Art has deeply penetrated our past and present. With the advancement of time, hand-drawn art has been transformed into digitalized versions, and the best laptops for drawing are serving as a great source of fueling creativity amongst digital designers.
These laptops with stylus pens are the modern-day weapon of artists. They have entirely vanished the need for overpriced graphic tablets by providing splendid visuals, superior touch screens, and superior quality active stylus pens—furthermore, all hale to developers for formulating art software compatible with laptops.
This article integrates ten best laptops for drawing, leading the industry with unparalleled output. Lastly, the end is followed by the ultimate buying guide and three top-notch recommendations.
The following are the top three recommendations we will like you to consider.
- Microsoft Surface Pro 7 has the up to date 10th generation processor with 8 GB RAM along with astonishing visuals.
- Lenovo Flex 14 is an incredible option for artists under a budget. This model supplies extraordinary features at a low price.
- New Apple MacBook Pro is highly suited for professional illustrators and designers with no budget constraints. The advance processor and two graphic cards are the notable specs.
Table of Contents
Best Laptop for Drawing Reviews
| Products | Main Features | Our Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Top pick | Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
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 | Acer Spin 3 Convertible Laptop
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 | Microsoft Surface Pro 7
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 | Microsoft Surface Book 2
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 | New Apple MacBook Pro
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 | Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
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 | Dell XPS 13
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 | Newest HP Spectre
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 | Lenovo Yoga 920
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 | 2020 HP Chromebook x360 Laptop
|
1. Lenovo Flex 14 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
Features
Lenovo has earned the name in the technology industry over time by maintaining consistency. The laptops are not only low priced and multi-purpose but also provided with auspicious specifications. The convertible laptops from Lenovo have caught the eye of many artists because of the ability to be used as a source for drawing illustrations.
Durability
First discussing the general features, Lenovo Flex 14 has an extremely sleek and lightweight built. The device weighs only 3.5 pounds with durable plastic construction. The tablet needs to be held in hand most of the time while designing. Thus the lightweightness reduces the arms fatigue prolonging the drawing sessions.
Display
The 14 inches of high definition display is the prominent feature offered. The visuals are compromised due to the economical price, but we assure you it’s better than many competitive laptops for drawing. The nits have a number of 224 comparative to 250 levels. During indoor use, the display behaves exceptionally well, but the reduction in quality has been observed in a well-lit room.
Moreover, the integral tool is the surface pen that comes in the package. The pressure sensitivity of 2,048 makes it an absolute fit for drawing sketches. The pen is intensely fast in response with the pointed nib for a precise touch. The built-in protection against the viruses prevents the software and files from damage.
Performance
Now coming to the performance, which is determined by AMD Ryzen R5-3500U and 8GB of RAM. Both of the elements work in flawless fashion to contribute the power and speed for designing softwares. Along with that, the visuals are further enhanced by Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics card. Moreover, the incorporation of multiple ports and durable battery makes Lenovo Flex 14 an ultimate choice of professionals.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Convertible
- Great performance
- 10 hours of battery
Cons
- Dim display
2. Acer Spin 3 Convertible Laptop
Features
Mentioned as affordable convertible, Acer Spin 3 is a sturdy 2 in 1 laptop offering exceptional features. It has caused waves in crowded markets by entering with a low price tag. The foremost features incorporated are mounted solid-state drive and advance core i7 processor for uniform and uninterrupted working of the model.
Display
The high definition display of 14 inches is furnished with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 for matchless visuals. The Active Stylus Pen is a treat for the artist to disclose their creative craftsmanship. Thus the fusion of stylus and screen presents a marvelous working platform required for digital art. The device hits the digit of 3.7 pounds in weight considerably heavier than the competitors.
Performance
Talking about the hardware and performance, the elements are matchless in terms of uniform and speedy operation. The device is installed with contemporary 8th generation Intel Core i7-8565U. The processors run on the frequency of 1.8 GHz, contributing a fast response. Furthermore, 16 GB of RAM makes Acer Spin 3 an appealing choice of illustrators.
