Welcome to the vibrant world of digital art! As seasoned artists ourselves, we know how crucial it is to have a reliable, high-performance computer that complements your creative skills. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide, carefully reviewing and handpicking the best digital art computers for you.
Whether you're a professional graphic designer, a digital illustrator, or an aspiring artist, you'll find the perfect machine in our lineup to unleash your imagination and bring your artistic visions to life.
Dive into our top picks to find your ultimate creative machine!
A. Importance of choosing the right computer for digital art
The world of digital art is vast and ever-evolving, with new technologies and tools constantly emerging to enhance artists' capabilities. Choosing the right computer for digital art can make a significant difference in your creative process, allowing you to bring your visions to life more efficiently and effectively. This comprehensive guide aims to help you find the best computer for your digital art needs by discussing the most critical factors to consider and providing a list of top picks for 2023.
B. How did we select which computers to include in this comparison?
When choosing which computers to feature in this comparison, our main goal was to give you a well-rounded and easy-to-understand overview of the best options out there for digital artists. As a team of graphic designers ourselves, we wanted to share our personal experience and knowledge along with careful research. To do that, we went through a step-by-step process that considered things like performance, display, features, and value for money.
Research and Data Collection: We spent a lot of time digging through customer reviews, expert opinions, and manufacturer specs. We also looked at what's popular in the digital art world right now and, of course, our own experiences using these computers for our daily work.
Performance and Hardware Specs: Based on our personal experience and research, we carefully checked out the hardware specs of each computer, especially the processing power, RAM, graphics card, and storage capacity. These are all important when it comes to a computer's overall performance and its ability to handle demanding tasks like 3D modeling, video editing, and digital painting.
Display Quality and Size: A top-notch display is super important for digital artists, as we know firsthand. So, we looked for computers with high-resolution screens, great color accuracy, and the right screen sizes for different types of digital art projects based on our own work and preferences.
Extra Features: We also thought about features like stylus support, pressure sensitivity, and touchscreens that can make digital art even more fun and hands-on for artists, based on our personal experience using these features in our projects.
Operating System: We included computers with both Windows and macOS operating systems to suit everyone's preferences. Some of our team members prefer the familiarity and software options on Windows, while others appreciate the smooth integration and design of macOS.
Price Range and Value for Money: We wanted to include options for all budgets, so we looked at computers with different price tags. We aimed to find options that give you the most bang for your buck by balancing cost and performance, taking into account our own experiences with these computers.
II. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Computer for Digital Art
A. Display quality and size
As digital artists, we know that the quality and size of a display can significantly impact your work. Look for high-resolution screens with accurate colors and good brightness. The screen size should also be appropriate for your projects, with larger screens offering more workspace for intricate details.
B. Processor
A computer's processor affects how quickly it can handle tasks and run the software. Look for a fast processor (like Intel Core i5 or i7, or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7) to ensure smooth performance while working on complex projects or using resource-intensive software.
C. RAM
Sufficient RAM is essential for smooth multitasking, especially when working with large files or running multiple applications simultaneously. We recommend at least 8GB of RAM for basic digital art tasks, but 16GB or more is ideal for more demanding work.
D. GPU
A powerful GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is crucial for rendering graphics and handling visually intensive tasks. Look for dedicated graphics cards like NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX for the best performance in graphic design, 3D modeling, and animation.
E. Storage
A computer with ample storage space allows you to store large files, projects, and software. Solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives (HDDs), so consider a computer with at least a 256GB SSD for improved performance.
F. Operating System
Choose between Windows and macOS based on your personal preferences and the software you plan to use. Some digital art programs are exclusive to one operating system, so make sure the computer you choose is compatible with your preferred software.
G. Budget and value for money
Set a budget for your computer purchase and consider the value for money of each option. Sometimes, investing in a higher-priced computer can save you money in the long run by providing better performance and durability.
H. Additional features (e.g., touchscreen, stylus support, etc.)
Consider extra features like touchscreen capability, stylus support, and convertible laptop designs that can improve your digital art experience. These features aren't essential for everyone but can offer added convenience and versatility for some artists.
