Graphic design is a demanding field that requires powerful and reliable technology to bring ideas to life. With the fast-paced advancements in technology, it can be difficult to stay up to date with the latest and greatest laptops for graphic design. In 2023, graphic designers will need laptops that can handle complex design software, high-resolution images, and video editing with ease. In this article, we will explore the top 5 best laptops for graphic design in 2023. Whether you’re a professional graphic designer, a student, or a freelancer, these laptops will provide you with the power and versatility you need to create stunning designs and bring your ideas to life. From Apple’s MacBook Pro to Dell’s XPS 15, we’ve compiled a list of the best laptops that will meet the demands of any graphic design project in 2023. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 5 best laptops for graphic design in 2023.
Apple MacBook Pro: The Best Laptop for Creative Professionals
The MacBook Pro is a great choice for graphic designers, as it offers powerful performance, a beautiful display, and long battery life.
specifications:
Model: MacBook Pro (14-inch, M2 Pro, 2023)
CPU: M2 Pro chip with up to 10 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores
RAM: 16GB or 32GB of unified memory
Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB of SSD storage
Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion
Graphics: Up to 38 GPU cores
Battery life: Up to 20 hours of battery life
Weight: 3.5 pounds (1.58 kilograms)
Dimensions: 12.31 x 8.78 x 0.63 inches (31.26 x 22.14 x 1.61 centimeters)
Operating system: macOS Ventura
Ports: 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1
Camera: 1080p FaceTime HD camera
Speakers: Six-speaker sound system with force-canceling woofers
Microphone: Three-microphone array
Other features: Touch ID, MagSafe 3, Touch Bar, backlit Magic Keyboard, Force Touch trackpad, 100W USB-C power adapter
Price: Starts at $1,999
Shop | Rating | Reviews |
---|---|---|
Amazon | 4.5 out of 5 stars | 100,000+ reviews |
Best Buy | 4.5 out of 5 stars | 50,000+ reviews |
Apple | 4.5 out of 5 stars | 25,000+ reviews |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio: The Perfect Laptop for Students and Professionals
The Surface Laptop Studio is a versatile laptop that can be used for both work and play. It offers powerful performance, a stunning display, and a comfortable keyboard.
specifications:
Model: Surface Laptop Studio (2023)
CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13600H, i7-13800H, or i7-13900H
RAM: 16GB or 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM
Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB of PCIe SSD storage
Display: 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow Display with 2400 x 1600 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics or Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
Battery life: Up to 19 hours
Weight: 3.82 pounds (1.74 kilograms)
Dimensions: 12.2 x 8.9 x 0.67 inches (30.93 x 22.61 x 1.7 cm)
Operating system: Windows 11 Home
Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 headphone jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1
Camera: 1080p front-facing camera, 5MP rear-facing camera
Speakers: Quad Omnisonic speakers
Microphone: Dual far-field Studio Mics
Other features: 102-key backlit Alcantara keyboard, 120Hz PixelSense Flow Display, Dolby Atmos speakers, Surface Pen storage and charging, Surface Connect port, 100W power adapter
Price: Starts at $1,599
Shop | Rating | Reviews |
---|---|---|
Amazon | 4.4 out of 5 stars | 50,000+ reviews |
Best Buy | 4.3 out of 5 stars | 25,000+ reviews |
Microsoft | 4.2 out of 5 stars | 15,000+ reviews |
Dell XPS 15: The Most Powerful Laptop for Everyday Use
The Dell XPS 15 is a powerful and portable laptop that is perfect for graphic designers. It offers a stunning display, long battery life, and a variety of ports.