More Specifications
The 512 GB of the solid-state drive has the capacity to sustain heft designing softwares along with other stored files. Also, Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated into the system is another feature that boosts the overall performance. Additional worth mentioning features are remarkable 12 hours of the battery along with staggering connectivity.
Warranty
The devices come with one year of warranty to classify your purchase as safe. In the limited duration, you can get Acer Spin 3 exchanged, replaced, and returned with a full money back. Moreover, the rechargeable stylus and long-lasting battery get you working for the entire day without hooking upto charger.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sleek and decent design
- Long battery life
- Heat prevention system
Cons
- Plastic based
- Heavy
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Features
With more exciting features than the previous version of Pro 6, Microsoft Surface Pro 7 has been refined to fit the needs of digital designers and illustrators. The 2 in 1 continues the legacy of Microsoft with an ample amount of promising features durability, productivity, and performance. The model comes with an ample amount of power and functionality.
Display
The 12.3 inches of the display is significantly large enough to pay attention to the detail while composing the intricate designs. Moreover, the 2 in 1 integration converts the model into an advanced graphic tablet that is equipped with a surface pen. If you are an artist with a preference for drawing with a pen, then Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is second to none.
OR as an professional Artist, you are looking for more options in affordable prices, then you can’t escape reading our Blog post about laptops for artists. CHECK it out Here.
Design
The model is multi-purpose for typing, drawing, touching, and drawing. It has gained a profound interest in art enthusiasts around the world since releasing in the market. Furthermore, the design is extremely sleek and thin, making it portable for artists to carry around. The PixelSense display of 2736×1824 imparts the sharpness and brightness. The flawless contrast of colors allows better visualization of minute patterns.
Performance
Furthermore, it is a known fact that professional softwares for digital designing drain power and space from the device. The heavy size needs to be combated with high exceptional processor and storage. Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is installed with Intel Core i5-1035G4 latest 10th Generation processor and 8 GB RAM.
No further trouble of responding and hanging while sketching the art. The finest of the finest detail is manifested by Intel UHD (i3) graphic card. Well balanced visual plays an essential role in attaining satisfactory results which mount the need for a superior quality graphic card. Moreover, the full-size backlit keyboard has soft to touch keys with exceptional key travel.
Pros
- 10.5 hours of battery time
- Intel Core i5-1035G4 processor
- Portable
- Slim design
- Multi-purpose
Cons
- Does not comes with stylus and keyboard
4. Microsoft Surface Book 2
Features
The best laptop for drawing to get your hands urgently is Microsoft Surface Book 2. Rendered with some awesome features to bring the best out of graphic designing, it has attained sufficient praise amongst digital artist. It has been inspired by the design and functionality of the descendent Microsoft Surface Book.
Display
The dimension and appearance of the model are well suited to fit all needs from sketching to regular work. The device has a whopping 13.5 and 15 inches of a stunning 4k screen. The 3000 x 2000 PixelSense display is proven to impart sharpness and contrast, making it stand amongst the premium laptops for computerized artwork. The 374 nits of brightness surpass the average standard of 289 nits to bring the best resolution for designers.
The purchase of a $99.99 surface pen can transform Microsoft Surface Book 2 into high performing graphic tablet. The pen has been tested for being lag-free and act fast on commands. The 4,096 degrees of pressure sensitivity turns the stylus into a quick responding magical stick. Thus, the artists can utilize it for detailed logo designing or digital portraits.
Graphics
The durable hinges provide a quick change from tablet to laptop and from laptop to tablet. Furthermore, another mindful feature for a designer is the integration of advanced graphic cards. Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 GPU graphic card, along with 2GB of VRAM, fuse the output to provide some staggering visuals for guaranteed satisfaction.
What is Special Inside?
The powerful art softwares are extraordinarily carried by Intel Core i7-8650U CPU without any functioning error interruption in your work sessions. Moreover, the 8 GB RAM ensures the speedy operation of Microsoft Surface Book 2. Additional worth mentioning features are versatile ports and 17 hours of long-lasting battery.
