Best Laptop for Illustrator: Top Picks for 2023 (2024)

Written by: Hrishikesh Pardeshi, Founder at Flexiple, buildd & Remote Tools.
Last updated: Oct 30, 2023

The best laptops for Illustrator are:

1. HP Probook 640 G3 Business Laptop
2. Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Max
3. Dell XPS 17 9720 Laptop
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio - 14.4" Touchscreen
5. Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR Laptop
6. Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop
7. Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip
8. 2022 HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 15.6" FHD Touchscreen Laptop
9. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

As an illustrator, I know the importance of having a reliable and efficient laptop to help me bring my artistic visions to life. There's an overwhelming variety of laptops available, each claiming to be the best for creatives like me. But which device truly stands out as the best laptop for illustrators?

Illustrators need laptops with power, precision, and impressive graphics capabilities. We rely on our devices to not only run complex software like Adobe Illustrator but also to display our work in the best possible way. With advanced processors, high-resolution screens, and smooth performance, a great laptop for Adobe Illustrator can make all the difference in the quality and efficiency of our work.

When looking for the ideal laptop, it's crucial to consider factors like processing power, screen resolution, graphics card, RAM, and battery life. These elements play an essential role in ensuring a seamless experience, allowing me to work on my projects without any hiccups, from simple sketches to intricate designs.

After careful consideration and extensive research, I put together a list of top laptops for graphic designers and illustrators that excel in performance, display quality, and user experience. It's time to dive into the details and discover which laptop will help unleash your artistic potential.

Best Laptops for Illustrator

As a creative professional, I know how important it is to have the right tools for my work. That's why I've compiled a list of the best laptops for illustrators like me. These powerful machines will help bring your artistic vision to life with ease. Dive in and discover the perfect laptops for Adobe Illustrator!

HP Probook 640 G3 Business Laptop

The HP Probook 640 G3 is a reliable and efficient choice for illustrators seeking a budget-friendly and functional laptop.

Pros

• Smooth performance with Intel Core i5-7200U processor
• 16GB RAM for multitasking
• Backlit keyboard and fingerprint feature

Cons

• Limited storage with 256GB SSD
• Refurbished condition
• Battery life could be better

I recently got my hands on the HP Probook 640 G3, and I must say this HP laptop has been serving me well for my illustration work. Its Intel Core i5-7200U processor ensures that it runs smoothly, and the 16GB RAM allows me to multitask without any hiccups.

The backlit keyboard is a nice touch, making it easy for me to work in low-light environments. The fingerprint feature adds an extra layer of security to my device, which I appreciate. The Full HD display with 1920x1080 resolution delivers crisp and vibrant visuals, perfect while running Adobe illustrator.

However, the 256GB SSD storage capacity might be limiting for some users, especially those who work with large files or need ample space for software and applications. Since it's a refurbished product, there might be some cosmetic wear, but mine arrived in excellent condition. One thing I noticed is that the battery life could be better, but it's manageable if I'm always near a power outlet.

In conclusion, the HP Probook 640 G3 is a great option if you're an illustrator looking for a decent laptop that won't break the bank. It has competitive specs and impressive features considering its price point and refurbished status. Just be mindful of the limited storage and battery life, and you should be good to go! For other creative needs, you can check out this list of the best laptops for 3D printing, too.

Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Max

I highly recommend the Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop for any illustrator as it delivers powerful performance, outstanding display, and seamless connectivity.

Pros

• Supercharged M2 Max chip: excellent performance for demanding projects
• 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display: stunning visuals and improved color accuracy
• Array of ports: MagSafe, Thunderbolt 4, SDXC slot, HDMI, and headphone jack for versatile connectivity

Cons

• Pricey: might not be the best option for those on a tight budget
• Storage: base model has 1TB which may require external devices for heavy users
• Ram Memory: starts at 32 GB which may not be optimal for the most demanding workloads

As an illustrator, I have been using the latest Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop and it has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance. Its M2 Max chip delivers incredible power to run Adobe Illustrator, Creative Cloud and other professional applications with ease.

The beautiful 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides sharp visuals and impressive color accuracy, making my illustrations look stunning on screen. Furthermore, working on the go is a breeze thanks to the laptop's long battery life of up to 18 hours.

Another great feature of this MacBook Pro is its diverse connectivity options. With multiple ports, such as MagSafe, Thunderbolt 4, SDXC slot, HDMI, and a headphone jack, I can easily connect all my peripheral devices.

The only downside to this laptop is its price. It's not the most budget-friendly option, but the performance and quality are definitely worth the investment. Additionally, if you require more than 1TB of storage or more than 32 GB of RAM, you may need to consider buying external devices or upgrading the base model.