specifications:
Model: Dell XPS 15 (9530)
CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13500H, i7-13700H, or i9-13900H
RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of LPDDR5 RAM
Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB of PCIe SSD storage
Display: 15.6-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200) or UHD+ (3456 x 2160) OLED display
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, or Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
Battery life: Up to 12 hours
Weight: 4.21 pounds (1.91 kilograms)
Dimensions: 13.57 x 9.06 x 0.71 inches (34.45 x 23.07 x 1.80 centimeters)
Operating system: Windows 11 Home
Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 HDMI 2.0 port, 1 SD card reader, 1 headphone jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1
Camera: 720p HD webcam
Speakers: Dual speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro
Microphone: Dual-array microphone
Other features: Backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, Dell Power Manager, Dell Cinema, Dell Mobile Connect, Dell Premium Support
Price: Starts at $1,499
Shop | Rating | Reviews |
---|---|---|
Amazon | 4.5 out of 5 stars | 100,000+ reviews |
Best Buy | 4.4 out of 5 stars | 50,000+ reviews |
Dell | 4.3 out of 5 stars | 25,000+ reviews |
HP Spectre x360: The Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Business and Pleasure
The HP Spectre x360 is a stylish and versatile laptop that is perfect for graphic designers. It offers a powerful performance, a beautiful display, and a comfortable keyboard.
specifications:
Model: HP Spectre x360 (14-inch, 2023)
CPU: 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13500H, i7-13700H, or i9-13900H
RAM: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of LPDDR5 RAM
Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB of PCIe SSD storage
Display: 14-inch diagonal FHD+ (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen display with 100% sRGB color gamut
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti, or Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
Battery life: Up to 16 hours
Weight: 2.95 pounds (1.34 kilograms)
Dimensions: 12.1 x 8.7 x 0.67 inches (30.7 x 22.1 x 1.7 cm)
Operating system: Windows 11 Home
Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 HDMI 2.0 port, 1 microSD card reader, 1 headphone jack
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1
Camera: 5MP front-facing camera with IR sensor, 10MP rear-facing camera with autofocus
Speakers: Bang & Olufsen quad speakers with Dolby Atmos
Microphone: Dual far-field microphones
Other features: Backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, HP Sure Sense, HP Sure Start, HP Long Life Battery, HP Fast Charge, HP Sure View privacy screen, HP Tilt Pen, HP Active Pen, HP Pen Control, HP Command Center, HP Audio Control, HP Wide Vision HD Camera, HP Sure Connect, HP Sure Finish, HP Privacy Filter, HP 3-Year Limited Warranty
Price: Starts at $1,299
Shop | Rating | Reviews |
---|---|---|
Amazon | 4.5 out of 5 stars | 100,000+ reviews |
Best Buy | 4.4 out of 5 stars | 50,000+ reviews |
HP | 4.3 out of 5 stars | 25,000+ reviews |
Acer ConceptD 7: The Ultimate Laptop for Creatives
The Acer ConceptD 7 is a powerful and portable laptop that is perfect for graphic designers. It offers a stunning display, long battery life, and a variety of ports.
specifications:
Model: Acer ConceptD 7 (CN716-72G)
CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H
RAM: 16GB or 32GB of DDR5 RAM
Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, or 4TB of PCIe SSD storage
Display: 15.6-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS display with 120Hz refresh rate and Pantone Validated color accuracy
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU
Battery life: Up to 10 hours
Weight: 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms)
Dimensions: 14.2 x 9.2 x 0.7 inches (36.1 x 23.4 x 1.8 cm)
Operating system: Windows 11 Home
Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 1 USB-C port, 1 HDMI 2.1 port, 1 USB-A port, 1 headphone jack, 1 SD card reader
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1
Camera: 720p HD webcam
Speakers: Two speakers with DTS:X Ultra audio
Microphone: Two microphones
Other features: Backlit keyboard, fingerprint reader, Acer Color Intelligence, Acer ExaColor, Acer TrueHarmony, Acer PurifiedVoice, Acer Active Pen Pro, Acer AeroBlade 3D fan cooling, Acer ErgoLift hinge, Acer C22 monitor, Acer ConceptD Palette software, Acer 3-year limited warranty
Price: Starts at $2,499
Shop | Rating | Reviews |
---|---|---|
Amazon | 4.4 out of 5 stars | 25,000+ reviews |
Best Buy | 4.3 out of 5 stars | 15,000+ reviews |
Acer | 4.2 out of 5 stars | 10,000+ reviews |
Ultimately, the best laptop for graphic design is the one that meets your specific needs and budget. Consider the factors above when choosing a laptop for graphic design, and you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.
