Are you a digital artist looking for suggestions to buy a laptop for digital art?
If yes, then you have landed at the right place.
In this post, you are going to get every answer to your queries related to digital art. A laptop or tablet a digital artist should use for his work?
In this post, we will also be discussing why a digital artist should buy a laptop and adapt the latest technology to draw and design anything out of his imagination.
If you are an artist, the one who had long been using old means for designing, drawing, sketching, and painting you would know how painful it is to adopt the new changes.
It is frightening to see how things have gone through so much transition in such a shortest period.
For the 90’s generation, who use to paint and draw using a mouse, adapting the stylus pen to sketch and draw directly on the screen is the same as the 60s generation learning laptops and computers to translate their imagination.
But the thing is we have to adapt to the change to survive or we are left behind.
These days’ superb machines and tablets have been made that you can draw anything anytime without any issue.
Just take your stylus pen, and create anything you like.
Best Laptops For Digital Arts (2022)
- Apple MacBook Pro
- Microsoft surface pro 7
- HP Spectre X360
- Dell XPS 15
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
- Lenovo Flex 5
- ASUS Vivobook Flip 14
- Acer Spin 3
- Lenovo Yoga C940
- HP Chromebook x360
Best Laptops for Digital Arts 2022 (Table)
[table id=6 /]
Best Laptops for Digital Arts Reviews (2022)
1. Apple MacBook Pro
- Processor: 10th Gen Core i5 processor
- RAM: 16GB DDDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 13 Inches Retina Display
- Graphics: Intel Iris Plus
If you are a professional artist looking for an upgrade that catches up with your digital artwork, give Apple-made cutting-edge designed sober-looking model a chance.
It is called an artistic machine, good for designers, drawing enthusiasts, and sketch-up artists.
Not just the specs of the model but its built, features, security, safety all match the needs of the artist exactly.
The latest 2020 upgraded model has many amazing features for artists. It has a touch bar that gives more control and easier access to many tools. It displays the relative controls of the p programs and apps you are using.
Its keyboard is also more responsive and accurate than the butterfly keyboard. It has no scissor switches with improved key travel distance to make you enjoy type for hours.
Retina display is one of the finest and shiniest displays you ever came across. The display offers crystal clear images and visuals produced at the highest 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution.
The retina display shares four times more pixels per square compared to the traditional display. More pixels mean more information and clear images and video presentation.
You get the 10th generation Intel core i5 processor with 2.0 GHz base speed that goes up to 3.8 GHz clock speed in turbo boost. The six-core processor shares 12-threads and supports hyper-threading technology to make you have more virtual cores.
The processor is backed by 16GB DDR4 memory to help in multitasking. Run as many applications as you like such as Affinity Designer, Maya, Clip Studio Paint Pro, Photoshop, and others in the row.
You get 512GB SSD storage here. You get other variants for storage as well. Like if you think the added storage is a little less or more than your requirements you can get 256GB or 1TB SSD storage.
But for a beginner or professional designer or digital artist, 512GB SSD is more than enough for his/her professional to personal storage needs.
It has a decent range of ports options. You get 4 thunderbolts and 3 supports. Actually, if you do not know, thunderbolt 3 is the finest USB port introduced to the time.
It supports three functions; charging, docking, and data transfer. You get 40 GB/s data transfer, and get charged using a smartphone charger and also connect other 5k/6k monitors as well.
The only downside you can say is its battery life. The battery drains quickly because of the shiniest display. It shares four times more pixels than the average screen and is brighter several times than other displays.
So, we can say it is a drawback, which can be controlled by decreasing the screen brightness.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]It has a bright retina display screen
You get 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports
Scissor mechanism switches
Portable and sober designed laptop
Finger Print ID and touch bar[/i2pros][i2cons]
Battery drains fast[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Also Read: Best Windows Laptops under $1000
2. Microsoft surface pro 7
- Processor: 10th Gen Core i5 processor
- RAM: 8GB DDDR4
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Display: 12.3 Inches FHD touchscreen
- Graphics: Intel Iris Plus
If you are looking for a go-to laptop that transitions into a tablet to fulfill your artwork needs, I would suggest buying a Microsoft-designed Surface Pro 7.