In conclusion, the Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop is an excellent choice for illustrators who seek a powerful, reliable, and feature-packed laptop. Although it comes with a high price tag, the investment is certainly justified by the top-notch performance and stunning visuals this laptop offers.

Dell XPS 17 9720 Laptop

I personally recommend the Dell XPS 17 9720 Laptop as a reliable option for illustrators, thanks to its high-quality display and powerful performance.

Pros

• Vibrant, sharp 17.0-inch FHD+ display
• Powerful Intel Core i7-12700H processor
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 for graphics-intensive tasks

Cons

• Expensive compared to competitors
• Subpar webcam quality
• Slightly hefty at 5.67 pounds

Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the Dell XPS 17 9720's sleek platinum silver design. The laptop felt robust and well-built. Opening it up, the 17.0-inch FHD+ InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare display caught my attention, showcasing crisp visuals. I found it incredibly suitable for editing detailed illustrations and working with high-resolution graphics.

Running Illustrator on the Dell XPS 17 9720 was a breeze, mainly due to the powerful 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700H processor and 16GB DDR5 memory. Even with other applications open, my workflow remained smooth and efficient. Additionally, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card provided reliable support for rendering 3D elements in my illustrations.

One downside I experienced was the low-quality built-in webcam. It produced grainy pictures, which could be problematic if video calls are essential to your work. Additionally, the laptop weighs 5.67 pounds, making it slightly cumbersome to carry around.

In conclusion, the Dell XPS 17 9720 Laptop is an excellent choice for illustrators. While it may be on the expensive side and has some drawbacks, its powerful performance and impressive display make it worth considering.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio - 14.4" Touchscreen

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is a game-changer for illustrators, offering impressive power, flexibility, and a fantastic pen experience.

Pros

• Powerful performance with Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
• Versatile design with 14.4" touchscreen and seamless transitions
• Surface Slim Pen 2 compatibility for a natural drawing experience

Cons

• Can be heavier compared to other laptops
• Slim Pen 2 not included, sold separately
• Higher price point

Upon unboxing my Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio, I immediately noticed the sturdy build and sleek platinum design. The 14.4-inch touchscreen provided an expansive workspace for my illustrations and quickly became a feature I couldn't live without. The display is bright, vibrant, and a joy to work on, making every project a pleasure.

When putting the laptop to the test with my illustration work, I found the Intel Core i7 processor and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card to be more than enough to handle my most demanding tasks. Rendering times were shorter, and I had no problem running multiple programs simultaneously. The Surface Slim Pen 2 (sold separately) is hands down the best pen experience I've had, with precision and responsiveness that closely mimics the sensation of pen on paper.

As for drawbacks, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is not the lightest device on the market, but it more than makes up for it with its powerful performance and versatile design. Speaking of versatility, the laptop easily transitions from a workstation to a tablet, allowing me to freely experiment with my drawings and sketches.

With all its benefits, the higher price point should be taken into consideration. However, I firmly believe that the investment is worth it for a professional illustrator looking for a laptop that can elevate their work to new heights.

Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR Laptop

I'd highly recommend the Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR Laptop for illustrators, thanks to its impressive display quality and powerful performance.

Pros

• Stunning 17.3" UHD HDR display for vibrant colors and sharp details
• Powerful i7-9750H processor for fast performance
• High-quality NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics

Cons

• Lack of dedicated media buttons on the keyboard
• Awkward webcam angle
• Some users have reported virus issues

Having used this laptop for various illustration projects, I was amazed at the impressive 17.3" UHD HDR display which reproduces vibrant colors and sharp details on-screen. The X-Rite Pantone certified screen offers accurate color reproduction, making it perfect for illustrators.

The powerful i7-9750H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti ensures smooth performance, even with many applications open simultaneously. This helped me focus on my work without worrying about slowdowns or freezes. Furthermore, the laptop has an ultra-slim design, making it portable and convenient while traveling.

However, I did notice a few drawbacks. There are no dedicated media buttons on the keyboard, which can make playing and controlling media a bit tedious. The webcam's angle is also awkward, which may not provide the best video call experience. Lastly, some users have reported virus-related issues with this laptop, so it's important to take necessary precautions and install a reliable antivirus software before use.

In conclusion, the Gigabyte AERO 17 HDR offers a fantastic balance between display quality and performance, making it an excellent choice for illustrators. Keep in mind the few cons mentioned above, but overall, I'd highly recommend this laptop to any illustrator seeking a powerful and portable device.

Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop

This Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop is a fantastic investment for illustrators seeking smooth performance and impressive graphics.