Pros
- 17 hours of battery
- High performing
- 2 in 1 dual function
- Quad-core processor
Cons
- No HDMI port
- Expensive
5. New Apple MacBook Pro
Features
It is a known fact that Apple is dominating the tech industry for a decade with some revolutionary products. Similarly, the New Apple MacBook Pro aspires from the same consistency included in the goal of the brand. The pro reflects the aim of the device, reflecting the use for professional purposes and high-level tasks.
Diplay
The series is insanely expensive, like other Apple products, but we assure you the purchase will be worth every single penny. The aluminum body has a decent matte finish, which is the signature style of Apple. The size of the bezel has been restricted to incorporate the large screen of 16 inches. The integration of astonishing True Tone technology in the display is another step to the revolution of technology.
The ambient light sensors settled in screen function with brightness and color temperature of surroundings. After detection, the sensors adapt to the condition and adjust the settings to match the environment. The regulation of intensity and color with varying surroundings leads to better display, reducing pressure on eyes.
Performance
The digital arts is a computer-based job, so to cope with long screen time, the designers should opt for retina display as included in New Apple MacBook Pro. The model is comprised of 9th generation 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor with a turbo boost of 4.2 GHz. Furthermore, the 9th generation is proved to perform twice as fast as previous versions.
The heavy softwares might heat the model; this needs to be coped by excessive heat vents and overheating prevention system. New Apple MacBook Pro has shown considerable progress in the thermal improvements. Amd Radeon Pro 5300M Graphics with GDDR6 memory Intel UHD Graphics 630 lets you experience designing with enhanced color grading.
Pros
- Great display
- Sturdy built
- Long time battery
- Two graphic cards
- 9th generation processor
Cons
- Expensive
6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3
Features
Combining modern design with premium features, Microsoft Third Generation Surface Laptop is another option for consideration. The upgraded version is manufactured with elevated features that distinguish the laptop from old versions and other models in the market. The highlighted specifications are a high capacity processor, powerful graphic card, and the latest operating system.
Design
The design has been kept super minimalist with matte silver finish. The model comes in three varying options with different variations in terms of RAM, processor, design, and display size. The design range from metal to Alcantara fabric deck and comes in various astonishing colors. The most noticeable 13.5 inches is crafted with a pixel density of 250 PPI.
Durability
Furthermore, the brand complains enhanced contrast, brightness, ratio, and viewing angles, utterly assisting the designers. The depth and clarity of pixels make it the ideal choice for vectorizing different portraits with finer viewing angles. The device feels like a feather in hand with a weight of only 1.26 kg. The two hardware options are Intel Core i5-1035G7 with 8GB of RAM, and Intel Core i7-1065G7 with 16GB.
Performance
The amateur designers can blindly pick the Core i-5 model, which has the ability to run initial practice software, but it can be utilized professionally as well. Moreover, the Radeon Vega 9 GPU makes the software give the best in terms of functioning and visual output. Aart from that, the art creators have also loved the keyboard and touchpad due to astonishing accuracy and smooth touch.
Pros
- One year warranty
- Comes in two versions with varying features
- Strong performance
- Durable construction
Cons
- Few ports
- Limited battery
7. Dell XPS 13
Features
Digitalize your art with the Dell XPS 13 9370. With an UltraSlim design and smart chassis, Dell stands as a tough competitor among the best laptops for drawing. Its magnificent performance and long battery life let you create illustrations, unleashing startling results in the end.
Design
The most attractive element of its design is the Infinity Edge border, which is 23% thinner, thus giving an 80% screen-body aspect. Having 4mm narrow bezels, this wide-screen delivers a matchless view for an ultimate experience.
Durability
Dell XPS 13 is considered as the slimmest laptop due to its ultra-smart dimensions. It merely weighs 2.65 pounds and is just 0.4 inches thick. Dell made this possible by removing the USB Type-A port and SD card reader. However, it includes other ports, such as two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and USB Type-C port for charging and connectivity. Along with this, a micro-SD card reader, an audio jack, is the part of port selection.