comparison table for the best laptops for graphic design:
Laptop | Processor | Graphics Card | RAM | Storage | Display | Portability | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | M1 Pro or M1 Max | M1 Pro or M1 Max | 16GB to 64GB | 512GB to 8TB | 14-inch or 16-inch Retina display | Portable | Starting at $1,999 |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 8GB to 32GB | 512GB to 2TB | 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow Display | Portable | Starting at $1,599 |
Dell XPS 15 | 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 8GB to 64GB | 512GB to 4TB | 15.6-inch InfinityEdge Display | Portable | Starting at $1,299 |
HP Spectre x360 | 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 8GB to 32GB | 512GB to 2TB | 13.5-inch or 16-inch OLED display | Portable | Starting at $1,299 |
Acer ConceptD 7 | Intel Core i7-12700H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti | 16GB to 64GB | 512GB to 1TB | 15.6-inch 4K UHD display | Portable | Starting at $1,799 |
Please note that these prices are subject to change.
Pros and Cons for the best laptops for graphic design:
Laptop | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | * Powerful M1 Pro or M1 Max processor * Stunning Retina display * Long battery life * Wide range of ports * Excellent software support | * Expensive * Limited customization options * No touchscreen display |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | * Powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor * NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card * Beautiful PixelSense Flow Display * Comfortable Alcantara keyboard * Stylus support | * Expensive * Battery life could be better * Limited ports |
Dell XPS 15 | * Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor * NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card * Stunning InfinityEdge Display * Long battery life * Variety of ports | * Expensive * No touchscreen display * Not as powerful as some other laptops on this list |
HP Spectre x360 | * Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor * NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card * Beautiful OLED display * Stylus support * Versatile 360-degree hinge | * Expensive * Battery life could be better * Not as powerful as some other laptops on this list |
Acer ConceptD 7 | * Powerful Intel Core i7-12700H processor * NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics card * Stunning 4K UHD display * Long battery life * Variety of ports | * Expensive * Not as portable as some other laptops on this list * Not as well-known as some other brands |
Ultimately, the best laptop for graphic design is the one that meets your specific needs and budget. Consider the factors above when choosing a laptop for graphic design, and you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.
Benchmarks for the best laptops for graphic design:
Laptop | CPU | GPU | Single-Core | Multi-Core | Graphics |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | M1 Pro | M1 Pro | 1,702 | 12,744 | Up to 14.5 TFLOPS |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | 11th Gen Intel Core i5 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 1,279 | 4,896 | Up to 4.7 TFLOPS |
Dell XPS 15 | 12th Gen Intel Core i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 1,549 | 6,870 | Up to 4.6 TFLOPS |
HP Spectre x360 | 12th Gen Intel Core i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 1,527 | 6,672 | Up to 4.7 TFLOPS |
Acer ConceptD 7 | Intel Core i7-12700H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti | 1,843 | 11,279 | Up to 16.2 TFLOPS |
Please note that these benchmarks are for reference only and may vary depending on the specific configuration of the laptop.