The line-up is one of the finest designed laptops by one of the biggest names in the software world.
It is the 7th instalment, shares the legacy of the Surface Pro series, adorns upgraded features, and makes you get your digital artwork and designs accomplished.
Its design is almost the same as before. It shares magnesium alloy construction, bezels are a little thick but weigh just 1.7 pounds.
It has some upgraded features such as USB Type-A and USB Type-C to help users enjoy smooth connectivity.
The latest upgraded model is faster than the previous, shares a 10th gen processor. You get two variants in terms of cores, core i5, and Core i7.
Opt-with as per your budget range, we would like to advise core i5 is enough and offers a longer battery runtime.
As long as the vital specs are concerned, you get a variant option here as well. You get five different memory and storage combinations to fits your needs.
I would like to suggest 8GB memory with 256GB SSD storage. Specs are not upgradable, so think about what suits your needs.
It has one of the most amazing displays. Though thick bezels somehow halt your viewing experience, could have been reduced. The 12.3 inches FHD IPS display offers you a spell-bound viewing experience.
Its resolution falls at 2736 x 1824 pixels renders clearer, smoother, and error-free images and videos produced on the screen.
The touchscreen is accurate and makes you draw directly onto the screen using a digital pen. The stylus pen acts as a fountain pen, you can accurately use the touchscreen for sketching, drawing, designing, editing, and note-taking.
For the keyboard, you will have to shred some more money. Stylus and keyboard price is not included; you pay extra to get the accessories packaged.
The keyboard is comfortable to type on, the keys are a little spaced hard to switch a full-size keyboard to this, will take some time to get used to it.
Keys support backlights, get illuminance coming downward of the keys to getting an undisturbed typing experience. The keyboard is detachable; you can adjust the angle as per your comfort.
One more thing, you would love to get the model on board because it has a stunning battery backup. Users are more than just happy, it offers around 10-hours of long runtime in one charging.
You can easily get a day out with no worry about the battery draining quickly.
In a sum-up, if you want something that offers convenience like a tablet and functionality like a laptop, buy surface pro’s latest edition, you would not regret it.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Upgraded USB Type-C integration
Firm and sturdy made no flex issues
Excellent screen, right saturation, and brightness
Powerful configuration (10th gen, SSD)
10-hours long runtime (fast-charging)
Ultra-portable just 1.70 pounds
[/i2pros][i2cons]Thick bezels around the display
Glaring issues[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Also Read: Best Ultrabook under $1000
3. HP Spectre X360
- Processor: 8th Gen Core I5 processor
- RAM: 16GB DDDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6 Inches UHD 4K Display
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce MX150
For digital artists and designers, experts recommend buying a notebook that helps them strive in their field. But no denying the fact that tablets offer supreme versatility.
If you are into buying one device but interested in enjoying the power of a laptop and the versatility of a tablet, there comes HP Spectre X360.
The model helps you use it as a tablet, take a digital pen, and draw onto the screen with accurate accuracy. Transform it into a notebook and run apps and software for your professional work doings.
Spectre series has many models but you opt with the mentioned because it offers you the right amount of power to handle heavy apps and programs and efficiency for artwork.
Its standout feature is its display. You get a 15.6 inches UHDD display with a touchscreen. With a 4k display, your artwork will be pop-out of the screen. Its IPS panels, larger viewing angle, and responsive touchscreen cover everything connected to the display.
Take your stylus pen, draw onto the screen, and get stunning designs ready with no issue.
It has an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8565U processor with a dedicated graphics card. You get an Nvidia GeForce MX250 graphics card with 2GB of dedicated memory.
