The laptops equipped with integrated features of graphic tablets are a reality now. No further accessories are required for displaying your expertise in artwork.
But have you ever thought such best laptops for artists could be attained at a low price?
Yes, this is your moment to cherish. Some of the low-priced laptops can serve your requirements if you are an artist under a budget. They are manifested with a bundle of intriguing features like high capacity hardware, striking display, and versatility for providing a smooth drawing experience.
Scroll down to find the ten best cheap laptops concluded with the buying guide! Not the best of the best due to limited price but are surely worth the money.
Table of Contents
Quick Overveiw: Top 10 Best Cheap Laptops for Artists
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | Price |
|---|---|---|
Acer Aspire E 15-4590
| ||
 | ASUS Chromebook-Laptop
| |
Lenovo Flex 14
| ||
 | Acer Chromebook R 11
| |
Microsoft Surface Go
| ||
 | ASUS VivoBook Flip 14
| |
 | ASUS VivoBook F510UA
| |
 | Acer Chromebook Spin 11 CP311-1H-C5PN
| |
 | Dell Inspiron
| |
 | 2018 Lenovo Yoga 720
|
1.Acer Aspire E 15-4590 – The Best Laptop for Artists
Features
Serving the needs of artists in a commendable way, Acer Aspire E 15 is an affordable option to consider. Fitting the budget of art students and amateurs designers, the model does not disappoint in operation as well. Integrated with strong internal hardware, satisfactory display, and mesmerizing productivity, Acer Aspire E 15 stands first in our recommendations.
With a low price, the design does not feel luxurious in hand but is sufficiently sturdy. The hard plastic construction with a textured finish reflects durability. Measuring 15 x 10.2 x 1.2 inches in dimension, it is not the sleekest and lightest option but still provides a comfortable drawing experience. Being a digital designer means having accompanied by a laptop most of the time. Thus Acer Aspire E 15 fits the standards of portability.
The 15 inches of display gives you a wide viewing surface to effectively evaluate your artwork. However, the widescreen needs to companied with mesmerizing visuals as well. 1920 x 1080 of resolution significantly offers a sharp, bright, and detailed drawing piece. The color contrast and grading in not exemplary but significantly renders good practice for starters and art students.
Furthermore, promising internal hardware is equipped with the 8th Gen Intel Core i3-8130U CPU processor along with 6GB of RAM. So, the model is the ultimate package for multitasking and consistent performance. Also, the 1TB 5,200-RPM of solid-state drive works effectively with hardware to ensure uninterrupted creativity on hefty art softwares.
Another perk to consider is an everlasting battery of 9 hours. An alternate view to the statement is 9 hours of designing with ultimate focus and concentration. Additionally, the touchpad and keyboard are responsive to gestures and touch. The keys are solid with a soft touch and outstanding travel time.
Pros
- 8th Generation processor
- 15 inches of display
- 9 hours of battery
- Affordable
- Strong performance
Cons
- Bulky
2. ASUS Chromebook Laptop – Best Under Budget
Features
Declared best for digital art students, ASUS Chromebook C202SA will be your buddy in practice and training. The impressive reliability is combined with mesmerizing features. Working on animation projects, 3D modeling, caricatures, vector portraits, illustrations, and video editing has never been so easy as with ASUS Chromebook C202SA.
Being a student of art means, carrying a laptop anywhere and everywhere. This model will effortlessly fit in your bag. The dimensions of 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.88 inches make ASUS Chromebook C202SA a moderately sized device with just 2.6 pounds of weight. Additionally, the rubber edging makes the model resistant to physical impacts. The plastic lid and bottom are covered with black rubber lining to impart protection.
The 11.6 inches of screen is not immensely large but is equipped with required sharpness and contrast. The 1366 x 768 of resolution manifests the depth in pixels giving clarity in the art process. With 250 nits of brightness, ASUS Chromebook C202SA conquers its major rivals by few points. Furthermore, anti-glare technology makes the display anti-reflective outdoor or in a well-lit room.
The Intel Celeron N3060 processor clocked at 1.2 GHz does not make it the most powerful model available. However, it has been proven sufficient to wheel designing softwares. Professionals recommend it as a great model when stepping in a vast field of computerized artwork. Also, the 4GB of RAM supports CPU by supplying extra power.