Dell preferred a stunning combination of white and gold for the extrinsic chassis for XPS 13. While the white deck and sides give a stunning look, the gold lid and bottom impart a splendid touch of sophistication.
Display
This laptop is preferable for drawing and creating graphics because it shows more pop in images, so colors are shown covering every minute detail of the image. The screen displays UHD resolution at 3840 x 2160 pixels. You will be amazed by the sharpness, brightness, and color quality of the images, leaving behind other laptops because of the 400 nits of brightness.
Performance
The processing unit is worth mentioning here; it is equipped with the 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core i7-8550U processor with a clock speed of 4.0GHz. Adding to that, a momentous 16GB RAM and a huge 512GB SSD storage make things more remarkable. This impressive processor allows you to create, listen, watch, and do multitasking without even a single pause.
Pros
- 3840 x 2160 UHD Resolution
- Back-lit keyboard
- 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core i7-8550U processor
- 512GB SSD storage
- Long battery life
- Outstanding display
- Infinity Edge Border
Cons
- No USB Type-A port
8. Newest HP Spectre
Features
Refined than before, Newest HP Spectre is manufactured, keeping in consideration the registered complaints from old models. The incorporation of the latest processor gives the device tones of power, and that’s what will make you fall in love with the Newest HP Spectre. The further update is made in drives, hardware, and storage.
Design
The design is impressively sleek and thin. The metal construction imparts durability, but surprising the light is extremely lightweight. The slimmed bezel allows the screen to take more space, enlarging the display. The screen is equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass NBT enhancing the touch sensitivity. This means the screen will also be responding well to commands from the pen issued by designers.
Display
Moreover, the 16:9 aspect ratio and 1080 x 1920 lead to impressive color grading, contrast, and sharpness. The 13.3 inches of the display is further rendered with AMOLED panel, which accentuates the vibrance of white color and depth of black color. The keyboard is stylishly backlit, and the touchpad is insanely responsive to slide and tap gestures.
Performance
Intel 10th Generation Core i7-1065G7 CPU dominates the hardware section. It is further paired with 16GB of RAM, providing the high speed for hefty jobs. The ultra-advanced hardware in fushion with attractive display makes Newest HP Spectre an ideal fit for drawing. Furthermore, the built-in Intel Iris Plus graphics not only plays a role in speeding up the functionality along with improving the display.
Pros
- Ultraportable
- 13 hours of battery
- AMOLED panel
- 10th generation processor
- High definition display
Cons
- Overheating issue
9. Lenovo Yoga 920
Features
Lenovo has come up with another incredible laptop with 2 in 1 functionality and premium features. This high-end model has left everyone praising with the superior features, ultra-performance processor, and stunning display. If you are planning for long term investment in the best laptop for drawing, then Lenovo Yoga 920 has taken all the leads.
Design
The expensive price tag returns the favor with the luxurious appeal of the design. The model feels high end with a matte black finish. The brushed coating on the metal body gives the hit of elegance and decency. The slim and fine design is durable, weighing only 3.0 pounds. As a designer, you will be using a laptop in tablet mode mostly, but some occasional tasks need typing as well.
Performance
The latest eighth-generation Intel’s Core i7-8500U is perfect for multi-tasking and working on hefty softwares. Along with that, the 8GB RAM provides an error-free working experience. The 256 GB solid-state drive provides the necessary space for storing powerful softwares like photoshop. Moreover, the active stylus pen comes along with the laptop in the package.
Display
The high definition of 13.9 inches of display supports 4k visuals. It won’t leave you in awe, but the viewing angles are exceptionally great. The physical transfer of data can be carried through versatile connectivity ports. Furthermore, the battery will not let you lose concentration for the ten straight hours. The operating system is wheeled on a newly launched window, hello.
Pros
- Active pen included
- Strong performance
- Longer battery life
- 8th generation processor
Cons
- Hefty
10. 2020 HP Chromebook x360 Laptop
Features
Chromebooks have been greatly known for the convenience they offer in terms of use and functioning. Fortunately, they have taken the overfilled market by storm because of the affordability and extensive specifications. HP Chromebook x360 makes the best laptop for artists as well, along with general tasking.