The specs ensure users get a smooth processing experience without struggling. It got the power to process visuals, rare in convertible laptops though.
For storage, the model shares 512GB SSD NVMe storage. Keep in mind, that NVMe storages are faster than PCI storage. Here you get an extra slot to expand the storage.
If you feel storage is not on par, and you need to expand it, without connecting external storage you can fit a drive into the laptop slot.
It has 16GB DDR4 memory. For digital art students and artists, this memory is more than amazing. It also has an extra slot; dual-channel memory helps you to expand the memory as per your needs.
Its most mesmerizing feature is its ports and connectivity option. The model shares two USB Type-C ports including one Thunderbolt 3.
The thunderbolt 3 inclusion takes the laptop performance to another level. You get 40 GB/s data transfer speed, with fast charging and docking of 4k/5k displays.
In short, the laptop is a fine grab for digital art students and professional artists. It has everything to help artists go through any kind of work without any issue.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]4K display with touchscreen
Stylus pen included in the price
Solid configuration
Dedicated graphics card
12-hours long battery backup
360-Degree hinges
[/i2pros][i2cons]
Poor keyboard[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Alo Read: Best 2 in 1 laptop under $500
4. Dell XPS 15
- Processor: 10th Gen Core i7 processor
- RAM: 16GB DDDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6 Inches UHD 4K touchscreen
- Graphics: GTX 1650 Ti
The latest addition to the Dell premium XPS series offers a larger variety of features and specifications. Its design, powerful features, and specifications support artist.
Actually, the model is good at anything you take it for home computing, business usage, college or student laptop, a senior laptop, or any other purpose.
The star of the show feature of the model is its 4k display. It comes with a 15.6 inches UHD IPS anti-glare touchscreen that offers the highest resolution content produced to enjoy viewers’ crisp visuals.
The display also helps in your digital artwork as you will be viewing everything in detail without missing out on any angle or sides. Furthermore, it is a touchscreen that supports digital or stylus pens.
A sensitive and responsive screen that allows you to draw, sketch, design, anything you like.
The Dell XPS 15 is a fine offering for digital arts and its specs showcase that. It has a 10th generation Intel Core i7-10750H Hexa-core processor.
With six cores and 12-threads with hyper-threading technology supporting, you get unimagining processing and computing power.
The model due to its powerful processor can be used for heavy digital arts tasks. You can use it for Adobe Photoshop, Maya, AutoDesk, Sketchup, Blender, and many others in the row.
Furthermore, the latest and upgraded Dell XPS 15 is backed by 16GB DDR4 memory. It has another variant, 32GB memory.
But for digital arts and artists, 32GB of memory is too much, more than required, and used. It is good to have a 16GB memory; you can get the desired processing and multitasking with the added memory size.
Its storage comes filled with 1TB SSD storage, here as well, you get three variants of storage.
But, 1TB is good to go with for an artist. If you have a budget issue, may opt for 512GB, more than enough for digital artwork.
To make the model easier to connect, the brand offers 2 thunderbolts and 3 ports. Yes, you get superior data transfer speed, easier docking, and an impressive charging experience.
Overall the laptop is more than just for digital arts and graphic design. It is for everything; get it onboard for designing work, word processing, web designing, and much more others.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]4k UHD Gorilla glass display
10th generation processor
1TB SSD storage
Two thunderbolt support
Infinity edge display with thin bezels around[/i2pros][i2cons]Poor battery performance[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
- Processor: 10th Gen Core i5 processor
- RAM: 8GB DDDR4
- Storage: 256B SSD
- Display: 13.5 Inches FHD touchscreen
- Graphics: Integrated
If you do not like using MacBook because of macOS and are disappointed by top laptop manufacturers including HP, Dell, and others, and looking for a stunning alternative, I would highly recommend Microsoft Surface laptop third installment.