The connectivity is equipped with some essential ports and is not overcrowded. Moreover, the model will accompany you all day with a long-lasting battery of 9 hours. The spill-resistant keyboard adds further durability to the design.
Pros
- battery
- Extremely durable
- Anti-glare screen
- Portable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Satisfactory performance
3. Lenovo Flex 14 – Best for Drawing
Features
Lenovo is prominently known for engineering and crafting inexpensive yet high performing laptops from years. The Lenovo Flex 14 is applauded due to the same nature inhabiting the legacy of the brand. Since launch, this model is consistently leading the lists because of affordability in combination with impressive specifications.
At a glance, Lenovo Flex 14 has a sharp and sleek appeal. The aluminum lid has a black matte finish accompanied with durable hinges at one end. The device measures 12.9 x 9 x 0.7 inches in size and weights 3.4 pounds in size. One edge is embellished with a metallic emblem of the logo, just giving the right touch of elegance.
The 14 inches of full high definition display is fascinating for most of the designers as it pitches the needed visuals. The sharpness and vividness are noteworthy in the first look. The In-plane Switching allows some greater viewing angles, both indoor and outdoor drawing sessions. The active stylus and touch screen are sufficiently responsive and receptive.
Unlike other competitors, Lenovo Flex 14 comes with assistance for the processor as well in the form of Zen+ cores with eight threads. The main processor AMD Ryzen R5-3500U is clocked at 2.2 GHz and is further boosted to 3.8 GHz in multitasking. Furthermore, 8GB of RAM and 256GB solid-state drive effectively contribute to overall speed and performance delivered while using complex softwares.
Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics card is another performance-enhancing component. Moreover, the battery time of approximately 9 hours stands Lenovo Flex 14 amongst the best cheap laptops for drawing. All of the specs, as mentioned above, work together effectively to bring the best out of your artistic efforts.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Durable
- Convertible laptop
- High performance
- Affordable
Cons
- Brightness could be improved
4. Acer Chromebook R 11 – Convertible Laptop for Drawing
Features
The minimalist approach, along with sturdy hinges for tablet mode, is the driver of bringing Acer Chromebook R 11 amongst the best cheap laptops for drawing. Furthermore, the reviewing artists have applauded its ability to last from dusk till dawn. This model takes inspiration from Apple MacBook in terms of design, which is worth thousands of dollars while this model is available in under $300.
The 11.57 x 8.03 x 0.76 inches of size, along with just 2.7 pounds of weight, are the notable features. This fulfills the aim of a laptop, which is a device that can be carried around comfortably. The body is mainly constructed from plastic with a stylish matte finish. The lid comes along with an aluminum panel that sustains the frequent opening and closing along with transformation to tablet mode.
Enclosed inside a thick bezel, the display is considerably high definition with a resolution of 1366 x 768. Thus it can be affordable and high performing addition in your designing kit. The in-plane switching renders clear cut viewing both indoor and outdoor. So, there is a highly advanced platform for demonstrating artistic skills. The 224 nits of brightness is not an ideal figure but still provides precise color contrast.
The highlight of internal functioning is Intel Celeron N3150 with 4 GB RAM. Acer Chromebook R 11 has been tested for running heavy-duty jobs and bulky softwares. To our surprise, it performed significantly well, keeping in view the price tag attached. The company has not overlooked the outcome to fit the production cost. The graphics performance is also tested, which executed the number of 50 frames per second.
Furthermore, the connectivity is versatile with a variety of ports. The battery life is a worth mentioning feature and significantly mounts the value for money. It lasts for approximately 12 hours on a moderate level of brightness—no furthering trouble of charging and recharging every other hour in sketching sessions.
Pros
- Colorful visuals
- In-plane switching
- Good resolution
- Performance suitable for daily tasks
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- Thick bezels
5. Microsoft Surface Go – Best for Art Students
Features
Stop there; here is the budget-friendly laptop of your dreams. Microsoft has leas the tech industry from over decades with advanced Windows. Now, bringing the same legacy in laptops, Microsoft Surface Go is second to none and competes for head to head with high-end laptops. The model is an ultimate package in terms of cost, design, and specifications.
