Technology continues to advance at an incredible pace compelling graphic designers to rely not just on their imagination but on powerful laptops to bring their creative visions to life. If you’re an Adobe Illustrator enthusiast, having a laptop that can handle the demanding requirements of this powerful software is crucial. In this article, we present the 9 best laptops for Adobe Illustrator in 2023 guaranteed to create stunning designs and illustrations with ease.
The 9 best laptops for Illustrator
- Dell XPS 15
- HP Spectre x360
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme
- Microsoft Surface Book 3
- ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo
- Acer Predator Helios 300
- Razer Blade 15
- MSI Creator 15
- Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED
What features should a laptop for illustrator have?
We rank the laptops on this list based on these 4 crucial factors for creating exceptional designs:
- Sufficient Processing Power: A fast and powerful processor for graphic design, such as Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen for smooth performance and handling of complex Illustrator projects.
- Ample RAM: Adequate RAM size for seamless multitasking and efficient processing of large Illustrator files.
- Dedicated Graphics Card: Such as NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon to improve rendering speed and enhances performance when working.
- High-Resolution Display: A resolution display, such as Full HD (1920×1080) or 4K (3840×2160), provides accurate color representation and allows you to work with intricate details in your Illustrator projects.
Here’s a table with the ratings for each of the laptops based on these features
| Laptop | Processor | RAM | Graphics Card | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell XPS 15 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| HP Spectre x360 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Microsoft Surface Book 3 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Acer Predator Helios 300 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Razer Blade 15 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| MSI Creator 15 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
The Top 9 Reviewed
- Dell XPS 15 – Unleash your creativity with the Dell XPS 15, a laptop renowned for its exceptional performance and stunning display. Featuring a vibrant 4K OLED screen and a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, this laptop delivers seamless multitasking and smooth rendering capabilities.
- HP Spectre x360 – The HP Spectre x360 is a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that combines style and performance. Its touchscreen display, Intel Core i7 processor, and ample storage make it an ideal choice for graphic designers who prefer flexibility without compromising power.
- Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme – Designed for professionals, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme packs a punch with its impressive specifications. It boasts a stunning 4K display, fast processing speed, and a dedicated graphics card, making it an excellent choice for Adobe Illustrator users seeking top-notch performance.
- Microsoft Surface Book 3 – Microsoft’s Surface Book 3 is a hybrid device that offers the best of both worlds. With its detachable touchscreen display and powerful hardware, including an Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce graphics, it provides a seamless transition from laptop to tablet mode.
- ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo – The ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo stands out with its innovative ScreenPad Plus, a secondary touchscreen display that enhances workflow and productivity. Powered by an Intel Core i9 processor and equipped with a powerful NVIDIA RTX graphics card, this laptop is a dream for multitasking Adobe Illustrator users.
- Acer Predator Helios 300 – If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance, the Acer Predator Helios 300 is an excellent choice. Its powerful hardware, including an Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics, ensures smooth operation and fast rendering for Adobe Illustrator projects.
- Razer Blade 15 – The Razer Blade 15 combines a sleek design with impressive performance. With its high refresh rate display, powerful Intel Core i7 processor, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, it delivers an exceptional visual experience for graphic designers working with Adobe Illustrator.
- MSI Creator 15 – Engineered for creators, the MSI Creator 15 offers a perfect blend of power and mobility. Its vibrant 4K display, Intel Core i7 processor, and dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics provide an immersive experience for Adobe Illustrator users on the go.
- Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED – The Gigabyte Aero 15 OLED is a laptop that caters to both creative professionals and gamers. Its OLED display, impressive processing power, and NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card deliver exceptional color accuracy and performance, making it an excellent choice for Adobe Illustrator users.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme and the ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo have the highest overall scores. They both have a rating of 4/5 or higher in all categories, including processor, RAM, graphics card, and display. These laptops offer excellent performance, sufficient RAM, powerful graphics capabilities, and high-quality displays, making them top choices for graphic design work with Adobe Illustrator.