It seems from the model that Microsoft has learned how to design and make ultrabooks that others can’t even learn in 20-years. The model is a sleek look, showcases a stylish statement, and makes you get hold of lots of operations without any issue.
It has a 10th generation Intel core i5 processor. You would love to use this laptop for tiny processes to heavy operations. Its processing power is on par with digital arts and graphic design and makes you go through anything from designing to sketching and drawing to animation.
It is backed by 8GB memory, I would like to recommend 8GB RAM because, with a Core i5 processor, 16GB memory is useless. The model though offers a 16GB memory variant as well, if you think 16GB suits your workloads, opt for 16GB because the memory is not upgradeable.
Storage size is more of a personal preference and requirement. The model offers multiple storage variants you can opt for any as per your budget and requirement.
In my view, 256GB SSD storage is quite the right fit for digital arts and artists to carry out their regular computing chores with no issue.
The latest and upgraded model got 13.5 inches and offers a 4K display. In my view, Microsoft is among the very few brands that offer a 4k display in a 13-inches laptop.
The display fits the needs of artists and makes them draw directly onto the screen. The screen is pressure sensitive and accurate, use a stylus pen to design and draw your creativity.
The model suits the students who want to use it for note-taking and as a student laptop.
The upgraded model offers a 20-per cent bigger trackpad than the previous model and comes in a myriad of colour options to choose from.
So, in my view, do not opt for the older version, the latest version is worth your attention.
The only issue some of the users mentioned is random adaptive brightness. The feature comes in all Microsoft displays, the display adjusts the screen brightness concerning the environment.
So, it is not impressive, Microsoft should fix the issue or come up with something intuitive.
Good to go battery life, around 6-7 hours at one time. Though Microsoft touted a 12-hours long runtime in my view, it lasts around 7-hours on normal computing.
Maybe with dim display and light browsings, it lasts for 10-hours or so.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]10th Gen processor
Storage and memory variant
4K touchscreen display
Pressure senstive, responive touch
Sleek looking, sober designed ultrabook
New color option[/i2pros][i2cons]Random adaptive brightness
Wi-Fi Bluetooth drivers mess[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. Lenovo Flex 5
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U
- RAM: 16GB DDDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14-Inches FHD touchscreen
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics
If you are running short of money and looking into a deal that offers you a superb laptop for a budget price range, get hands-on with this model.
Believe me, you can’t get half of the specs this model comes integrated with. USB Type-C port, AMD 4500 U processor, a Stylus pen, and 16GB memory under a $600 price range.
The latest model looks the same as the previous model when the design is concerned but is a bit more premium. It is not all metal designed still manages to look in between a premium and affordable range machine.
A rubberized keyboard deck would not halt many issues, you may have some issues in starting to get used to it. But for the price, the keyboard is good to go and you manage to get a smooth typing experience.
It comes incorporated with AMD Ryzen 5 4500U mobile processor with AMD Radeon graphics.
The processor of the upgraded version is upgraded with AMD Ryzen 4500, so do not buy the old model, the upgraded model has much more to offer than you imagine.
The combination of the CPU and integrated graphics brings forth unimaginable power to cope with the load you come across on daily basis.
It has a 16GB dual-channel memory. Yes, you get two slots of the memory to make you enjoy a superior multitasking experience.
Do not go with the reviews and descriptions where it is mentioned as soldered memory, it is a dual-channel memory and it is a great difference if you know.
It shares 256GB SSD storage, great for the price. It is SSD storage helps in boot-up times and loading times other than the system’s performance.
If you check the benchmark scores, the model offers 16-per cent improved performance and less price compared to the older version. I do not know how long the brands will sell this product for the 600 dollar price range; it is a great deal to have hands-on.
As long as the ports and connectivity is concerned, you get one USB Type-C port that supports charging, 10 GB/s data transfer, docking. 2 USB generation 3 ports, one HDMI port, an audio jack, and an SD Card to offer superior connectivity.