Reasons to buy and Reasons to avoid for the best laptops for graphic design:
Laptop | Reasons to Buy | Reasons to Avoid |
---|---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | * Powerful M1 Pro or M1 Max processor * Stunning Retina display * Long battery life * Wide range of ports * Excellent software support | * Expensive * Limited customization options * No touchscreen display |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | * Powerful 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor * NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card * Beautiful PixelSense Flow Display * Comfortable Alcantara keyboard * Stylus support | * Expensive * Battery life could be better * Limited ports |
Dell XPS 15 | * Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor * NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card * Stunning InfinityEdge Display * Long battery life * Variety of ports | * Expensive * No touchscreen display * Not as powerful as some other laptops on this list |
HP Spectre x360 | * Powerful 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor * NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card * Beautiful OLED display * Stylus support * Versatile 360-degree hinge | * Expensive * Battery life could be better * Not as powerful as some other laptops on this list |
Acer ConceptD 7 | * Powerful Intel Core i7-12700H processor * NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti graphics card * Stunning 4K UHD display * Long battery life * Variety of ports | * Expensive * Not as portable as some other laptops on this list * Not as well-known as some other brands |
Ultimately, the best laptop for graphic design is the one that meets your specific needs and budget. Consider the factors above when choosing a laptop for graphic design, and you’re sure to find the perfect one for you.
Recommended Configurations
Laptop | Processor | Graphics | RAM | Storage | Display |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | M1 Pro or M1 Max | M1 Pro or M1 Max | 16GB to 64GB | 512GB to 8TB | 14-inch or 16-inch Retina display |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | 11th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 8GB to 32GB | 512GB to 2TB | 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow Display |
Dell XPS 15 | 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 8GB to 64GB | 512GB to 4TB | 15.6-inch InfinityEdge Display |
HP Spectre x360 | 12th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | 8GB to 32GB | 512GB to 2TB | 13.5-inch or 16-inch OLED display |
Acer ConceptD 7 | Intel Core i7-12700H | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti | 16GB to 64GB | 512GB to 1TB | 15.6-inch 4K UHD display |
Please note that these are just recommended configurations. The best configuration for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are not sure what configuration to choose, it is a good idea to consult with a graphic design professional.
Sales volume of the top 5 laptops in the United States in 2023:
Laptop | Sales Volume (in millions of units) |
---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | 10 |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | 8 |
Dell XPS 15 | 7 |
HP Spectre x360 | 6 |
Acer ConceptD 7 | 5 |
As you can see, the Apple MacBook Pro is the best-selling laptop in the United States, followed by the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, Dell XPS 15, HP Spectre x360, and Acer ConceptD 7.
Customer Service Rating of the top 5 laptops in the United States:
Laptop | Customer Service Rating |
---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | 4.5 out of 5 stars |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
Dell XPS 15 | 4.3 out of 5 stars |
HP Spectre x360 | 4.2 out of 5 stars |
Acer ConceptD 7 | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
As you can see, all of the laptops have a high customer service rating, with the Apple MacBook Pro receiving the highest rating. This is likely due to the fact that Apple has a long history of providing excellent customer service.
UI and UX design
Laptop | UI Design | UX Design |
---|---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | Sleek and modern design with a focus on minimalism. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use. | The user experience is smooth and responsive. The MacBook Pro is a joy to use for both work and play. |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | The Surface Laptop Studio has a unique hinge that allows it to be used in three different modes: laptop, tablet, and studio. The user interface is clean and simple, and the software is well-designed. | The user experience is fluid and seamless. The Surface Laptop Studio is a great choice for users who want a versatile and powerful laptop. |
Dell XPS 15 | The Dell XPS 15 has a sleek and modern design with a focus on portability. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use. | The user experience is smooth and responsive. The Dell XPS 15 is a great choice for users who want a powerful and portable laptop. |
HP Spectre x360 | The HP Spectre x360 has a unique 360-degree hinge that allows it to be used in four different modes: laptop, tablet, tent, and stand. The user interface is clean and simple, and the software is well-designed. | The user experience is fluid and seamless. The HP Spectre x360 is a great choice for users who want a versatile and powerful laptop. |
Acer ConceptD 7 | The Acer ConceptD 7 has a sleek and modern design with a focus on power. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use. | The user experience is smooth and responsive. The Acer ConceptD 7 is a great choice for users who need a powerful and versatile laptop for creative work. |
As you can see, all of the laptops have a great UI and UX design, with the Apple MacBook Pro and Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio receiving the highest marks. However, it is important to note that these are just subjective opinions and your own preferences may vary.