The model is constructed mainly from aluminum and partly from plastic. The enchanting neutral white lid gives a stylish and decent finish to the design, which is further accentuated with silver logo. HP Chromebook x360 is an extremely lightweight hitting figure of 2.9 pounds. Thus, carry it in hand or bag for the entire day and do your job.
Display
The 12 inches of the display is unique in term of size as it is titled to square shape rather than a rectangle. The screen is also taller, along with 12 inches of width. The resolution of 1920 x 1080 gives 1080p visuals, but it doesn’t fit the standard of the market. The pixels give a bright display, but it will perform exceptionally well unless the drawing needs to be viewed in-depth. The 216 nits of brightness keep the screen well lit in outdoor viewing as well.
Performance
The installation of the 8th generation Core i3 8130U processor is the prime feature amongst the internal. The processor, along with 8GB RAM, imparts consistent speed and uniform productivity. The reliable battery keeps the laptop running for straight 13 hours. The designing job is significantly time-consuming because of the level of exquisite detailing.
Furthermore, the full high definition In-plane switching display is micro edged with amazing viewing angles. The UHD Graphics 620 works with a highly specialized display to give the decent vibrant visualization of work on softwares.
Pros
- Portable
- Unique dimensions of the display
- In-plane switching
- 8th Generation processor
Cons
- Low resolution
How to pick the Best Laptops for Drawing?
We have collected some essential features that need to be taken into account during the selection process. The process of choosing the best drawing laptop might seem an easy task for you, but let us tell you, it’s not what it seems! But we are here to help. Enlisted are some vital features to look into the laptop before purchasing.
Display Size and Resolution
Consider for a moment how hectic it would be to draw on a tiny piece of paper? Similarly, designing on a small screen is full of challenges. The screen should be large enough to give you a better sight of details at a glance. Furthermore, art is all about colors. The screen should have an exemplary definition, pixel sense, resolution, color grading, contrast, and sharpness.
Graphics Card
Being a computer artist, you cannot bear to have a mediocre display. The graphic card is a backbone in terms of visuals; that’s why it needs to be of the latest model and brand new. The superior graphic card will let you observe the patterns and art in the finest detail. It is especially while crafting three-dimension or two-dimension architecture models.
Furthermore, the display and graphic card work in close relation with each other. To ease up the thing for you, the screen quality in front of you is the result of both GPU and display features. So, we will recommend you always have eyes on premium graphic cards.
Processor and RAM
Processor and RAM are always discussed together because both of them are highly dependant on each other. Other than that, the lightning speed, multi-tasking, and strong performance are the outcome of processor and RAM.
Furthermore, designing like photoshop, illustrator, and coral draw are know to be hefty and powerful. Therefore, a powerful processor is needed to cope with them. In that case, your laptop needs to equipped with at least a 7-10th generation processor and 8 GB RAM.
Screen Sensitivity
The screen should be highly responding to commands and gestures without from hand touch or with the use of an active stylus pen. Your screen should be able to immediately translate the command received as a result of touch from the pen. This will reduce your working hours as well as rather than going back and forth to achieve perfection in design.
Battery Life
Being a computer artist means hooking up with your tablets for hours. Thus your device must have a long battery life so you can continue working for hours without receiving low battery warnings. Furthermore, it will be a source to retain concentration in work rather than getting distracter with low battery after every few hours.
Conclusion
Go through the above-listed best laptops for drawing twice and carefully select the option that completely ticks all your demands. Lastly, we hope that our article is of significant help to you. Head over to Amazon, add your favorite drawing laptop in the cart, and check!
Concluding the article, we advise you not to compromise on any of the requirements while purchasing as it may lead to trouble in the coming days. To achieve the desired and highly satisfactory result, your medium of designing should be convenient on your terms. If the device lags in any, the critical feature will directly influence your work.