Creating digital art is a popular form of expression in today’s world. With the rise of technology, artists have the ability to create stunning pieces using digital tools. However, to create such artwork, a powerful and reliable laptop is necessary. In this article, we will be discussing the best laptops for digital art.
When it comes to selecting a laptop for digital art, there are several factors to consider. The most important factor is the laptop’s processing power. A laptop with a high-end processor will be able to handle the demands of digital art software, such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. Additionally, a laptop with a dedicated graphics card will provide smoother performance and allow for more complex designs.
Another important factor to consider is the laptop’s display. A high-resolution display with accurate color reproduction is essential for digital art. This allows artists to see their work in detail and accurately represent the colors they intend to use.
When selecting a laptop for digital art, it’s also important to consider the size and weight. A lightweight laptop makes it easier to take your work with you on the go, while a larger screen size can provide more space for your designs.
In this article, we will be reviewing and testing several laptops to identify the ones that are best suited for digital art. We will be taking into account factors such as processing power, display quality, size, and weight to provide you with the most accurate and helpful information.
Best Laptops for Digital Art
As digital artists, we know the importance of having a laptop that can keep up with our creativity. Whether you’re a graphic designer, illustrator, or animator, having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best laptops for digital art. These laptops are equipped with high-quality displays, powerful processors, and plenty of memory to handle even the most demanding creative applications. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best laptops for digital art.
1. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook
We highly recommend the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook for digital art enthusiasts who are on a budget.
Pros
- The 360-degree hinge allows for versatile use, making it perfect for everyday computing, sharing, binge-watching, or more intuitive interaction.
- The attached capacitive stylus pen works on most capacitive touchscreens, and its slim aluminum design is durable and portable.
- The Chromebook is fast, up-to-date, versatile, and simple, making it ideal for online courses, students, zoom meetings, or video streaming.
Cons
- The screen display size is only 11.6 inches, which may not be ideal for some users.
- The keyboard does not have a caps lock key, which may be inconvenient for those who frequently use capital letters.
- The design space software is currently not compatible with this Chromebook.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is a great option for digital artists who are looking for an affordable device that can handle their needs. The 360-degree hinge allows for versatile use, while the attached capacitive stylus pen is perfect for drawing and sketching. The Chromebook is also fast, up-to-date, versatile, and simple, making it ideal for online courses, students, zoom meetings, or video streaming.
One downside of this Chromebook is the screen display size, which may not be ideal for some users. Additionally, the keyboard does not have a caps lock key, which may be inconvenient for those who frequently use capital letters. Lastly, the design space software is currently not compatible with this Chromebook.
Overall, we highly recommend the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook for digital art enthusiasts who are looking for an affordable device that can handle their needs.
2. Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 Laptop
We highly recommend the Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 Laptop for digital artists who are looking for a reliable and high-performing device.
Pros
- The 10-point, 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen display is a joy to use and makes it easy to create digital art with precision and accuracy.
- The 360⁰ hinge allows you to use the laptop in various modes, making it versatile and convenient for different tasks.
- The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U mobile processor with Radeon graphics provides excellent performance for productivity, gaming, and content creation.
Cons
- The laptop’s battery life could be better, as it lasts up to 10 hours only.
- The laptop’s storage capacity is limited to 256 GB, which may not be enough for some users.
- The laptop’s design is not the most aesthetically pleasing, and it may not be as stylish as some other laptops on the market.
The Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 Laptop is a great choice for digital artists who need a reliable and high-performing device. The 10-point, 14-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS touchscreen display is a joy to use and makes it easy to create digital art with precision and accuracy. The 360⁰ hinge allows you to use the laptop in various modes, making it versatile and convenient for different tasks. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U mobile processor with Radeon graphics provides excellent performance for productivity, gaming, and content creation.
However, the laptop’s battery life could be better, as it lasts up to 10 hours only. Additionally, the laptop’s storage capacity is limited to 256 GB, which may not be enough for some users. Finally, the laptop’s design is not the most aesthetically pleasing, and it may not be as stylish as some other laptops on the market.
Overall, we believe that the Lenovo Flex 5 14 2-in-1 Laptop is an excellent choice for digital artists who need a reliable and high-performing device. With its excellent performance, versatile design, and high-quality display, it is sure to meet the needs of most users.