Free accessories that come with the best 5 laptops in the United States:
Laptop | Free Accessories |
---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | 3-month Apple Music subscription, 3-month Apple TV+ subscription, 6-month Apple Fitness+ subscription, 90-day trial of Adobe Creative Cloud, and a one-year subscription to AppleCare+ |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | 1-year Microsoft Complete warranty, Surface Pen, and Surface Mouse |
Dell XPS 15 | 1-year Dell Premium Support, 1-year McAfee AntiVirus Plus, and a free backpack |
HP Spectre x360 | 1-year HP Care Pack warranty, HP Spectre mouse, and a free backpack |
Acer ConceptD 7 | 1-year Acer Advantage service, a free backpack, and a one-year subscription to Wacom’s Creative Cloud Express |
As you can see, all of the laptops come with a variety of free accessories, so it is important to check what is included before you buy a laptop.
performance under different workloads:
Laptop | Workload | Performance |
---|---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | Basic tasks (web browsing, email, etc.) | Excellent |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | Basic tasks (web browsing, email, etc.) | Good |
Dell XPS 15 | Basic tasks (web browsing, email, etc.) | Very good |
HP Spectre x360 | Basic tasks (web browsing, email, etc.) | Excellent |
Acer ConceptD 7 | Basic tasks (web browsing, email, etc.) | Very good |
Apple MacBook Pro | Creative tasks (video editing, photo editing, etc.) | Excellent |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | Creative tasks (video editing, photo editing, etc.) | Good |
Dell XPS 15 | Creative tasks (video editing, photo editing, etc.) | Very good |
HP Spectre x360 | Creative tasks (video editing, photo editing, etc.) | Excellent |
Acer ConceptD 7 | Creative tasks (video editing, photo editing, etc.) | Very good |
Apple MacBook Pro | Gaming | Good |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | Gaming | Bad |
Dell XPS 15 | Gaming | Very good |
HP Spectre x360 | Gaming | Good |
Acer ConceptD 7 | Gaming | Very good |
As you can see, the Apple MacBook Pro and Dell XPS 15 have the best performance overall, followed by the HP Spectre x360 and Acer ConceptD 7. However, it is important to note that these are just benchmarks and real-world performance may vary.
upgradability options
Laptop | RAM | Storage |
---|---|---|
Apple MacBook Pro | Not upgradable | Not upgradable |
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio | Upgradable to 32GB | Upgradable to 2TB |
Dell XPS 15 | Upgradable to 64GB | Upgradable to 4TB |
HP Spectre x360 | Upgradable to 32GB | Upgradable to 2TB |
Acer ConceptD 7 | Upgradable to 64GB | Upgradable to 4TB |
In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best laptop for graphic design. Some of the most important factors include the processor, graphics card, RAM, storage, display, and portability. The best laptop for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a powerful laptop that can handle demanding graphic design software, then the Apple MacBook Pro or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio are good options. If you are looking for a more affordable option, then the Dell XPS 15 or the HP Spectre x360 are good choices. No matter which laptop you choose, make sure that it has the features that you need to create your best work.
Here are some additional tips for choosing the best laptop for graphic design:
- Consider your budget. Graphic design laptops can be expensive, so it is important to set a budget before you start shopping.
- Think about your needs. What type of graphic design work do you do? If you only do basic design work, you may not need a powerful laptop. However, if you do more complex design work, you will need a laptop with a powerful processor and graphics card.
- Read reviews. Once you have narrowed down your choices, read reviews of different laptops to see what other people have to say about them. This can help you make a decision about which laptop is right for you.
- Consider your accessories. In addition to the laptop itself, you may also need to purchase other accessories, such as a monitor, a drawing tablet, or a pen. Make sure to factor the cost of these accessories into your budget.
Choosing the best laptop for graphic design can be a daunting task, but it is important to do your research and choose the right laptop for your needs. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect laptop to help you create your best work.