For robust and smooth performance, graphic designers look for key features in their laptops, like the operating system, design, build quality, specifications, performance and battery life.
Want to get the perfect laptop for your graphic designing endeavours? Here are a few essential considerations.
What to Look for in Your Laptop for Graphic Designing
Processor
It is recommended to have a robust and prompt processor for your graphic design laptop. Intel processors are popular in this regard and can provide creative freedom as they are blazing fast, with Core i7 and Core i9 processors readily available. Along with Intel processors, AMD processors, such as the AMD Ryzen 7000 series, are famous for delivering unmatched performance.
To ensure fast operations, it would be best to be mindful of the processing speed, which should be at least 4GHz or more for mid-level to advanced users. Laptop processors should carry eight cores or more for multitasking and preferably a dedicated graphics processing unit for efficiently running apps like Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Gravit Designer, Affinity Designer, and Lunacy.
However, beginner-level designers looking for a budget-friendly solution to graphic designing laptops and to conduct day-to-day operations on their devices can use a Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 2GHz processing speed or a little lower.
Battery Life and Portability
A lightweight, portable laptop is recommended if you are studying graphic design or are a designer in and out of the office.
It is essential to consider the laptop’s battery life for uninterrupted operations. We recommend going for at least 10–12 hours of battery life, which many HP laptops carry, as it will ensure smooth operations without any battery inhibitions or delays.
Storage
A graphic designer’s storage requirements are high; they need a laptop to store heavy files and run creative software. If you use cloud storage, a 128GB SSD will suffice; however, if you don’t, use at least 512GB for efficient operations. You can pair your SSD with an external HDD to guarantee flawless operations and maximise creative potential.
Memory/RAM
RAM plays a critical role in determining the pace at which graphic designers carry out operations by providing simultaneous access to various software, files, and applications.
There are plenty of choices available in RAM sizes, but our recommendation is to go for at least 8GB–16GB of RAM for running technical design software without any lags or freezes.
Screen Requirements
Laptop displays are advanced and come with all kinds of technology today. We recommend an OLED 15-inch to 17-inch screen laptop to see every detail correctly. These displays are usually Pantone validated, colour accurate, detailed, carry the proper contrast levels, and have a dynamic range, ensuring flawless design. Graphic designers could benefit from touch-display and stylus-compatible screens, as sketching is a standard part of their job requirement.
Operating System
Graphic designers usually need unrestricted access to laptops to ensure smooth, fast performance and multiple operations. A key consideration in this regard is the operating system of the device. Many operating systems, like Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, and others, are available today. We recommend going for Windows as it is the most user-friendly, enhances use and grants access to the Microsoft Store, letting you find many different apps.
Further reasons why Windows is recommended are the following:
- Windows is highly accessible and functional.
- It is compatible with many software programs and hardware.
- It is perfect for everyday and advanced operations.
Ports
Your graphic design laptop should support multiple I/O ports for connecting drawing tablets and other tools essential in the respective field. Try considering a laptop with USB-C and Thunderbolt 4, as it ensures seamless connectivity of external devices and faster data transfer.
Build Quality
Ensure your laptop’s build quality if you want to guarantee your computer lasts a good number of years. It should be made of superior materials like metal for long-lasting performance. Graphic designers, particularly college students and freelancers, might be on a budget and need help with a laptop that doesn’t malfunction for a long time. Ensuring the device has undergone rigorous military-grade standards and quality checks is vital to guarantee its durability and longevity.
Top 2 Laptops for Graphic Designers
Graphic designers looking for a laptop should consider HP laptops, as they are fast, durable, and usually feature a 1-year warranty.
Here are our two favourites from Laptop Outlet.
HP EliteBook 830 G7
Specifications
- Intel Core i5 10th Gen. Processor
- 13.3 in. Full HD Display, IPS, 1920 x 1080 Max. Resolution
- 8 GB RAM / 256 GB SSD
- Intel UHD Graphics
- Windows 10 Pro
- HDMI, USB 3.2
- Silver Colour
- 1-Year Warranty
- New Condition
Features
The HP EliteBook 830 G7 is geared towards beginner-level graphic designers, as it features an Intel Core i5, 10th generation processor, Intel UHD graphics, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and a 13.3-inch, full-high-definition display with IPS technology and 1920 x 1080 resolution. It operates on Windows 10 Pro and supports HDMI and USB 3.2 ports.
The laptop is portable, measuring 307.8 mm x 204.6 mm x 17.9 mm and weighing just 1.23kg. It is ideal for beginner-level graphic designing and casual computing. The device features a built-in microphone for audio conferencing, a backlit keyboard to carry out seamless operations at night, Bluetooth support, and a front camera for video conferencing. Freelance graphic designers particularly need audio help and a camera for their online clients, and the HP EliteBook 830 G7 carries all the specifications a robust laptop should have for uninterrupted performance. The computer is perfect for streaming movies in 4K. It offers fast and reliable connectivity, photo masking and video filtering, and gaming at 1080p (perfect for relaxation after a day’s work).
HP 250 G9
Specifications
- Intel Core i7 12th Gen. Processor
- 15.6 in. Full HD Display, IPS, 1920 x 1080 Max. Resolution
- 16 GB RAM / 512 GB SSD
- Windows 11 Home
- HDMI, USB 3.2
- Black Colour
- 1-Year Warranty
- New Condition
Features
The HP 250 G9 is ideal for those looking for ‘HP laptops UK’ or laptops under ‘best HP laptop deals UK’. The computer features an Intel Core i7, 12th generation processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and a 15.6-inch, full-high-definition display with IPS technology and 1920 x 1080 resolution. It operates on Windows 11 Home and supports HDMI and USB 3.2 ports.
HP features the HP 250 G9 in a thin and sleek profile. It is ideal for day-to-day and advanced productivity, letting you quickly complete projects with fast processing and memory. The device features an HD camera, AI-based noise reduction with ‘dual-array’ mics, advanced security such as the Trusted Platform Module, and Wi-Fi 6. It offers 56% faster multitasking, 57% better responsiveness, and 47% better photo editing than an equivalent system. You can seamlessly stream your favourite content and produce with the device; it offers crystal-clear video chatting, auto-tailored performance for sorting out work according to your priorities, seamless multitasking, 8K streaming, editing huge 4K videos and photos, and reproducing.
Conclusion
A laptop for graphic designers should fulfil essential requirements to perform according to their high-end needs. We recommend choosing HP laptops as they are fast and powerful and have the correct specifications for inundated performance
If you are looking for HP laptops for graphic designing, browse Laptop Outlet to find the perfect device.