The model shares a 14-inches FHD IPS display with a (1920 x 1080) pixel resolution. The display is above average, could have been better than this. It is not that bright and color accuracy is also below average.
Good to go for the price, and digital arts students or beginners who are just dipping their toes into the digital art profession before diving deep.
It is a 2 in 1 laptop, among very flexible convertible laptops that come at an affordable price. The display supports 360-degree hinges and makes you draw directly onto the screen or sketch using a stylus pen.
The pen is also included in the price; do not have to buy a separate one. Just draw onto the screen or take notes the same as using a fountain pen.
Battery performance is good to go for a laptop and price. It withstands as long as 6-7 hours in a single charging and manages to do well when you need to work on a project for a prolonged time.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Upgraded AMD 4500 manages to put great power
Integrated AMD Radeon graphics
16GB mammoth of memory, upgradable
USB Type-C support
Fingerprint reader[/i2pros][i2cons]Flat keys keyboard
Dim display
Nonmetal construction[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. ASUS Vivobook Flip 14
- Processor: Quad-Core Pentium N5000
- RAM: 4GB DDDR4
- Storage: 128GB eMMC
- Display: 14-Inches FHD touchscreen
- Graphics: Intel HD 615 Graphics
Searching for a good laptop is a hectic processor. If you are on a budget, you have to sacrifice many important features. Students, high-school students, or grad-school students, looking for a superb laptop under the $400 price range, get hands-on with the model.
I am amazed to see such a spectacular range of specifications for the price; a USB Type-C port, a bigger SSD storage, a backlit keyboard, and firmer hinges.
It is the right balance of specifications. You cannot get better than this, I swear. The model shares an amazing range of configurations to meet your regular studying needs. It is a 2 in 1 laptop, one of the finest convertible laptops under $400.
It has an Intel Quad-Core Pentium N5000 processor, four processors are there to serve you make you go through your drawing work, sketching, and tackle other digital arts and animation workloads.
Furthermore, its specs are further enhanced by 4GB DDR4 RAM and 128GB SSD storage. Isn’t it great to have SSD storage under this price range?
The model has fingerprint reader support as well. You get an instant and fast logging-in. Safe and secure sign-in, no unauthorized, and unwanted access ever in your absence.
The model shares a 14-inch Glossy screen in 13-inches chassis or frames. The screen in HD makes you view from wider angles without any distortion. The screen glares outdoor, and it becomes hard to view without shades.
The laptop is rotatable, hinges support 360-degree rotation. The hinges are firm, do not worry, convert as many times as you like, and use it as a laptop.
It supports a digital pen, but a digital pen is not included in the package. You can buy a Microsoft digital pen for 30 dollars, issue solved.
I have been reading through the users’ feedback, many were annoyed because of Windows S mode does not let them install apps other than the Windows store.
Guys, it is a breeze to switch from Windows S mode to regular windows, it would not take more than a minute and your life’s biggest problem gets solved without visiting any service centre.
That’s true, it does not integrate regular USB ports. But, you can buy an adapter for under 5 dollars and get a range of connectivity options.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Good balance of hardware
Bigger SSD storage for the price
USB Type-C port
Convertible screen support digital pen
Affordable price
Great battery
[/i2pros][i2cons]No regular USB ports
A digital pen is not included
NO FHD screen[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Acer Spin 3
- Processor: 8th Gen Core i5 processor
- RAM: 8GB DDDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14-Inches FHD touchscreen
- Graphics: Intel HD 620 Graphics
Convertible laptops are getting appreciation from youngsters. Young digital art students, even professionals love to buy convertible laptops. For professionals, it is easier to get one because they can afford a big price.
For students, buying a convertible Windows laptop is not easy because they can’t afford the price. If that’s the case, get hands-on Acer Spin 3. The model supports and installs Windows 10 and convertibility under 600 dollars price range.
It comes integrated with an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U processor. A quad-core processor is backed by bulky 8GB memory, memory is upgradable you can put another 12GB memory into another slot.
