The Best Laptops For Graphic Design Right Now
It may come as no surprise that a MacBook Pro laptop is our pick for the best laptop for graphic designers. Apple’s MacBook Pros are hugely popular with creatives and graphic designers thanks to their excellent build quality, design and power, and the brand-new 16-inch MacBook Pro is the pinnacle of this.
Replacing the Intel-powered model from 2019, the MacBook Pro 16-inch comes with a choice of Apple’s powerful M1 Pro or M1 Max chips, which can handle even the most complex graphical design tasks, as well as a stunning XDR mini-LED screen and a huge battery life.
Apple has also increased the screen size slightly, as well as added a great selection of ports, including HDMI and a memory card slot, that makes this easily the best graphic design laptop out there.
It is rather large, however, so if you’re after something more portable, check out the 14-inch model below.
The MacBook Pro 14-inch is a brand-new size from Apple, offering a decent bump in screen real estate over the older 13-inch MacBook Pro. Like the 16-inch model above, it offers an amazing mini-LED screen that supports 1,600 nits of peak brightness and the P3 wide color gamut.
It’s also powered by the new M1 Pro and M1 Max Apple chip, the same as the 16-inch model, which means it offers a similar level of performance to the bigger laptop. So, if you want an incredibly powerful laptop for graphic design, but want something that’s easily portable, then the 14-inch model may be the best one for you.
Buying Guide For Best Budget Laptops
Shopping for a budget laptop can be a tricky thing because there are a ton of available options and it’s tough to find a good value in a sea of disposable tech. To complicate matters, everyone has a different idea of what budget means. To us, budget laptops are around $500, but your mileage may vary.Whether youre looking for a new laptop for work, school, or casual use, there are plenty of reliable options for a few hundred dollars. Youll need to make some smart compromises for example, most budget laptops include graphics hardware thats capable but not fast enough to keep up with video games that require a powerful video card. Thats OK with us gaming laptops are great, too, but a good budget laptop will still deliver when it comes to working with office apps, streaming video, and any work that relies on a web browser.Focus on comparing the specs, the must-have features, and the most reliable brands when deciding on the right budget laptop.
What Screen Size Laptop Do You Need
Laptop screens range from around 11in to 17in. A smaller screen might be harder to work on and offer fewer ports, but it will be more portable.
A 17in laptop, on the other hand, is a desktop replacement laptop and not designed to be moved around often. Generally, 13- or 14in is the sweet spot for portability and usability.
While some cheap laptops have a resolution of 1366×768, there are Full HD, Quad HD and even 4K laptops available. A touchscreen will add to the cost and generally isn’t needed on a laptop, but it is an extra convenience. Also lookout for a matt, non-reflective screen.
What you won’t find here is a laptop with a high refresh rate display, with that technology primarily used in gaming hardware. However, there are signs that more consumer laptops with screens of 90Hz and above could arrive soon.
Laptops with Mini-LED displays are on the way soon.
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Best Windows Laptop In 2021
There are many great devices out there that we’ve been trying out and testing, and this is just a glance at the 19 total best Windows laptop options we’ve rounded up here.
Best Gaming Pc Brands Faq
Your number one priority is compatibility! It’s important to remember that inspecting the socket isn’t always sufficient.
Please make sure the latest processor is compatible with the motherboard you’ve chosen before you buy it. In addition, not having the correct CPU can slow down your RAM, reducing its performance.
If you buy a kit with a 2400 MT/s rating, double-check that you are getting the full benefit of your investment! If you need to enter the BIOS and load the memory profile, check the memory speeds after building your rig. Other third-party apps, such as the Ballis tix® M.O.D. The utility can show you how quickly your system is using your memory.
Because RAM sticks, also known as DIMMs, can only go one way, make sure they are aligned before installing. We do not want an unintentional Hulk Smash, so it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to be on the safer side.
Heat paste is a necessity that is quick and easy to apply, but new builders may not be aware of its importance in a custom rig. Primarily, always apply the paste to the top of the CPU rather than underneath it!
It will not harm you if you do too much , but it will make a mess. It is possible that there is not enough for proper heat transfer. And foremost, always apply the paste to the top of the CPU rather than underneath it! For excellent adherence, we recommend applying a pea-sized drop.
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The Best Budget Laptop In 2021
You dont need to spend $1,000 to get a laptop that looks and feels premium. The HP Envy x360 2020 is the best budget laptop you can buy, thanks to its sturdy and compact build, chic convertible design, and excellent performance.