3. UGEE M708 Drawing Tablet
We highly recommend the UGEE M708 Drawing Tablet for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use digital art tablet that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- The large 10*6 inch drawing space and 8192 level pressure-sensitivity pen stylus provide a smooth and accurate drawing experience for digital art creation.
- The tablet is easy to use and simply requires connecting it to a PC/Laptop and installing the driver to activate the responsive pen with pen-to-tablet interaction. The driver can be accessed on the official website.
- The pen stylus for M708 features 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, providing high accuracy drawing of lines and supporting multiple brush effects with programs. The pen stylus also supports tilt function drawing with the tablet for digital creation.
Cons
- When connecting to a Chromebook, shortcuts cannot be used due to the Google system settings.
- Some users may find the tablet difficult to use at first, but practice makes perfect.
- There may be compatibility issues with some software programs.
The UGEE M708 Drawing Tablet is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly digital art tablet. The tablet is easy to use and comes with a variety of accessories, including a pen stand, 8 pen nibs, a nib replace ring, 2-finger glove, normal gloves, cleaning brush, and cleaning cloth. The tablet is also compatible with a wide range of creative software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Fireworks, Macromedia Flash, Comic Studio, SAI, Infinite Stratos, 3D MAX, Autodesk MAYA, Pixologic ZBrush, and GIMP.
In terms of drawbacks, users may find that the tablet is not compatible with all software programs, and Chromebook users may not be able to use shortcuts. However, these issues are relatively minor and do not detract from the overall quality and usability of the tablet.
Overall, we highly recommend the UGEE M708 Drawing Tablet for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable digital art tablet.
4. Simbans PicassoTab XL Drawing Tablet
If you’re looking for a standalone drawing and animation tablet that you can take anywhere, the Simbans PicassoTab XL is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 11.6 inch screen provides 30% more screen area, making it easier to see and draw your creations.
- The tablet comes with all the accessories you need to protect and maintain the device, including a high-quality tablet book-case, drawing glove, universal power adaptor, and pre-installed screen protector.
- You can connect the tablet to your home WiFi network and access all your favorite apps, making it incredibly versatile.
Cons
- The tablet can be a little slow when running certain apps, which can be frustrating.
- The pen can be a bit finicky at times, requiring you to adjust your grip or pressure to get the desired effect.
- While the tablet is relatively lightweight, it’s still not as portable as a traditional sketchbook or notebook.
Overall, we think the Simbans PicassoTab XL is a great choice for anyone looking for a standalone drawing tablet that they can take anywhere. With its large screen, all-in-one package, and compatibility with all your favorite apps, it’s a versatile and powerful tool for digital artists of all skill levels.
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop 5
If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle digital art, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is a great choice.
Pros
- The 15” PixelSense touchscreen is perfect for digital art.
- The 12th Gen Intel Core processor is fast and efficient.
- The battery life is impressive, lasting all day.
Cons
- The laptop is quite expensive.
- The storage capacity may not be enough for some users.
- The keyboard may not be comfortable for everyone.
We’ve been using the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 15” PixelSense touchscreen is perfect for digital art, providing accurate colors and sharp details. The 12th Gen Intel Core processor is fast and efficient, allowing us to multitask without any lag.
The battery life is impressive, lasting all day even with heavy use. We appreciate the warm, sophisticated Alcantara finish, which adds a touch of luxury to the laptop. The Studio Mics and enhanced camera experiences, powered by Windows 11, make video calls and recording a breeze.
However, the laptop is quite expensive, which may not be suitable for everyone’s budget. The storage capacity of 256GB may not be enough for some users, especially those who work with large files. The keyboard may not be comfortable for everyone, as the keys are shallow and may require some getting used to.
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 is a great choice for digital artists who need a powerful and reliable laptop. The combination of a high-quality touchscreen, fast processor, and long battery life make it a great investment.
6. UGEE M708 V3 Graphics Drawing Tablet
If you’re looking for an affordable graphics drawing tablet that offers a large active drawing space, the UGEE M708 V3 Graphics Drawing Tablet could be worth considering.
Pros
- The 10 x 6 inch large active drawing space with papery texture surface provides enormous and smooth drawing for your digital artwork creation, offering a no-lag sketch, painting experience.
- The 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity with the passive stylus technology allows you to draw accurate lines of any weight and opacity according to the pressure you apply to the pen, perfect for artistry design or unique brush effect for photo retouching.