Its processing power is on par and offers a smooth productivity experience.
You can even run some heavy digital art software such as Adobe Photoshop and others without any issue. The model is not made and designed for games, but for some light games such as Sims 4 and others.
It has a bigger storage option compared to the price. You get 256GB SSD storage, non-upgradable. But, I do not think digital arts students would wish for more storage than this.
You enjoy great graphics without any issue. It has 14-inches FHD IPS LED Backlit multi-touch display. It has a touchscreen that makes you draw, paint, sketch onto the screen using a rechargeable digital pen. The stylus pen comes in the package, no need to pay extra for buying a digital pen.
Its touchscreen is brilliant; its display is on par and makes you view the screen like never before. You get to behold stunning visuals, no color bleeding issues, or anything else.
Probably, it is one of the best 2 in 1 laptop for digital art.
The model does not share a metal construction, and at this price, it is hard to get by with a sturdy metal-constructed machine. It is a sturdy plastic-made machine, shares sturdy and rugged construction.
I love its battery backup. It offers around 8-hours long runtime in a single charging.
In other words, you can rely on charging for an entire day. Get it along on traveling, school, college, or office and get things sorted out without any need to charge it up.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]USB Type-C port support
FHD IPS convertible display
Solid and powerful processor
Upgradable memory
8-10 hours runtime
Enough storage
Rechargeable stylus
[/i2pros][i2cons]Plastic construction[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Also Read: Best Laptops for Medical Students
9. Lenovo Yoga C940
- Processor: 10th Gen Core i7 processor
- RAM: 12GB DDDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 14-Inches FHD touchscreen
- Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics
If you are a digital artist and looking for a powerful laptop that offers a stunning display for your creative work and supports touchscreen as well, give this model a chance.
The model shares the 10th gen processor, offers an HD display, supports Thunderbolt 3, and a long battery life that stays a day long with you.
I think the laptop as long as its power-packed performance, long battery life, compactness, and construction are concerned, is more like the Apple MacBook Pro model.
It comes powered with a 10th Generation Core i7-1065G7 processor that goes up to 3.6 GHz clock speed and supports a turbo boost. It is a quad-core processor, offers superior performance even when bulky processings are concerned.
The model is a perfect grab for artwork, as it supports a fast processor and touchscreen with a digital pen.
It has 12GB DDR4 memory and 512GB SSD storage. I think, for the price, and for our needs being digital artists, we do not require more than 512GB SSD storage. Enjoy bigger storage and improved data transfer and boot-up times.
The model has to share the biggest screen among top windows 2 in 1 laptop. It has a 14-inches FHD screen with IPS panels and supports a touchscreen with an 89-percent screen-to-body ratio.
It also comes with a digital pen to make you convert the screen into a tablet and write on the screen directly. You can use any stylus pen in case you do not like the rechargeable digital pen that comes in the package.
The display is responsive, vibrant, and makes you enjoy crisp visuals produced with no blur or dim display issue.
With keys support backlighting, you get a stunning typing experience. I have not seen keys with that improved key travel speed.
You will enjoy typing, get your hands on the keyboard, and type through long hours to accomplish your project.
I think it is the only model that supports these extensive ports and connectivity. It offers 1 USB 3.0 PORT, 2 USB 3.1 ports, 2 thunderbolts 3 ports, and a headphone jack.
No MicroSD card reader support could have been a nice addition for photographers.
The model in view has the finest battery among all models reviewed. It runs through a day-long and supports the fastest charging. It gets almost 2-hours of charging within 15-minutes, no need to wait for hours to get the machine juiced up again.
In total, the model strikes the right balance of power and usability. It has an extensive range of features and specifications to stun an average and professional user.