Part of what makes the Envy so great is that HP has ported over a number of elements from its excellent 2019 flagship, the Spectre x360, including the thin-and-light chassis and nearly bezel-free display with an 88 percent screen-to-body ratio. The touchscreen is bright and looks great. . And HP has added a row of convenient hotkeys to the keyboard, including kill switches for the microphone and webcam.
But the most exciting feature is inside: the new Envy x360 is powered by AMDs Ryzen 4000 series. The Ryzen 5-4500U in my model did an outstanding job with a fairly heavy load of multitasking. And AMDs integrated Radeon graphics delivered good gaming performance comparable to what youd expect from a lower-powered discrete GPU.
Msi Best Gaming Brand
Micro-Star International or MSI for short is a Taiwanese company that specializes in providing computer hardware like desktops, laptops, graphic cards, and motherboards.
MSI was so successful in producing quality hardware for PCs that it became one of the most notable brands in gaming. In fact, most MSI products are all about improving performance for gaming, whether it be processors or cooling fans.
The only downside to MSI laptops is that they are very expensive. But theyre expensive for a reason because most MSI laptops have high end graphic cards and powerful processors. You can even say that even when it comes to laptops, MSI is focused solely on gaming.
This is both MSIs strength and weakness. Its a strength because they have some of the best gaming hardware and laptops around. This is at the same time a weakness because they dont provide other options for customers. MSI is a pretty niche market.
MSI laptops are all about gaming. So you should get MSI laptops if you want to play games smoothly and competitively.
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Best Laptop Brands For 2022
Our independent reviews and recommendations are funded in part by affiliate commissions, at no extra cost to our readers.
When buying a laptop, you want it to do everything you need, and last for years, too. That means, buying from a laptop brand you can trust. There are several key factors to consider, including your budget, what you actually want to use the laptop for, and of course the brands reputation. We take a look at some of the best laptop brands on the market and explain what they offer.
If youre after a laptop for business, youll find that your needs will be vastly different to one you might need at home, for example. Whereas one might reside mainly on your desk and have several peripherals attached to it at any time, the other might reside more in your bag, making the need for a better battery and light body all the more important.
Do consider your needs when buying a laptop, and make sure that the one you pick is best suited to your tasks.
Looking for a laptop today? Check our list of the Best Laptops to Buy
Should I Buy A Refurbished Desktop
Many people considering desktops in the $200-to-$500 range should also consider a refurbished machine. They can be excellent values in certain circumstances.
Large corporations lease fleets of desktops for a few years at a time, after which third parties refurbish them and offer them for resale on eBay, as well as via retailers such as Best Buy, Newegg, and TigerDirect. To find them, search or filter the product category pages for “off-lease” or refurbished systems.
These refurbished PCs are often surprisingly cheap , and many are desktop towers, so they’re easy to upgrade or service if a component goes south. They do come with drawbacks. Their components are usually several years behind the cutting edge, they may be in imperfect cosmetic condition , and different refurbishers can have varying levels of attention to detail.
Still, if you’re looking for a cheap desktop to stow in a cabinet or under a desk, used just to check your email and calendar, refurbs can be a fine option. Just be sure to buy from a seller with a reasonable return policy in case you get a dud.
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How We Rate Brands
Each laptop brand is assigned a score based on a 100-point scale. Points are awarded in five categories: Design, Reviews, Tech Support/Warranty, Innovation and Value, and Selection. Here’s what each means.
Reviews : The most important aspect of any brand is the quality of its products. To determine a company’s Reviews category score, we used the ratings we gave its laptops. We took the average laptop rating for each brand , converted that average rating to a 40-point scale and then added a 0.75-point bonus for each Editors’ Choice award.
Design : We absolutely will judge a notebook by its cover and its sides, deck, bezel and base. Though no two notebooks look exactly the same, each brand has a design language that cuts across its product lines.
| Brand | |
| 9 | 70 |
Tech Support and Warranty : When you buy a laptop, you want to know that the manufacturer is going to stand behind that machine and help you with technical problems. We base this category’s score primarily on the ratings from our annual Tech Support Showdown, in which we go undercover and pose questions to all of the companies, using their phone, web and social channels. However, 2 out of the 20 points were awarded based on the quality of the company’s standard warranty coverage.
- Scorecard and Winners
Hp Envy 14 Touchscreen Laptop
With a thin and light body, exceptional design, discrete GPU, and modest price, the HP ENVY 14 is ideal for creators on the move.
- Pentium models are underpowered
- Type Cover and Pen sold separately
Sometimes all you need is a Windows device without potent hardware that can travel with you everywhere. That’s where the Surface Go 3 fits into this collection. It is identical to the Surface Go 2 in every way except for a bump up in processors. That means you’re still getting a touch display with inking, Wi-Fi 6, and optional LTE.
