As a student of graphic design, you need a simple laptop that will allow you create art with ease and do your research. A computer running on Intel Core i3 or higher and at least 4GB RAM will work just fine. However, if you need a professional laptop, you might need more in memory and graphics. Granted, you need to buy a computer that is upgradable. If you, for instance, have a 4GB RAM computer, it should be upgradable to about 16GB for professional graphic design.
Below are some of the top laptops for graphic design students.
1. Acer Aspire VX 15
Intro
If you’re looking for a powerful laptop to use as a student and later as a professional, the Acer Aspire VX5-591G-75RM will give you great value for money. The unit comes with seventh generation Intel Core i7 Quad Core processor for fast data processing. It further sports 16GB RAM with 256 GB SSD. To enhance the graphics quality, the laptop comes with 4GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 GPU. These features make it easy for you to design on the heaviest design software.
Pros
The laptop comes preinstalled with Windows 10 out of the box. It has a large 15.6-inch full HD screen. The laptop weighs 5.5 pounds making it easy to carry to and from class. This is bettered by up to 6 hours of battery life. It has a USB type C port for connectivity.
Cons
The laptop does not come with an optical drive.
2. MSI GL62M 7RE-407
Intro
The MSI GL62M 7RE-407 is a powerful computer when used for graphic design, gaming or even 3D modeling. You can use this laptop for graphic design as a student and you can also use it as a professional. It features the powerful seventh gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM. This is enhanced by 256GB SSD. The laptop gets it power from Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 GPU with 4GB dedicated memory.
Pros
The laptop runs on Windows 10 out of the box letting you get started right away. Its TN panel display gives great clarity and awesome contrast. The laptop weighs only 5.3 pounds which is light enough. With a 15.6-inch display. You are assured of designing the intricate details of your graphics.
Cons
The laptop doesn’t feature an optical drive. Again, it could have used a little more storage space.
3. Lenovo Flex 5 80XB000LUS
Intro
This is a 15.6-inch laptop that sports a unique design that offers great flexibility and portability. While the laptop is relatively expensive, it gives the graphic design student all the features they need to get their assignments and art practice done. The graphics of this laptop are powerful enough to accommodate and run AAA games, and this is what makes it ideal for art. It sports Nvidia 940MX.
Pros
Each laptop comes with 1080p resolution which is powerful enough to execute different heavy applications. Its large display offers enough contrast and brightness allowing you to design even the smallest details. It comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home to get you started immediately.
Cons
The laptop is relatively expensive, and many students would opt for a more budget option. For students not on a budget, however, this is a great choice.
4. MacBook Air
Intro
The air series from Apple has just been upgraded for 2018, and this makes it even better and makes it affordable. While Mac gains favor with people, most users shy away due to its price. The hardware upgrades on MacBook Air have been made to make the laptop affordable for students of graphic design and also make it perform better.
This is a 13.3-inch laptop that offers 1440 x 900 pixels resolution. It sports the same sleek body common with Mac devices with an aluminum chassis for quality and durability.
Pros
The laptop comes with a comfortable keyboard with enough pressure point for faster use. This full-size keyboard allows you wide travel between keys ensuring that you do not press two keys at the same time. The laptop has a powerful Intel Core i5 processor with Intel HD integrated card. It comes with MAC OS preinstalled. It has 8GB RAM and 128 GB Flash memory.
Cons
Being an Apple device the options of upgrading are limited.
5. Asus VivoBook F510UA
Intro
This is a budget-friendly laptop making it great for students. The laptop is promising in terms of design and performance. Its body is beautiful with a black finish and a sleek appearance. Even with an affordable price, below $500, the laptop still offers great performance. For starters, it packs Intel Kaby Lake i5 Processor. This is coupled with 8GB RAM to make the machine very fast. You are offered Nvidia 940MX GPU for faster graphic design.
Pros
This laptop comes with a fingerprint reader that enhances its security. You will only need to place your fingerprint to unlock the screen. This means you do not have to use a password. For storage, the laptop is fitted with 1TB HDD. While SSD is faster, this HDD gives you more room. With all these features, it is clear that the price of the laptop does not dictate its quality.
Out of the box, the laptop comes installed with Windows 10, and you can get started immediately. It has a bright 15.6-inch full HD display with a great contrast.
Cons
The laptop battery lasts relatively short. Besides that, the laptop performs excellently in any situation and with any application.
Final Thoughts
There is more than the five laptops above. You can choose from hundreds of laptops. As a student, you do not need a laptop that will cost you up to $2000 as this will be an overkill. However, if you can afford it, this will help you as a professional immediately you are done with school. Again, most students start freelancing when still in school and therefore the need for the nest graphic design laptop affordable.
When comparing the above laptops, look at speed, graphics, and storage in relation to your budget. Buy one today.