It has the greatest battery life, perfect speaker, nice configuration, and construction as MacBook Pro.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Solid MacBook Pro-grade construction
Extensive range of ports with 2 Thunderbolt 3
FHD IPS Touchscreen display
Sturdy hinges support 360-degree rotation
12-hours long battery runtime, fast charging mechanism as well
10th generation processor
[/i2pros][i2cons]Get heats up quickly
No micro SD card[/i2cons][/i2pc]
10. HP Chromebook x360
- Processor: 8th Gen Core i3 processor
- RAM: 8GB DDDR4
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Display: 14-Inches FHD touchscreen
- Graphics: Intel HD 620 Graphics
If you are an art design student, looking for an affordable laptop that is quick, portable, cheap and sleek offers you plenty of processing power to go through regular tasks, gets hands-on with the laptop.
It is super-easy to set up, just log in with your Chrome password, and within 5-10 minutes, you are ready to go through your professional tasks without any need.
It is a super-lightweight laptop; a student can take it with him/her without any issue. Above all, it supports a touchscreen, transitioning from a notebook to tablet mode is super smooth.
You may have been hearing that Chromebooks are not good for heavy processing. Yes, maybe the users had access to the old Chromebooks which were laggy and slugging in performance.
Today’s Chromebooks are as good as notebooks and help you go through a myriad of processing tasks in no time.
It has a 10th gen Intel Core i3-10110U mobile processor. Imagine you get a 10th generation i3 processor Chromebook with all of its speeds and efficiency for handling ChromeOS. The laptop is no doubt as fast and efficient as you imagine.
8GB RAM is backing up the processing. Great to go through multiple operations at one time. The added memory size makes you even get this laptop onboard for video and image editing as well.
It has 64GB eMMC storage, good for Chromebooks. It also stuns you with its keyboard performance. You get a full-sized keyboard with wide-spaced keys to make you type through your regular typing tasks. Illuminated keys make it easier to get the job done in any environment.
It also has a fingerprint reader that functions quite impressively. Unlike many other Chromebooks fingerprint readers that irritate users and make them repeatedly repeat the process?
The model has 14 inches FHD IPS LED Backlit display. You enjoy crisp and clear visuals produced on the screen. The screen supports a touch display and 360-degree rotation.
Flip the screen over and use it as a tablet. This Chromebook’s touchscreen is reliable, efficient, and responsive. Make your type on the screen direct using a digital Pen.
In total, the model is compact, thin, and ultra-portable that making it easier for digital arts students to go through their regular student’s tasks carrying the laptop around.
Also Read: Cheap Chromebooks Under $100
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Sleek, elegant and ultra-portable
10th gen processor
FHD IPS display
Seamless conversion from the notebook to tablet
Fingerprint reader
Camera shutter off/on functionality
[/i2pros][i2cons]
The keyboard is a little bit weird[/i2cons][/i2pc]
What to look for when Buying a Laptop for Digital Arts?
The laptop has become an integral component of every field of life. You need a laptop, irrespective of your field. In the same way, being a digital artist you also require a good laptop that translates your imagination into creativity.
No issue, if you are comfortable with desktop and prefer a PC, but we move a lot. From one location to the other, and we can’t stop doing our job visiting other cities or on a trip.
So, it is important to carry a good laptop for even casual computing. If you are a digital artist and looking for an answer to what specs or features you should look into a laptop for smooth computing, read through this section.
Screen size and Display:
No doubt, screen size, and display are the most important factors and the one which makes or break your laptop for digital art.
In my view, as long as the screen size is concerned, it is your personal preference. But, do not settle less than 12-inches.
Because, being a digital artist you view your designs, drawing, sketches, and creativity. On a small screen, you might not be able to behold in-depth or minute details of your creativity.
So, good screen size with the right resolution is necessary. Screen resolution should at least be FHD and size above 12-inches.
As long as the touchscreen is concerned, I would say, artists, are opting with touchscreen laptops or convertible laptops. It is the future, and it will be ideal for you to adapt to the future as quickly as possible.