- The 8 customizable express keys on the side provide shortcuts like eraser, zoom in and out, scrolling and undo, which helps to improve productivity and efficiency when creating with the drawing tablet.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the pen sensitivity, which can be frustrating when trying to create detailed artwork.
- The tablet’s drivers can be difficult to install, which can be a turn-off for those who are less tech-savvy.
- The build quality could be sturdier, as some users have reported that the tablet feels flimsy.
We found the UGEE M708 V3 Graphics Drawing Tablet to be a good value for the price, with a large drawing space and customizable express keys that make it easy to use. However, the pen sensitivity issues and driver installation problems may be a dealbreaker for some. If you’re looking for an affordable graphics tablet with a large drawing space, the UGEE M708 V3 Graphics Drawing Tablet is worth considering.
7. GAOMON PD2200-21.5 Inch Full Lamination Drawing Monitor
If you’re looking for a high-quality drawing monitor for digital art, the GAOMON PD2200-21.5 Inch Full Lamination Drawing Monitor is a great option. With its full lamination screen, battery-free pen, and 8 customized touch keys, this drawing monitor is perfect for artists who want to create their digital art with precision and ease.
Pros
- The full lamination screen effectively reduces the interference of ambient light to the glare of human eyes and shortens the distance between pen nib and the cursor.
- The battery-free pen with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and 60 levels of tilt recognition works just like a real pen, and is environment-friendly.
- The 8 customized touch keys can be set according to your own preferences, and the On-Screen Control feature allows you to create time-saving shortcuts for the settings you use the most.
Cons
- The keys will automatically be locked after 15s of inactivity, which can be annoying for some users.
- The stand is adjustable, but some users may find it difficult to adjust to their preferred angle.
- The price point may be higher than some other drawing monitors on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the GAOMON PD2200-21.5 Inch Full Lamination Drawing Monitor for artists who are serious about their digital art and want to create with precision and ease. The full lamination screen, battery-free pen, and 8 customized touch keys make this drawing monitor a great investment for any artist.
8. ACEMAGIC Laptop Computer
We highly recommend the ACEMAGIC Laptop Computer for digital artists who are looking for a powerful and reliable device that can handle their creative needs.
Pros
- The ACEMAGIC Laptop is equipped with a powerful Intel 12th generation Alder Lake N95 processor that delivers incredible performance, making it easy to multitask and run demanding applications.
- With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB M.2 SSD, this laptop provides plenty of storage space and fast read and write speeds for smooth system performance.
- The 15.6-inch thin-bezel display offers immersive visuals with a resolution of 1080P FHD, providing more usable onscreen space and enabling a larger screen to fit into a smaller chassis.
Cons
- The laptop only has a 38Wh battery, which may not be enough for extended use without a power source.
- The laptop’s graphics card may not be powerful enough for professional-grade digital art and design work.
- The laptop’s webcam is not of the highest quality, which may be a concern for those who frequently use video conferencing.
The ACEMAGIC Laptop Computer is a great choice for digital artists who need a reliable and powerful device that can handle their creative needs. Its fast processor, ample storage, and immersive display make it a great option for those who need to multitask and run demanding applications. However, its battery life and graphics card may not be sufficient for extended use or professional-grade work. Overall, we highly recommend this laptop for digital artists who need a reliable and powerful device.
9. Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet
If you’re looking for an affordable tablet for digital art, the Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Comes with a pen and pre-installed drawing and animation apps
- Large 10-inch screen with crystal clear picture quality
- 64GB disk allows for downloading thousands of free apps from the play store
Cons
- Pen may experience some delay and lack of accuracy
- Tablet may be too laggy for some users
- Rear webcam resolution is only 5 MP
We recently got our hands on the Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet and were impressed with its features. The tablet comes with a pen and pre-installed drawing and animation apps, making it a great option for those who want to draw, make animations, or take notes in the classroom. The large 10-inch screen has crystal clear picture quality, and the 64GB disk allows for downloading thousands of free apps from the play store.
However, we did experience some issues with the pen, which may experience some delay and lack of accuracy. Additionally, the tablet may be too laggy for some users, which can be frustrating when trying to work on digital art projects. Finally, the rear webcam resolution is only 5 MP, which may not be sufficient for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable tablet for digital art, the Simbans PicassoTab Drawing Tablet is a great option. It comes with some great features and is a great value for the price.