Pros

• Powerful 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processor with 8GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD
• Top-notch NVIDIA GeForce Graphics for enhanced gameplay and visuals
• Immersive Dolby audio technology for a captivating sound experience

Cons

• May not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks or professional gaming
• Some users reported issues with the trackpad
• Design might not be as sleek as competitor models

The Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop has impressed me with its outstanding performance and powerful graphics capabilities. As an illustrator, I'm thrilled with the fast response rate and lifelike visuals, making it a pleasure to use for my projects.

The 15.6-inch full HD IPS display delivers stunning visuals with a 1920x1080 resolution, ensuring that my illustrations look crisp and vibrant. I love that the laptop comes with advanced Dolby audio technology, which transports me to another dimension during my gaming sessions or when I'm listening to music while working.

Apart from its remarkable features, this laptop has a few shortcomings, such as the trackpad issues reported by some users. I have also found that while it works fantastic for my illustration projects, it may not be the best choice for heavy-duty tasks or professional gaming. In addition, the design could have been sleeker compared to other models available in the market.

In conclusion, the Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop is a great option for illustrators who need a dependable and efficient laptop with excellent graphics capabilities. Despite a few minor flaws, this budget laptop still provides significant value and an enjoyable user experience.

Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop with M2 chip

This laptop is a fantastic choice for illustrators due to its high performance and stunning display.

Pros

• Powerful M2 chip for demanding tasks
• Spacious and vibrant Liquid Retina display
• Impressive battery life

Cons

• Pricey
• Heavy for an "Air" model
• Limited ports

I recently had the pleasure of using the Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop, and it's a remarkable machine for illustrators. The M2 chip provides incredibly smooth performance, handling graphic-intensive tasks with ease. As someone who works extensively with illustration software, I was amazed at how fast this laptop runs even with multiple applications open.

The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is perfect for illustrators who demand the utmost detail and color accuracy. The display's high resolution, 500 nits brightness, and support for one billion colors made for a truly immersive experience when working on illustrations. I also appreciate the true-to-life colors provided by the P3 wide color gamut.

Another significant advantage of this MacBook Air is its great battery life, which lasts up to 18 hours. As an illustrator who often works on the go, I can't stress enough how valuable it is to have a laptop that can keep up with my workload throughout the day without needing to be recharged.

On the downside, this MacBook Air model is quite expensive compared to other options on the market. The weight also surprised me as it's relatively heavy for a laptop with the "Air" designation. Lastly, the limited number of ports could be a drawback for those who need to connect multiple peripherals.

Overall, I believe the Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop is a top-notch choice for illustrators, offering impressive performance, a stunning display, and long battery life. However, it's essential to consider the price, weight, and limited ports before making a final decision.

2022 HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 15.6" FHD Touchscreen Laptop

The HP ENVY x360 is a fantastic laptop for illustrators, offering a versatile 2-in-1 design, excellent performance, and an impressive touchscreen display.

Pros

• Vibrant and sharp 15.6" FHD touchscreen
• 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor with smooth performance
• Backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in dark environments

Cons

• Battery life could be better
• Plastic near hinge may produce cracking noise
• Touchpad may not be as smooth as competitors

I recently used the 2022 HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 and was immediately impressed by the 15.6" FHD touchscreen display. The colors were vibrant, and the clarity was top-notch, making it perfect for my illustration work. The 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor performed flawlessly, allowing me to run multiple programs and work efficiently with no lag or delays.

The backlit keyboard on the HP ENVY x360 was a pleasant surprise, especially when working in dim environments. It allowed me to see the keys easily and type comfortably for extended periods. However, I did notice the battery life could have been better. It lasts a few hours, but for an illustrator working on the go, it might be necessary to find a power source more frequently.

One thing that bothered me was the cracking noise coming from the plastic near the hinge. This didn't affect the laptop's functionality, but it was a little annoying. Additionally, I found the touchpad somewhat less smooth compared to other laptops I've used.

Overall, the HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 is an excellent choice for illustrators due to its versatile design, impressive performance, and crystal-clear display. The battery life and minor build-related drawbacks are not deal-breakers, and I would still recommend this laptop for its capabilities in illustration work.

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

Acer Aspire 5 Slim should be on your list when considering an ideal laptop for illustrator, thanks to its proficient performance and incredible display.

Pros

• Powerful AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Processor
• Crisp 15.6" Full HD IPS Display
• Ample 20 GB DDR4 RAM and 1 TB SSD storage

Cons

• Windows 11 in S mode (requires switching to regular Windows 11 for full functionality)
• Slightly heavier at 3.97 lbs
• May struggle with highly complex illustrations

As a passionate illustrator, I recently put the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop to the test. From the get-go, I was impressed by its powerful AMD Ryzen 3 3350U Quad-Core Processor that rendered my projects effortlessly, ensuring I could work smoothly without hiccups. The laptop's ample 20 GB DDR4 RAM allowed me to multitask seamlessly, and the 1 TB SSD provided plenty of storage space for all my illustrations.

