful performance with a unique design that caters to the needs of creative professionals.

The Laptop Studio features a flexible hinge that allows users to transition between traditional laptop mode, studio mode for sketching and drawing, and a fully flat stage mode for collaborative work. It offers high-end configurations, including Intel Core processors and dedicated NVIDIA graphics, which can handle graphic design software and rendering tasks with ease.

The PixelSense display is another standout feature, offering a high-resolution touchscreen with excellent colour accuracy, making it suitable for precise design work.

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3. ASUS ProArt Studiobook OLED (H7604)

Designed with creative professionals in mind, this laptop offers some remarkable features that cater to the needs of graphic designers. The standout feature is undoubtedly its OLED display, which delivers exceptional colour accuracy and vibrant visuals. OLED technology provides true black levels and wide colour gamut support, making it an ideal choice for designers who require precise colour representation in their work.

In terms of performance, the ProArt Studiobook is powered by high-end hardware, including powerful CPUs and dedicated NVIDIA graphics. This robust configuration ensures that graphic design software runs smoothly and efficiently, even when handling complex projects.

The laptop also boasts ample RAM and fast storage options, contributing to its overall performance.

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4. MacBook Pro 16-inch 

Building on Apple’s reputation for quality and performance, this laptop continues to set the standard for creative professionals. The most striking feature is its 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, which offers unparalleled colour accuracy, brightness, and contrast.

With a mini-LED backlight, it excels in HDR content creation and editing. The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) packs a punch with Apple’s latest M2X or M1 Pro/Max chips, providing exceptional processing power and efficiency. 

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5. Dell Precision 5470

The Dell Precision 5470 has a high-resolution display option, including a 4K UHD panel. This display provides excellent colour accuracy and sharpness, making it suitable for detailed design work. It also supports touch and pen input, adding versatility to your creative workflow.

In terms of performance, the laptop can be configured with high-end Intel processors and NVIDIA graphics, ensuring that it can handle resource-intensive graphic design software and rendering tasks with ease.

While it may not have the same level of ecosystem integration as some other brands, the Dell Precision 5470’s combination of display quality, performance, and build makes it a reliable choice for graphic designers seeking a Windows-based laptop in 2023.

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6. MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2, 2023)

The MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2, 2023) is powered by the formidable M2 Max chip, boasting a 12-core CPU with 8 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, a staggering 38-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine.

This processing prowess is a boon for graphic designers, facilitating seamless handling of tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and code compilation.

The laptop’s crown jewel is its 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, offering a remarkable resolution of 3456 x 2234 pixels, peak brightness of 1600 nits, and a jaw-dropping contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. This display perfection is tailor-made for editing HDR content and working with high-resolution visuals, a fundamental requirement for graphic design professionals.

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7. Asus Zenbook 14X OLED

The Zenbook 14X OLED is equipped with powerful processors and dedicated NVIDIA graphics, ensuring it can seamlessly run graphic design software and handle rendering tasks.

The inclusion of ample RAM and fast SSD storage further enhances its performance capabilities, making it capable of handling multitasking and large design files.

Portability is another noteworthy aspect of this laptop. With a sleek and lightweight design, it’s ideal for designers on the move. The laptop’s compact size does not compromise on build quality, and it offers a premium feel that’s important for professional use.

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8. Dell XPS 13 9315 2-in-1

The Dell XPS 13 9315 2-in-1 is a 2-in-1 design, allowing it to be used as both a traditional laptop and a tablet with a touchscreen. This versatility can be particularly useful for graphic designers who prefer the flexibility of sketching and designing directly on the screen.

In terms of display, the XPS 13 9315 offers a high-resolution touchscreen with vibrant colours and excellent colour accuracy.

The laptop offers configurations with capable Intel processors and integrated graphics, making it suitable for everyday graphic design tasks and general productivity.

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9. MSI Creator Z17

The MSI Creator Z17 offers a stunning 17-inch screen with high-resolution options and exceptional colour accuracy. This expansive canvas provides graphic designers with ample space to work on intricate designs and ensures precise colour representation.

The Creator Z17 packs a powerful punch with configurations that include high-performance processors and dedicated NVIDIA graphics cards. This hardware combination makes it more than capable of handling resource-intensive graphic design software, rendering tasks, and even 3D modelling.

The laptop’s build quality and design are also worth noting. While it offers a sizable display, it manages to maintain a relatively sleek and portable form factor, making it suitable for both studio and on-the-go work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I prioritize: a high-resolution display or powerful graphics for graphic design?
   It’s essential to strike a balance between both. A high-resolution display ensures accurate colour representation, while powerful graphics are crucial for smooth rendering and handling complex design tasks. Look for a laptop that offers a combination of both for the best results.

2. Is it better to choose a PC or a Mac for graphic design?
   The choice between a PC and a Mac depends on your preferences and requirements. Both platforms have their strengths. PCs often offer more flexibility and compatibility with various software, while Macs excel in the seamless integration of hardware and software. Consider your specific workflow and software needs before deciding.

3. How much RAM do I need for graphic design work?
   The amount of RAM you need depends on the complexity of your design projects. For most graphic designers, 16GB of RAM is a good starting point. However, if you work with large files or engage in multitasking, consider laptops that allow for 32GB or even 64GB of RAM for smoother performance.

 

Choosing the best laptop for graphic design in 2023 involves a careful balance of factors, including display quality, performance, graphics capabilities, portability, and your preference for Windows or macOS. The laptops mentioned in this guide, from the MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2, 2023) to the MSI Creator Z17, offer a range of options to cater to diverse creative needs.

Remember to consider your specific workflow, budget, and software requirements when making your choice. Whether you opt for the sleek integration of the Mac ecosystem or the flexibility of Windows, there’s a laptop out there to empower your creative journey. By making an informed decision based on your unique needs, you’ll be well-equipped to produce stunning designs and bring your creative visions to life in 2023 and beyond.