III. Top Picks for Best Computers for Digital Art in 2023
A. Best Overall: Apple MacBook Pro 16 Inch
1. Features
Display: 16-inch Retina display
Processor: Apple M2 Max chip with 12-Core CPU
RAM: 64GB SO-DIMM Unified Memory
GPU: 38-Core GPU Integrated Graphics
Storage: 1TB SSD
Operating System: macOS
Additional Features: Touch Bar, Touch ID, high-quality speakers, and improved thermal design
2. Pros and Cons
Pros:
Exceptional performance with the powerful Apple M2 Max chip
Large, high-resolution Retina display for stunning visuals
64GB of RAM for smooth multitasking and demanding projects
Integrated 38-Core GPU for excellent graphics performance
1TB SSD storage for fast file access and ample storage space
macOS offers a seamless experience with many popular digital art programs
Excellent build quality and sleek design
Cons:
Expensive, particularly when compared to other options
A limited number of ports may require adapters for additional connectivity
No touchscreen or stylus support, which some artists may prefer
B. Best Budget Windows Option: Acer Swift 3
1. Features
Display: 14-inch Full HD IPS display
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core Processor
RAM: 8GB DDR4
GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Additional Features: Fingerprint reader, backlit keyboard, and USB Type-C port
2. Pros and Cons
Pros:
Affordable price point for those on a tight budget
AMD Ryzen 7 processor provides solid performance for most digital art tasks
14-inch Full HD IPS display for accurate colors and wide viewing angles
8GB of RAM for basic multitasking and lighter digital art projects
512GB NVMe SSD for fast storage and sufficient space for files
Lightweight and portable design
Fingerprint reader for enhanced security
Cons:
Not as powerful as some of the other options, may struggle with more demanding projects
Integrated graphics may not be suitable for heavy 3D work
Limited RAM may require upgrades for more demanding tasks
No touchscreen or stylus support
C. Best Value: Dell XPS 15
1. Features
Display: 15.6-inch 4K UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective Display
Processor: 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H
RAM: 16GB DDR4
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti 4GB GDDR6
Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Additional Features: Thunderbolt 3, SD card reader, fingerprint reader, and backlit keyboard
2. Pros and Cons
Pros:
Stunning 4K UHD+ display with touch support for excellent visuals and ease of use
10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor for powerful performance
Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti GPU for handling graphics-intensive tasks
16GB of RAM for multitasking and handling complex projects
512GB PCIe NVMe SSD for fast storage and quick access to files
Thunderbolt 3 for fast data transfer and connecting multiple peripherals
Fingerprint reader for enhanced security
Cons:
Slightly more expensive than some budget options
Battery life may be shorter due to the high-resolution display
Can get warm under heavy workloads
No built-in stylus support
D. Best Laptop for Illustrator: Lenovo IdeaPad L340
1. Features
Display: 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Anti-Glare Display
Processor: 9th Generation Intel Core i5-9300H
RAM: 8GB DDR4
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5
Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Additional Features: Backlit keyboard, Dolby Audio, and 180-degree hinge
2. Pros and Cons
Pros:
Full HD IPS display with anti-glare coating for clear visuals and comfortable viewing
9th Generation Intel Core i5 processor provides adequate performance for Adobe Illustrator
Dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU for handling graphics-intensive tasks
8GB of RAM for smooth multitasking while working with multiple Adobe Illustrator files
512GB NVMe SSD for fast storage and quick access to files
Backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in dimly lit environments
Dolby Audio for an enhanced audio experience during playback
180-degree hinge for versatile positioning
Cons:
Limited to 8GB of RAM, which may not be enough for more complex projects
No touch screen or stylus support
Battery life may not be as long as other options
No Thunderbolt 3 support
E. Best Laptop for Freelancers: MacBook Air (M2) 13.6-inch
1. Features
Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display with IPS technology, 2560 x 1664 resolution, 500 nits brightness, P3 wide color, True Tone technology
Processor: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine, 100GB/s memory bandwidth
RAM: Up to 24GB Unified Memory
GPU: Apple 10-core GPU
Storage: SSD
Operating System: macOS Monterey
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
Additional Features: 1080p FaceTime HD camera, three-mic array, four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio, MagSafe 3 charging port, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, 3.5mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
2. Pros and Cons
Pros:
Thin, lightweight design (2.7 pounds) for easy portability
M2 chip delivers powerful performance with energy efficiency
Impressive 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with vibrant colors and detailed visuals
Up to 18 hours of battery life for all-day productivity
Advanced camera and audio for improved communication and entertainment
Versatile connectivity options, including MagSafe 3, Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, and a headphone jack
Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services
Cons:
Base model storage capacity may be limited for some users
No dedicated graphics card for more demanding graphic tasks
Limited number of ports may require adapters or a hub for additional connectivity
Non-upgradable RAM and storage
Higher price tag compared to some Windows-based alternatives
F. Best for Design: Microsoft Surface Book 3
1. Features
Features:
Display: 15-inch PixelSense Touchscreen Display with 3240 x 2160 resolution (260 PPI)
Processor: Intel Core i7 (10th Gen) 1.3 GHz
RAM: 16GB DDR4
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q with 6GB dedicated graphics memory
Storage: 256GB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Battery Life: 2 Lithium-Ion batteries included
Additional Features: Detachable display for tablet mode, Surface Pen support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, 3 USB 3.0 ports, 4.2 pounds weight, 13.5 x 0.9 x 9.87 inches dimensions, platinum color, solid-state drive interface
2. Pros and Cons
Pros:
Versatile design with detachable display for tablet mode
High-resolution PixelSense Touchscreen Display with excellent color accuracy
Powerful performance with Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q GPU
Surface Pen support for precise drawing and handwriting
Robust connectivity options, including USB 3.0 ports and Wi-Fi 6
Battery life suitable for all-day productivity
Solid build quality and attractive platinum color
Cons:
Expensive, especially considering the base storage capacity
No Thunderbolt 3 support for faster data transfer and peripherals
Heavier and bulkier compared to other 2-in-1 devices
Limited upgradability for RAM and storage
Operating system is not Windows 10 Pro, which may be a limitation for some professional users
G. Best High-Performance Option: ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo UX581
1. Features
Display: 15.6-inch 4K UHD NanoEdge OLED touchscreen main display
Processor: Intel Core i7 (9th Gen) 4.5 GHz
RAM: 16GB DDR4 at 2666 MHz
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 with 6GB GDDR6 VRAM
Storage: 1TB SSD
Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
Additional Features: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, 802.11ax wireless connectivity, three USB 3.0 ports, no optical drive, 5.5 pounds weight, 14.1 x 9.7 x 0.9 inches dimensions
2. Pros and Cons
Pros:
Stunning 15.6-inch 4K UHD OLED touchscreen display
Powerful performance with Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU
Fast 16GB DDR4 RAM at 2666 MHz
Generous 1TB SSD storage
Windows 10 Pro operating system for advanced features and security
Premium build quality with an attractive design
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 802.11ax support for fast and reliable connectivity
Cons:
Expensive compared to other options
Heavy and bulky, making it less portable than other laptops
Shorter battery life due to high-performance components
Limited upgradability for RAM and storage
Can get hot under heavy workloads
No optical drive for users who still require one