The 15.6" Full HD IPS Display was another feature that caught my attention. It allowed me to enjoy the crisp quality of my designs on screen with great clarity. Despite being slightly heavier at 3.97 lbs, the laptop still felt comfortable to use and carry. However, I did find that with highly complex illustrations, the laptop may struggle a bit, but it was rare and not a deal-breaker.

Initially, the laptop came with Windows 11 in S mode, which limited the apps I could use. However, switching to the regular Windows 11 for free was quick and easy, following the instructions provided in the product details.

In conclusion, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is an excellent choice for illustrators, thanks to its impressive performance, crisp display, and ample storage. Just be prepared to switch out of S mode for full functionality and remember that it may struggle slightly with incredibly complex illustrations. Overall, I found it a delightful laptop to work on as an illustrator.

Buying Guide

As a graphic designer or, illustrator, or artist, finding the perfect laptop to suit your needs can be a daunting task. To make this process easier for you, I've put together this buying guide to help you choose the best laptop specifically tailored for illustrators. I've included key factors to consider when making your decision.

Performance

The laptop's performance should be one of your primary considerations. The following specs are crucial for a smooth illustrating experience:

• Processor: Look for a laptop with at least an Intel i5 or equivalent processor to handle your design software and multitasking needs.
• RAM: I recommend getting a laptop with a minimum of 8GB RAM, but if you can find one with 16GB, it would be even better. How much RAM you need depends on your use case, though.
• Graphics Card: Although the built-in graphics on laptops are improving, a dedicated graphics card is highly recommended for illustrators.

Display

The screen is your canvas, so it's essential to pay attention to the display quality:

• Resolution: Aim for at least a Full HD (1920x1080) screen. However, a 4K UHD (3840x2160) display would provide a clearer and more detailed workspace.
• Color Accuracy: Check the color gamut and accuracy, ensuring the laptop covers at least 100% of the sRGB color spectrum.
• Screen Size: Depending on the nature of your work and portability preferences, choose between a 13-inch and17-inch screen.

Portability and Battery Life

As an illustrator, you might need to carry your laptop to meetings, cafes, or even during travels. Keep these factors in mind:

• Weight: I suggest looking for a laptop weighing between 3 to 5 pounds to maintain the balance between performance and portability.
• Battery Life: Aim for a laptop that offers at least 6-8 hours of battery life, so you won't have to worry about recharging often during long work sessions or while on the go.

I hope this guide helps you navigate the market, and find the perfect laptop to support your illustrating journey. Just remember to consider performance, display, and portability when making your decision. Good luck, and happy illustrating!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top laptop options for digital artists?

As a digital artist myself, I have found that some of the top laptop options include the Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 15, Microsoft Surface Book, and HP Spectre x360. These laptops offer powerful performance and high-quality displays, making them excellent choices for digital artistry.

Which laptops have the ideal specs for Adobe Illustrator?

For Adobe Illustrator, I recommend laptops with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5600M. These specs will ensure smooth performance and make working with large, complex projects much easier.

How to find the most affordable laptops for design work?

To find the most affordable laptops for design work, I would suggest comparing prices on different retailers' websites, checking for discounts and deals, and even considering open-box or refurbished models from reputable sellers. You can also seek advice in design communities and forums where fellow designers share their experiences with budget-friendly laptops.

What features should I look for in a laptop for Adobe Creative Cloud?

When searching for a laptop for Adobe Creative Cloud, I recommend focusing on the following features: a high-quality display with accurate color reproduction, a powerful processor (preferably Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7), at least 16GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card, like NVIDIA GeForce RTX series or AMD Radeon RX series. Additionally, having an SSD for faster data transfer and plenty of storage space is essential for handling large projects.

Which laptops are best suited for multimedia and creative tasks?

Laptops like the Apple MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 15, and Microsoft Surface Book are best suited for multimedia and creative tasks due to their powerful performance, stunning displays, and sleek design. Other alternatives include the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo and the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme, which offer unique features, such as dual-screens and excellent build quality.

Are there budget-friendly laptops that can handle Photoshop and Illustrator?

Yes! Budget-friendly laptops like the Acer Aspire 5, ASUS VivoBook, and Lenovo IdeaPad can handle Photoshop and Illustrator reasonably well. Although these laptops might not have all the high-end features of more expensive models, they still offer decent performance for basic design work and multitasking. Just make sure to check for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card to ensure smoother performance while working with these applications.