7 Best Laptop Picks for Graphic Design

As a professional or beginner graphic designer, you must avoid under performing rigs and features you will hardly use. The selection of the best laptop for graphic design might keep you awake for nights. That’s why we thought to help you shortlist the best laptops providing top-notch graphic design assistance.

However, a couple of considerations and factors are important to selecting your next purchase for graphic design purposes. First of all, a large screen with high resolution and colour spaces such as Adobe RGB, sRGB, DCI P3, and so on. Thus, you will be sure that your work is colour-accurate.

Furthermore, a powerful CPU along with a competent GPU should be on your checklist. Without these components, it’s quite impossible to derive 3D designs. Apart from this, you should be looking for generous battery support. Keeping these requirements in mind, here are our top laptop recommendations for graphic design.

1. Apple MacBook Pro 14 (with M2, 2023)

The team of Macbook Repair Dubai found the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023 version with M2 Pro/Max chip) one of the best choices for carrying out graphic design and other hectic tasks. It’s an upgraded version of what Apple launched as M1 MacBook Pro in 2021. Now, the 2023 MacBook Pro 14 model owns a faster M2 Pro/Max processor.

Overall, the machine appears to be sturdy and stylish. No doubt, the MacBook Pro offers an amazing user experience with the stunning Mini LED display, a gigantic touchpad, and a comfortable keyboard. Let’s review the essential technical specifications of the power machine from Apple:

  • Processor: Apple M2 Pro or Apple M2 Max Chip
  • GPU: Integrated Apple M2 Chip
  • Memory: 16GB/32GB Unified Memory
  • Storage: 512GB/1TB SSD (configurable up to 8TB)
  • Screen: 14.2-inch screen with Liquid Retina XDR technology
  • Refresh Rate: ProMotion technology supports refresh rates of up to 120Hz
  • Battery: 70 watt-hour lithium-polymer battery
  • Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E

The best about this MacBook Pro is that you don’t have to freak about the calibration. Be it the most complex graphic design, the machine never loses its cool or gets loud. Here’s why you should consider the Apple MacBook Pro 14 M2 2023 as your next purchase:

  • Backlit Magic keyboard that feels comfortable while typing
  • Sufficient port options
  • Excellent CPU and GPU performance
  • Wide colour (P3) support
  • Great webcam for FaceTime and other video conferences

The only hiccup with this expensive MacBook Pro machine is the lack of Adobe RGB coverage. So, you might find the deal breaking especially if you are into print graphic design. Otherwise, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2023, M2) is a great deal for graphic designers who trust Mac efficiency.

2. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2

Do you crave a drawing screen while templating the next graphic design? No doubt, the presence of a stylus will make it easier for a professional to finish up the project. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is here with a sharp 3:2 display exhibiting a 120Hz refresh rate. Moreover, its ergonomic design is the prime reason to buy the laptop.

Let’s go through the tech specs of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2:

  • Processor: 13th Gen Intel Core H
  • GPU: Intel Iris Xe or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 and RTX 200 Ada laptop GPU
  • Memory: 16GB to 64GB
  • Storage: 512GB/1TB SSD
  • Screen: PixelSense Flow 14.4-inch touch display 2400 x 1600
  • Refresh Rate: Up to 120Hz
  • Battery: 57.2 Watt-hour
  • Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E

As a matter of fact, this Gen 2 model of Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is a brilliant pick for digital artists, graphic designers, and pen-based photo editors. Here are the perks of purchasing the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2:

  • 19 hours or more runtime
  • Solid specifications for graphics work
  • Great 3:2 screen for drawing
  • Compatible with MPP stylus
  • Impressive processors

However, the dealbreaker point of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is that it can be a little heavier than other notebooks. Additionally, you can get more power or runtime from other laptops in the same price range.

3. Dell XPS 17 (2022)

As a graphic designer, you might be in search of a huge screen size where everything will be visible and you can pay attention to detail. Well, Dell XPS 17, the 2022 model, is the right 17-inch Windows machine you can get for an intense graphic design experience. Get epic design, style statements, and impressive battery life from this Dell masterpiece.

This sleek and sturdy Dell laptop has the following tech specs to offer:

  • Processor: 12th Gen Intel Core i5 to Intel Core i9
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 4GB GDDR6
  • Memory: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB and 64GB
  • Storage: 512GB to 4TB SSD
  • Screen: FHD+ 17-inch with resolutions 1920 x 1200 and 3840 x 2400
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Battery: 97 Watt-hour
  • Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11ax

Empowered by one of the latest and strongest Intel processors, the Dell XPS 17 has everything a graphic designer could ask for. In addition, you can notice ultra-slim bezels to take things to another upper notch. Here are the reasons you can trust this 17-inch Dell machine:

  • Gorgeous aluminium-carbon design with solid chassis
  • Outstanding CPU performance
  • 3D rendering and video encoding made easy
  • Remarkable battery life

However, the following reasons might prevent you from buying the Dell XPS 17 (2022):

  • Too expensive for a beginner graphic designer
  • Not the most portable laptop

So, you can check the LG Gram 17 if you are searching for an affordable and lighter 17-inch laptop for graphic design specialisation.

4. Asus ROG Strix G16

As you already know, the Asus ROG Strix series is known for its powerful gaming laptop contribution. Can you use a gaming laptop for graphic design purposes? Yes, the Asus ROG Strix G16 is the perfect machine to carry out all your graphical interventions. Powered by the latest generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 series graphics card, the Asus laptop is here to give out serious productivity.

