10 Best Laptops for Graphic Design Students

Many graphic design students wonder about the criteria when choosing the right laptop for their study needs. Most of you want to learn about performance, design, battery life, and price.

What are the key things to consider? Can you get a high-quality model for a suitable price?

In this post, I’ll introduce you to the perfect versions. Let’s check them out now!

Our Top Picks:

With each laptop below, I prioritized testing features important to graphic design, such as performance, display, battery life, and durability.

Accordingly, I will provide you with helpful information about the product overview. Continue reading the detailed review in the section below!

1. Apple MacBook Pro: Best for Overall

Specifications

• Screen size: 13 inches
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage space: 512GB
• Processor: M2 chip

Product Highlights

As a professional graphic designer, I am strict and rigid with the products I choose. I only allow devices to pass with having verified.

Of the more than 10 top products tested, the excellent Apple MacBook Pro is my preferred choice. This product has perfect overall quality, suitable for your design requirements with all different artistry levels.

The device has a neat design and is much lighter and more personal than previous versions. It makes commuting easier.

What makes me satisfied when using this machine is its performance. The device integrates the M2 chip that works in conjunction with the super-fast 8GB RAM and 512GB memory, making it easier to navigate and manipulate the software.

The high battery life of up to 20 hours after each charge is a great advantage that makes this computer even more special for users. Accordingly, it helps to handle work stably and with high efficiency.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Lightweight design
• Great battery life
• Flexible connectivity
• Perfect overall quality
• Impressive performance

Things to Consider

• No USB port

2. Acer Aspire 5: Best for Performance

Specifications

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage space: 512GB
• Processor: Intel Core i7

Product Highlights

I have used previous Acer versions for a spectacular design and performance change. This version can fully meet the usage requirements of a highly specialized graphic designer like me, including RAM, CPU, or GPU.

The machine works with an Intel Core i7-1165G7, providing fast data processing speed up to 4.7GHz. It helps you make your design work smoothly.

I have used this machine for conceptualizing and developing highly specialized drawings. The design and editing software can work smoothly on this device.

With 512GB of memory, this version allows users to store multiple documents and work-intensive applications simultaneously.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Good size
• Live sound system
• Large storage space
• Most impressive performance
• Work with powerful processors

Things to Consider

• Dark screen

3. HP 17 Laptop: Best for Lightweight

Specifications

• Screen size: 17.3 inches
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage space: 1TB
• Processor: Intel Core i5-1135G7

Product Highlights

The tasks that graphic designers do are inherently not fixed in any one location, and they often have to move to different locations.

It is to help in the deep development of unique ideas. I understand this, and I recommend this computer to you. This product has an innovative, compact, and flexible design, allowing you to take it anywhere you want.

In this machine, I appreciate the ability to store and process data. It can provide enough space to download multiple design software and edit drawings simultaneously freely.

Even if you open multiple tabs simultaneously, it is impossible to make this machine lag. Compared to the current price, I do not have any complaints about the performance or configuration of the machine.

Yet, its battery life let me down. After each full charge, the device only works for about 8 hours.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Lightweight
• Good data storage
• Stable screen quality
• Easy to install and use
• Good value for money

Things to Consider

• Low battery life

4. Acer Aspire Vero Green PC: Best for reader function

Specifications

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage space: 512GB
• Processor: Intel Core i7-1195G7

Product Highlights

Acer Vero is a special product that works with the most intelligent fingerprint reader. Accordingly, it makes access easy and minimizes the intrusion of thieves.

Its configuration is in line with the current price, providing people with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of the hard drive. So, it’s easy to download and work with specialized design software. Is it that good?

Its sound quality is what haunts me the most. It does not help bring a good entertainment space after stressful and tiring working times.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Long-lasting
• Nice machine design
• Modern LED keyboard system
• Smart fingerprint reader function
• Stable configuration in the price range

Things to Consider

• Poor sound quality

5. Acer Nitro 5: Best for Cooling System

Specifications

• Screen size: 17.3 inches
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage space: 1000GB
• Processor: Core I7 11800H

Product Highlights

Cooling is essential in graphic design computers. It plays a role in stabilizing the operation of the machine, avoiding jerky lag, and is significant in maintaining the machine’s durability.

Acer AN517-54-79L1 is the best choice for you. It comes with Acer CoolBoost technology, which increases fan speed and cooling beyond automatic cooling.

I have experienced this feature and am completely satisfied with the product’s performance. The fan does not work well enough to hear and not create an uncomfortable feeling.

After 10 hours of work, it remains stable and excellent for quick and efficient design finishing. It features a high-quality display, sharp images, and true-to-life colors, which are helpful for advanced designs.

I was particularly impressed with the device’s keyboard system. Each button is created with a certain buoyancy to allow the user to press it more easily.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• High-quality screen
• Comfortable keyboard
• Suitable for entertainment
• Stable working performance
• Impressive and effective cooling

Things to Consider

• Error often occurs

6. ASUS TUF Dash 15: Best for Durability

Specifications

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage space: 512GB
• Processor: Intel Core i7-12650H

Product Highlights

It would help if you had a durable computer for smooth and efficient work. Yes! And the ASUS TUF Dash 15 version is an excellent example for you. With a quality aluminum frame, this device can ensure strong impact resistance and long life for your requirements.

And I am the prime example of these reviews. After 5 years, all the functions and design features have remained the same. Only the keyboard part tends to degrade because my typing frequency is exceptionally high. Therefore, you can rest assured when choosing to buy this particular machine!

Referring to ASUS TUF Dash 15, it is impossible not to mention its super powerful graphics function. It can smoothly fulfill all your design desires.