Your final choice may however depend on other factors such as personal preferences, budget, and specific requirements. These technical aspects are crucial for a lag-free experience but you can pair them with a mouse for graphic design to enjoy comfort while working.
5 Best MacBook Laptops for Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator has long been the go-to software for graphic designers and digital artists. It’s powerful features and intuitive interface make it a staple in the creative industry. If you’re an Adobe Illustrator enthusiast who prefers the Mac ecosystem, you’re in luck. In this article, we present the 10 best MacBooks for Adobe Illustrators, combining exceptional performance, stunning displays, and seamless user experiences to help you bring your creative visions to life.
- MacBook Pro 16-inch – The MacBook Pro 16-inch is a powerhouse designed for professionals. With its brilliant Retina display, Intel Core i9 processor, and AMD Radeon Pro 5000M graphics, it delivers unparalleled performance and visual clarity. The Magic Keyboard, large trackpad, and versatile Touch Bar further enhance your workflow.
- MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 – The MacBook Pro 13-inch M1 is a game-changer. Featuring Apple’s M1 chip, it delivers blazing-fast performance and remarkable energy efficiency. The Retina display with True Tone technology, combined with the M1’s integrated GPU, ensures smooth graphics rendering for Adobe Illustrator projects.
- MacBook Air M1 – The MacBook Air M1 is a lightweight and portable option without compromising on power. With its fanless design and long battery life, it’s perfect for on-the-go illustrators. The M1 chip, Retina display, and excellent color accuracy make it a reliable choice for Adobe Illustrator users.
- MacBook Pro 15-inch – Although not the latest model, the MacBook Pro 15-inch remains a solid choice for Adobe Illustrator professionals. It offers a beautiful Retina display, a powerful Intel Core i7 processor, and dedicated AMD Radeon Pro graphics for smooth performance and vibrant visuals.
- MacBook Pro 13-inch Intel – If you prefer Intel-based MacBooks, the MacBook Pro 13-inch Intel model is worth considering. With its sharp Retina display, Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, and Iris Plus Graphics, it can handle Adobe Illustrator projects with ease.
Frequently asked questions on laptops for Illustrator
Which laptop to use for Adobe Illustrator?
For Adobe Illustrator, I recommend using a laptop with a high-performance processor, such as an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, at least 16GB of RAM, a dedicated graphics card with at least 2GB VRAM, and a display with good color accuracy.
What laptop is best for Photoshop and Illustrator?
The best laptop for both Photoshop and Illustrator would be one with a powerful processor like the Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, at least 16GB of RAM, a dedicated graphics card with 4GB or more VRAM, and a high-resolution display with accurate color reproduction.
Can Adobe Illustrator work on any laptop?
Adobe Illustrator can work on most laptops, but it’s recommended to use a laptop with a powerful processor, sufficient RAM (16GB or more), and a dedicated graphics card for optimal performance and a smooth editing experience.
How much RAM do I need for Adobe Illustrator?
The recommended amount of RAM for Adobe Illustrator is 8GB or more. However, to handle larger and more complex projects, it’s advisable to have at least 16GB or even 32GB of RAM for better performance and multitasking capabilities.
How much RAM is enough for Illustrator?
For Illustrator, a minimum of 8GB of RAM is typically enough for basic tasks. However, if you work with large files, complex designs, or multiple applications simultaneously, it’s recommended to have 16GB or more RAM to ensure smooth operation and prevent slowdowns.
Does Illustrator need a graphics card?
While Adobe Illustrator doesn’t require a dedicated graphics card, having one can significantly enhance its performance, especially when working with complex vector graphics, 3D effects, or GPU-accelerated features. A graphics card with at least 2GB of VRAM is sufficient, but for better performance, consider opting for a card with 4GB or more VRAM.
Which graphic card is best for Adobe Illustrator?
When it comes to graphic cards for Adobe Illustrator, NVIDIA GeForce GTX or RTX series and AMD Radeon RX series are popular choices. For optimal performance, consider a card with at least 4GB or more VRAM, as it can handle complex designs, renderings, and GPU-intensive tasks more efficiently.