In addition, the machine boosts your engagement with the thin LED strip around its strip. So, your desktop area remains illuminated and creative at the same time. However, you can opt for its i9 processor upgrade. On the other hand, we think that the i9 one might overkill your graphic design requirements.

Meanwhile, let’s have a quick glimpse of the tech specs of Asus ROG Strix G16 laptop:

  • Processor: Intel Core i7-13650HX
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060
  • Memory: 64GB
  • Storage: 2TB SSD
  • Screen: 16-inch display with an aspect ratio of 16:10
  • Refresh Rate: 156Hz
  • Battery: 90 Watt-hour
  • Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11ax

In addition, the laptop has 5 programmable keys called macro keys. So, you can create personalised shortcuts for computer design programs. Therefore, these keys will save you some time and effort. By the way, here are the pros of using the Asus ROG Strix G16 for graphic design applications:

  • Power-packed performance
  • Very good battery life
  • More screen space
  • Worthy upgrade for animators and graphic designers

What are the reasons to avoid the Asus ROG Strix G16 laptop? Well, we found the following three:

  • Lack of Numpad
  • Ports are clustered on the left side of the device
  • Very thick design

5. HP ZBook Fury 17 G8

Are you looking for a Windows laptop that can take care of 4K video editing, 3D graphics, stellar visualisation, and game development? Desiring to get all this under one laptop might sound like a hate crime but fortunately, HP is here with the most versatile notebook for graphic designers.

HP ZBook Fury 17 G8 is available with a wide range of customisable options. Both 15.6-inch and 17.3-inch screens are available to choose from. As a graphic designer, you might opt for the 17.3-inch screen and we agree with you. The 17-inch HP ZBook Fury G8 measures only 27 mm in thickness and it packs all the performance you require at your workspace.

Here are the technical specifications of the HP ZBook Fur 17 G8:

  • Processor: Configurations are available up to 11th Gen Intel Core i9
  • GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX A4000
  • Memory: Up to 64GB
  • Storage: 1TB SSD
  • Screen: 17.3-inch 4K or FHD display 
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Battery: 94 Watt-hour
  • Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, Intel Wi-Fi 6

If you are more into an entry-level mobile workstation PC, then you can check out the same model with an i5 processor and 1080p display. The best part is that you will get plenty of options when it comes to a customisable PC from the HP ZBook Fury 17 G8 series. Let’s check out what are the advantages of this HP laptop for graphic design and other similar productivities:

  • High-end performance
  • 4K display for precise grip over work
  • Lots of customisation opinions to choose from
  • Effortless connectivity

However, the HP ZBook Fury 17 G8 is not free from flaws. The reasons you want to avoid this mobile workstation PC are:

  • An expensive price tag
  • Poor 720p webcam

6. MSI Creator Z16P

MSI laptops are known for delivering a hefty gaming experience. If you want dual access to both uninterrupted gaming and graphic designing then MSI Creator Z16P is the best thing you can throw your money at. The machine doesn’t even flinch a bit at handling intense video editing, rigorous gaming, and other graphics-sensitive tasks.

Therefore, the MSI Creator Z16P is the safest bet for serious graphic designers, animators, gamers, and many more professionals. Here are the tech specs you need to know:

  • Processor: Intel Core i9-12900H
  • GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti 12GB RAM
  • Memory: 64GB
  • Storage: 2TB SSD
  • Screen: 16-inch display 2560 x 1600 True Pixel Touchscreen
  • Refresh Rate: 165Hz
  • Battery: 90 Watt-hour
  • Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6E

Apart from the specifications, you must take a look at the solid build of the MSI Creator laptop. The display is stunning with the DCI-P3 colour gamut technology. Let’s check out why you should invest in such an expensive rig:

  • Outstanding performance
  • Great audio output
  • Stellar build quality
  • Bright crisp display
  • Decent webcam

On the other hand, the MSI Creator Z16P could afford only 5 hours. So, you have to stay near an outlet with this laptop. You can ditch this MSI laptop for the following reasons:

  • Mediocre battery life
  • Too expensive
  • Overheating might be an issue

7. Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED

Are you looking for a dual-screen laptop for your graphic design? Then, we got you the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED. Experience cutting-edge technology and great aesthetics with this Asus masterpiece.

Powered by the latest Intel Core i9, the laptop is the best bet for multitasking. Additionally, its dual screen adds a separate charm. As a creator, you are going to love the performance and appearance. However, it’s important to review the technical specifications of the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED before committing to the device:

  • Processor: 13th-Gen Intel Core i9-13900H
  • GPU: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB
  • Memory: 32GB DDR5
  • Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
  • Screen: 14.5-inch OLED display 2880 x 1800, 12.7-inch IPS 2880 x 864
  • Refresh Rate: 120Hz
  • Battery: 76 Watt-hour
  • Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6E

So, you will get a dual-screen setup with the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED. The secondary screen will let you move apps and you will get some extra space during your creator journey. In fact, the secondary screen supports a stylus for more flexibility. As a creator, you can turn the secondary screen into a drawing tablet.

Here’s why you should go for the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED:

  • Exclusive dual-screen technology
  • Excellent build quality
  • A variety of ports are available
  • Remarkable connectivity

Moreover, the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED is a beast at multitasking and the credit goes to the integrated 14-core i9 processor and 32GB RAM. However, this Asus laptop might not be on everyone’s list due to the following reasons:

  • Middling battery life
  • Limited performance scope
  • A bit unusual ergonomics

How to Pick a Laptop for Graphic Design?

Look at the power versus portability aspect while choosing a machine for graphic design. On the other hand, budgets can vary depending on the features included. Additionally, take your time to decide on whether you will prefer a mac OS or Windows for this long-term investment.