Yet, it is heavy to satisfy your mobility requirements.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• High sustainability
• Good shipping service
• Good impact resistance
• Effective moisture resistance
• Super powerful graphics function

Things to Consider

• Heavyweight

7. HP Pavilion 15: Best for Storage Space

Specifications

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage space: 512GB
• Processor: Intel core i7

Product Highlights

HP Pavilion 15 Laptop can give you enough storage space in the price range. With more than 512GB, you will easily download and operate graphic design and editing applications efficiently.

To increase working efficiency, HP has been highly favorable when integrating the 12th generation Intel Core i7 processor into the machine, allowing you to perform multitasking at lightning speed.

As a design enthusiast, this product feature took me by surprise. It’s faster and more flexible than many computers I’ve used before. Its finishing quality is quite good, including the screen, keyboard, and other entertainment functions.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Large storage space
• Light machine weight
• Excellent finishing quality
• Stable working performance

Things to Consider

• Expensive

8. MSI Pulse GL66: Best for Quality Screen

Specifications

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage space: 512GB
• Processor: Intel Core i7

Product Highlights

This MSI version is the best screen-quality product in my collection. Its high resolution and impressive image refresh enable detailed and vivid images to be easily observed and manipulated by users.

As someone with a long history of nearsightedness, I was extremely excited about its visual performance. It helps my eyes feel softer and reduces fatigue than when using other products.

This one gives a fast response with super-fast data transfer rate, which impressed me first. My job is sometimes stressful and needs some entertainment to get back on track. This model is a great suggestion. It can bring you a lively and comfortable entertainment space.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Fast data transfer
• Perfect entertainment
• Good screen quality
• Impressive responsiveness

Things to Consider

• Poor cooling ability

9. Lenovo Flex 5: Best for Budget

Specifications

• Screen size: 14 inches
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage space: 512GB
• Processor: Ryzen 5 5500U

Product Highlights

If you are looking for a budget computer under $700, then the Lenovo Flex 5 laptop is the perfect recommendation. You can invest easily in your learning and design requirements at its current price.

Not making a big splash in the market, this version is still the first choice of many customers because of its modern and compact appearance. It makes it easy to carry with you in any situation.

I am impressed with the product’s battery-saving feature, which optimizes battery consumption for more extended operation. On average, after each charge, it can continuously be available for 8 – 9 hours at high performance.

Its camera quality also let me down. It is blurry and inconvenient for professional conversations and consultations to find a good design.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Battery life
• Reasonable budget
• Come with charger
• Modern and compact design
• Smart battery-saving mode

Things to Consider

• Poor camera quality

10. MSI Stealth 15M: Best for Battery Life

Specifications

• Screen size: 15.6 inches
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage space: 512GB
• Processor: Intel core i7

Product Highlights

MSI Stealth 15M has a long battery life, about 10 – 12 hours per full charge. As such, it will help you process work faster and more efficiently.

In actual use, I found that the machine is even more capable of working than the given parameters from the manufacturer. After more than 15 hours of work, the device can maintain operation if you want.

Works with state-of-the-art Intel core i7 processors, delivering high performance and effortless handling of all games and applications. I used this device to test the heaviest graphic design software.

More specifically, its flexible connectivity is beneficial to me. It provides multiple ports and supports power cables and high-speed data transmission. Accordingly, it makes your work easier and faster.

Today’s Best Deal:

What We Like

• Sharp image
• Long battery life
• Cool and powerful
• Flexible connectivity
• High working efficiency

Things to Consider

• Poor quality keyboard

Buying Guide

Before deciding, you should check out some essential criteria for laptops for graphic design. I suggest you consider some critical things in this section.

Microprocessor

With computers for graphic design, we should prioritize products with processors: Intel core i5, i7, Intel Xeon, or AMD Ryzen.

RAM

RAM is the hardware for storing data, making navigating your tasks smoother.

You need a computer with 16GB of RAM to serve your graphic design work. I encourage you to invest in devices with larger RAM, but it depends on your budget. It will bring you a better experience than expected.

Storage

High-quality computers typically operate with two drives, a spinning hard drive, and a solid hard drive. SSD Solid-state drive is more expensive than the other, but it ensures faster data processing and higher results.

The larger the SSD, the larger the storage capacity, and vice versa.

Video Cards

A computer’s GPU is often quite sensitive to photoshop designs and programs.

Stop using outdated video chips or poor video memory for more efficient image processing. Instead, use a powerful graphics card device that makes more sense for your work.

Battery life

A computer with long battery life is always the best choice for you. It will help you be more proactive in handling work and achieving specific successes.

FAQs

What should a laptop have for graphic design?

A laptop for graphic design should have good performance. Specifically, it should have decent RAM, a fast CPU, a powerful GPU, and a high-quality screen.

How much storage does a graphic designer need on a laptop?

At a minimum, graphic designers need 512GB of memory on their personal computer. Storing and downloading software or work documents is easy.

Which processor is best for graphic design?

Intel core processor is best for graphic design work. It helps to perform complex tasks simultaneously so that all your requirements are completed quickly.

How much RAM is best for graphic design?

A laptop with 16GB RAM is the basic level to meet the work of a graphic designer. Products with higher RAM are ideal for design-intensive purposes.

Which Windows is best for graphic design?

Compared to previous generations, Windows 11 is better for graphic design. With this version, we can perform multiple operations and coordinate programs simultaneously in advanced editing and design software.

Conclusion

The detailed reviews of the ten recommended laptops above will help you understand their features and make a final purchase decision soon.

For a graphic design student, I recommend choosing and using products with full basic features at an affordable price. The most typical I recommend for you are Apple MacBook Pro and HP Newest 17 Laptop.

Thank you for reading!