The premium design remains unchanged, and you’re still getting a high-quality aluminum build with a kickstand on the back and an optional attachable Type Cover and Surface Pen for inking. The 10.5-inch touch display has a 3:2 aspect ratio and 1920×1280 resolution for a great look.
While the Intel Core i3 CPU option does add some extra power over the first and second generations, it’s still not going to handle intensive work. This is a 2-in-1 that’s best reserved for light work on the move. Keep it there, and it will truly shine.
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If Youre Spending Under $500
$500 wont net you the laptop of your dreams, but it will get you a decent starter. You should be aiming for an i3 Intel processor at this price, which will prove powerful enough for the casual user and should be future-proof for a few years.
Consider something from the Acer Aspire or Lenovo ThinkPad ranges. Not head-turners by any means, but they will get the job done.
Should I Get A Longer Laptop Warranty
Most laptop makers offer one-year warranties on parts and labor. These standard plans are limited, so they won’t cover accidents that stem from spilling a drink on the keyboard or dropping the system on the sidewalk. Fortunately, your credit-card issuer likely covers such mishaps for a short period of time after you buy a new product, and it also may extend the manufacturer’s warranty. Check your account benefits guide for details.
If your credit-card issuer doesnt cover you, some laptop makers will happily sell you extended warranties. Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo all offer wide ranges of extended warranties and coverage for accidental damage. Expect to spend $100 to $300 for these options. Our rule of thumb is that if a warranty costs more than 15 percent of the laptop’s purchase price, you’re better off spending the money on backup drives or services that minimize downtime.
Of course, you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind. There are instances when the logic board or the displaythe most expensive parts of a laptopfail, and while rare, such a catastrophe can cost you half of what the laptop is worth in repair costs.
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Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Extreme
Specs
- Display Type: 15.6 FHD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti 4GB
- Camera: 720p HD w/ThinkShutter & integrated mic
- Wireless: Intel 9560 & Bluetooth 5.0
- Price: $1,673.10
A Locked-and-Loaded Gaming Machine
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme is by far Lenovos strongest contribution to the gaming world. It supports several monitors, is VR-ready, and is capable of running for long hours without any signs of tiring.
Unlike most of the gaming laptops out there, this one is super compact. Less than an inch thick and only 3.75lbs, you can toss the ThinkPad in a backpack and take it wherever you need to go.
How Often Should I Upgrade My Laptop
That will generally vary from person to person. If youre not pushing your laptop with performance tasks, it should last you for years as long as you take care of it. Many PC models allow you to upgrade either the storage, memory, or both, allowing the system to grow with you as your needs change.
Editors’ Recommendations
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The Best Laptops In 2021
Zenbook 13 OLED
The best laptops are the ones that help you stay on top of all your different projects and gadgets. Once you’ve equipped yourself with the right one, you’ve acquired the speed to power you through all of your assignments, and the battery life to make it through a day of work without worrying about the nearest power outlet.
Finding the best laptop for you can be tricky, because you’ve never had more choices. There are top rated laptops for basic web surfing, mainstream machines with premium components and attractive designs, and beastly gaming laptops that will let you play the hottest PC games the way they were meant to be played.
- These are the best Windows laptops on the market
- The best laptops under $500 can help you stay productive on a budget
Look At Recent Reviews From Other Buyers
Finally, you should take a look at the most recent reviews from other buyers before making your purchase. This article did a good job covering the laptops. However, recent reviewers will mention any potential issues that I may not have been aware of.
There shouldnt be any major issues, but every now and then bad batches do occur during manufacturing. Other times reviewers will mention problems that only start appearing after a few years of use.
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Cutting Edge Components In A Sleek Chassis
Razer
CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H | Graphics: Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti mobile | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD| Display: 17.3-inch4K | Battery: up to 6 hours | Weight: 6.06 pounds
Razer was one of the first gaming laptop manufacturers out the gate with Intel’s new line of Alder Lake mobile processors, and it’s earned it the coveted fastest gaming laptop category in this roundup. The Razer Blade 17 features every cutting edge component money can buy, from the 14-core Intel Core i9-12900H processor and equally impressive NVIDIA RTX 3080 Ti graphics chip, to the 32GB of DDR5 memory and 144Hz 4K display.
This laptop will outperform most desktop PCs by a significant margin, letting you play any game at 4K with all settings turned up to their maximum.
It also comes in a sleek and sturdy chassis, with a robust selection of ports, thin bezels and upgradeable NVMe storage to give you plenty of space to store all of your games. Battery life won’t last a long time on a laptop this powerful, but there’s enough there for a couple of hours if you need to step away from a power socket for a while.