Still, if you are comfortable with a mouse and keyboard for your creativity, it is great, there is nothing special about using touchscreens.
Processor
If you deal with heavy software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Maya, and other 3d modeling to design and render your work, it is great to have a core i7 processor.
If you are the one who designs not-so-heavy projects and graphics, and is more concerned about drawing, sketching, illustration, and others, it is good to go with a core i3 or core i5 processor.
Core i5 is good, as you may have to work on other software as well.
So, opt with the latest generation processor with core i5 for light designing, animation, sketching, and digital artwork. For professionals, it is good to have a core i7 processor.
RAM
As long as professional digital artists are concerned about who deals with heavy software and into 3d modeling, illustration, and rendering projects, it is essential for them to house 16GB RAM.
For artists who deal with light software, it is not essential to have a bulky memory of the mentioned size.
For them, 8GB is more than enough and helps them carry out their regular sketching, designing, editing, animation, and other tasks.
Graphics card
For 3d modelers, video editors, and others dealing with heavy digital artwork, it is good to house a graphics card. It is essential to have a GTX 1650 or Quadro graphics card.
For sketching, designing, and other light digital artwork, an integrated graphics card can spill the magic, no need to have a dedicated.
Storage
For digital artists, it is essential to have a good amount of storage. More than the total amount of storage, storage type is important. So, pick a good storage size with SSD type. an SSDs are the most preferred and reliable option.
It offers improved boot-up time, super-fast data transfer, and smooth run-time. You can rely on them for a longer time and storage your important data.
In my view, the minimum 256GB SSD storage is must-have. For professionals, it is important to get hands-on 512GB SSD storage or more as per their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a laptop stand out for digital art and design?
There is no strict specification or features for digital art. You should look for a well-built laptop that stays with you for a long time.
Look for good memory that helps in multitasking, the latest generation processor that optimizes your digital art workload, and good fast storage to offer smooth boot-up time and transfer data.
In our above section, we have mentioned the best specification to use a laptop for digital art.
What is the minimum RAM size for an artist laptop?
I think a digital artist has to use different applications and programs to thrive in his/her work. He/she has to deal with multiple operations at one time. For a digital artist, it is good to have a minimum RAM size of 8GB.
Also look for a laptop with dual-channel memory, so that you could upgrade the ram size in case you find the size is not picking up your work.
Is it essential to look for a 2 in 1 laptop for digital art?
No, it is not essential. I know many digital artists which are happy with their mouse and keyboard functionality for creative work.
If you are happy with your notebook that is helping you out in coping with the regular workload, that’s great. Actually, convertible laptops offer you more functionality, versatility, and portability.
It is easy to carry around; you can transition them into a tablet and write directly onto the screen. You can use your fingertips to draw, design, and sketch or write something on the screen.
So, it is more about functionality and adapting the latest means and ways.
Could I draw onto the screen of the reviewed laptops?
Yes, most of the laptops mentioned and reviewed above are convertibles. You check them, if they support touchscreen you can draw directly onto the screen. You can use a digital pen or stylus pen to craft something out of your imagination.
Conclusion
For a digital art student and a professional artist, it is important to buy a good laptop to thrive in their field. The era has entirely transitioned, it is impossible to overlook the latest modern technology in the artwork.
There are more than one factors that one should look at before buying a laptop for digital artists. I mean you should look for a great CPU, fast storage, good size of memory, and if needed a dedicated graphics card. It is more for your niche of work in digital art.
For someone handling 3d modeling, video editing, rendering, sit is essential to look for a dedicated graphics card and bulky specification.
For digital arts involves drawing, doodling, painting, graphic editing, sketching, and other niches of work, there is no need to shred your money into buying expensive specifications.
We have listed the top best laptops for digital Art. You can check the reviewed models, behold their specifications, and other features before making a buying decision.
Buy only what you need and you could use, unnecessary expensive features that you would not be using got no benefit for you.