Finding a good laptop for graphic design can be a daunting task. Unlike buying a gaming or general use laptop, there is a host of features you need to consider before settling in one. For instance, you should consider memory, CPU power, storage, and display.
You should consider all these factors to determine what laptop fits your work needs. Finding the right balance between these specs will help you get the right device for your needs. This article takes a more in-depth look into these factors and helps you decide what fits your needs best.
Here are the factors that matter:
Mac Vs. PC
One of the first considerations you should make is choosing between a Mac or PC. The various software you need to use for graphic design is compatible with either Microsoft and IOS platforms. Without a compatible operating system and software, opening your files can be challenging.
There are various advantages of using either operating system. Mac performs better than PC when it comes to displaying quality. It has a high color accuracy that makes graphics work more convenient. This factor makes a Mac more graphic-friendly and thus a better pick.
PCs, on the other hand, have various other benefits. They easily run more general software compared to Mac computers. Another thing about PCs is that they’re more upgradable compared to Mac computers. That makes it easy to easily replace an outdated component without replacing an entire part or various parts.
Memory
Memory or RAM is another factor that you should consider when choosing a graphics design laptop. The amount of the laptop’s memory determines how well it will perform. A laptop with sufficient RAM can handle multiple tasks at the same time.
Graphics design work requires opening very large files. It also involves opening multiple applications. Switching between these applications seamlessly requires that you have enough memory. You should therefore look into the amount of memory a laptop has before deciding to purchase it.
The best thing about RAM is that you can upgrade it with time. However, you should consider starting with a laptop that has enough memory to deliver the performance you desire. If your needs change with time, especially if you’re a professional graphic designer, you can always upgrade the device.
CPU
The central processing unit is the brain of your computer. It mainly controls the function of your computer and thus needs to be powerful. For graphic design, you need a computer that’s powerful enough to deliver the kind of performance you desire especially as a professional.
The CPU should be good enough to support graphic design software. It is also good to consider the graphic ability of a computer before determining whether it fits your needs perfectly. You can consider either an integrated graphics card or a separate one.
Integrated graphics cards weren’t the best in the past. Being very basic, they couldn’t support simple computer operations, unlike a separate graphics card. However, integrated graphics cards have changed and improved over a few years and are now better.
Integrated graphics cards are also cheaper than separated graphics cards. However, you should go for a separate graphics card if you have a budget in mind and are working on high-demanding applications.
Display Size
Graphic design requires good vision and a great display is another factor you need to consider. Before you pick a computer, consider the display size that will give you the desired results. Ideally, a 15 inch or 17-inch display size can give you the results you desire.
A big-screen display means that the computer becomes bigger in size. That makes it bulky and less portable making it less suitable for a professional graphics designer. Also, consider a display screen with high-density pixels that allow you to see more detail as you work.
You can also consider going for a touchscreen laptop if you love those kinds of screens. However, if you find touchscreens problematic, especially if you deal with fingerprints. It is also a good idea to consider a laptop that you can easily convert to a tablet especially if it is already touchscreen-enabled.
If you have a problem with fingerprints, you can also consider buying an input device. If going for an input pen, you should consider one that’s compatible with your computer.
Storage drive
Storage is a vital factor to consider if you’re looking for the best laptops for graphic designers. You can consider a traditional HDD storage or go for a solid-state drive depending on what meets your needs. There’re various benefits that you can get by choosing either storage drive.
The best thing about choosing a hard drive is that it comes cheaper than a solid-state drive.
Besides price, they also come with a higher capacity compared to the latter. The downside with a hard drive is that it can become problematic when used with a laptop
You can also choose a solid-state drive because it is lighter than a hard drive. It is also more durable and faster than the latter giving you the best results. Thankfully, you can upgrade a computer with an SSD drive depending on your needs.
Color Accuracy
Color accuracy is essential for your graphic design laptop. You should find a monitor that gives you the color accuracy you desire for your needs. Consider going for a monitor that gives you at least 100% of Adobe RBG to ensure you can have the best color quality.
Another thing that you should consider alongside accuracy is the color palette. When measuring color accuracy, you should consider the Delta-E score that your monitor delivers. The lower the color pallet and the better the accuracy the better a computer monitor becomes for graphic design.
Conclusion
Those are some of the factors that you should consider when finding a graphic design laptop. With lots of options available in the market, you should find these insights useful. These factors should make deciding what fits your needs easier.