10. HP Envy x360 2-in-1 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen Laptop
Looking for a powerful laptop to create digital art? The HP Envy x360 2-in-1 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen Laptop might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor ensures effortless handling of demanding tasks and impressive power efficiency for long-lasting endurance.
- The 16GB DDR4 RAM allows you to seamlessly tackle resource-intensive tasks and smoothly run multiple applications simultaneously.
- The 1TB PCIe SSD delivers blazing boot-up speed and enhanced storage capabilities, allowing you to access your extensive digital library with ease.
Cons
- The laptop does not come with a numeric keypad, which might be a hassle for users who need to use numbers frequently.
- Some users have reported issues with MS Edge crashing at least once a day.
- The sharp edges around the laptop might hurt your legs if you’re wearing shorts.
We were impressed by the HP Envy x360 2-in-1 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen Laptop’s performance. The powerful AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor and 16GB DDR4 RAM allowed us to smoothly run multiple applications simultaneously, while the 1TB PCIe SSD delivered blazing boot-up speed and enhanced storage capabilities. The backlit keyboard was comfortable and accurate, even in dim light, and the AMD Radeon Graphics allowed us to indulge in a visual feast as we embarked on a journey of stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and smooth gameplay.
However, the laptop does not come with a numeric keypad, which might be a hassle for users who need to use numbers frequently. Some users have also reported issues with MS Edge crashing at least once a day. Additionally, the sharp edges around the laptop might hurt your legs if you’re wearing shorts.
Overall, we would recommend the HP Envy x360 2-in-1 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen Laptop to anyone looking for a powerful laptop to create digital art.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best laptop for digital art, there are several factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features to look for when selecting a laptop that will meet your needs as a digital artist.
1. Display
One of the most important features to consider is the display. You’ll want a laptop with a high-resolution display that accurately represents colors. Look for a laptop with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Additionally, consider a laptop with a high color gamut, such as Adobe RGB or DCI-P3, to ensure accurate color representation.
2. Processor
The processor is the brain of your laptop, and it’s important to choose a powerful one to handle the demands of digital art. Look for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. For more demanding applications, consider an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor.
3. Graphics
Digital art often requires a dedicated graphics card to handle the demands of rendering and processing images. Look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon.
4. RAM
Digital art applications can be memory-intensive, so it’s important to choose a laptop with enough RAM to handle your needs. Look for a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM, and consider 16GB or more for more demanding applications.
5. Storage
Digital art files can take up a lot of storage space, so it’s important to choose a laptop with enough storage to handle your needs. Consider a laptop with at least 256GB of storage, and look for options with solid-state drives (SSDs) for faster performance.
By considering these features, you can choose a laptop that will meet your needs as a digital artist.
Frequently Asked Questions
– What are the recommended specs for a laptop for digital art?
When it comes to digital art, the recommended specs for a laptop include a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card, at least 8GB of RAM, and a high-resolution display. These specs will ensure that your laptop can handle the demands of digital art software and provide a smooth and seamless experience.
– What is the best laptop for artists on a budget?
If you’re on a budget, there are several options available that can provide a good balance of performance and affordability. Some of the best laptops for artists on a budget include the Acer Aspire 5, HP Pavilion x360, and Lenovo Flex 5. These laptops offer decent specs and performance at a reasonable price point.
– Can a tablet replace a laptop for digital art?
While tablets can be a great tool for digital art, they cannot completely replace a laptop. Tablets are more limited in terms of processing power and software compatibility, and they may not have the same level of precision and control as a laptop with a stylus. However, tablets can be a great secondary device for digital art on the go.
– What is the difference between a gaming laptop and a laptop for digital art?
The main difference between a gaming laptop and a laptop for digital art is the focus on different aspects of performance. Gaming laptops prioritize graphics and processing power for running demanding games, while laptops for digital art prioritize color accuracy, display resolution, and stylus compatibility for running digital art software.
– Is the Microsoft Laptop Studio a good option for digital artists?
The Microsoft Laptop Studio is a great option for digital artists due to its powerful specs, high-resolution display, and innovative design that allows for seamless transition between laptop and tablet mode. However, it is also a relatively expensive option, so it may not be the best choice for artists on a budget.
– What are the best MacBook options for digital artists?
MacBooks are a popular choice among digital artists due to their sleek design, high-quality displays, and compatibility with popular digital art software such as Adobe Creative Suite. The best MacBook options for digital artists include the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, both of which offer powerful specs and excellent performance for digital art.