If you mainly design in Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress, Sketch or Adobe XD: a Core i7 processor with an H suffix, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD and a Retina or 4K screen.13-inch models generally aren’t powerful enough, 17-inch models are too bulky to carry around unless you really require the extra performance and storage capacity that they offer.īelow we’ll get into a detailed discussion of how to choose the correct configuration – but if you just want a recommendation, this is what we suggest: We have also looked at 14-inch models for those on a smaller budget, but only one of those laptops has made our ‘best models’ chart below. Here we’ve focussed on models that offer the best combination of power and portability, which in our experience means a 15-inch model.

Unlike many other stories you might read on the web purporting to tell you which is the best laptop for designers and artists, we've extensively tested and benchmarked each of the models we've chosen – and a lot more that didn't make the list too. They’d also be pretty good for artists who don’t want a tablet or 2-in-1 that you can draw directly on, or 3D artists and animators – though if you use high-end suites such as Maya you’ll want to check out our forthcoming guide to the best mobile workstations that are certified for such apps. Whether you’re looking for a laptop to use alongside a desktop or as your main computer wherever you are, this is our expert pick of the best laptops for design – whether graphic, UX or any other form of digital design. We tested the most powerful and stylish models to find the best laptop for designers and artists. Jump straight to our full best laptops for art and design reviews

Best laptop for graphic designers 2015