If you are artists looking for an alternate for graphic tablet, then Microsoft Surface Go stands matchless. However, to deal with multiple daily tasks involving typing, you have to purchase the keyboard additionally. The design is extremely sleek and feels expensive. The magnesium silver finish brings a bit sheen giving a touch of elegance.
The display measures 10 inches but hides wonders. The 1800 x 1200 resolution along with pixel sense display, will let you stare in the soul design. Reviewers have highly acknowledged the depth, vision, and accuracy it allows. So, the art enthusiasts will experience digital drawing in an extremely new way. The 415 nits of brightness surpass the standards and outperform in illuminating the intricate details.
The internal system is comprised of the Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y processor, 64 GB storage, and 4GB of RAM. Furthermore, Intel HD Graphics 615 Graphics card is another necessary spec for the designers. The powerful performance and ultra-high productivity are attributed to these contemporary internal components. Thus, running hefty digital softwares is a piece of cake for Microsoft Surface Go.
The battery life also goes hand in hand with other specifications. When tested with regular work and 150 nits of brightness, the device kept running for six straight hours. As compared to the competing rivals like Acer Chromebook Spin 11 and Lenovo Flex 6, the battery significantly lasted less. Furthermore, the stylus pen is extremely amazingly responsive, bringing precision in drawing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- Portable
- Powerful and speedy
- Window Hello
Cons
- Additional purchase of keyboard and pen
- Limited time battery
6. ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 – Best for Digital Art
Features
With intriguing looks and impressive operation, ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 has left the reviewers to be spellbound. The stylish design, 2 in 1 functionally, and decent performance qualify this model amongst the best cheap laptops for drawing. Moreover, the versatility to be used as a graphic tablet with stylus and a regular laptop with the keyboard makes it a suitable fit for artists.
Talking about the design, at first glance, the overall appeal of the device is not fascinating. The grayish silverish finish inhibits resemblance from Apple Macbook. The corners are rounded instead of being sharp that dissolves the sleek look. The aluminum lid is adorned with the metallic Asus logo, which binds the look. The hinges are extremely flexible provind 360 degrees of rotation.
Secondly, the display measures 14 inches with a full high definition and resolution of 1920 x 1080. The nano edge technology integrated into the visuals imparts the demanded aspect ratio, color grading, sharpness, and contrast. Furthermore, the In-plane switching is expectional, providing a clear viewing upto 178 degrees of angle. The surrounding bezels are enclosing the screen measure 0.3 inches, supplying perfect screen to body ratio.
The main components that determine the functionality of 2 in 1 ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 are Intel Core m3-7Y30 along with 4GB of RAM. These ensure the speedy operation during multitasking without any interruption. The computerized art may involve plenty of research from browsing and implementation on the designing software. Asus made sure that all the steps are trouble-free from start to finish.
Furthermore, Intel HD Graphics 615 does justice by delivering accurate colors in the displayed artwork. As previously mentioned, the model is a multi-functional. Webcam, connectivity, touchpad, keyboard, and audio has conveyed adequate results as well. When dealing with heavy-duty tasks, ASUS VivoBook Flip 14 is tested to last for more than 7 hours.
Pros
- Convertible
- Stylus included
- Aluminum body
- Decent performance
- Stylish design
Cons
- Limited connectivity
Features
In a budget and looking to enhance your creativity with an impressive laptop? ASUS VivoBook F510UA has become the new favorite owning to its array of features. The massive screen of 15.6 inches is the lead for designers with the latest version of the processor and graphics card. Let us dig into the further details of ASUS VivoBook F510UA.
The model aspires from the previous version with additional refined features. The improvement is integrated into the overall appeal and internal performance. The version is sleek, measuring 14.2 x 9.6 x 0.8 inches and weighs only 3.7 pounds. Thus the device is significantly portable to fit perfectly in your backpack.
As previously mentioned, the display hits the dimension of 15.6 inches. The high definition screen is equipped with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. Thus, on your demand, the visuals are adequately vivid, sharp, detailed, and precisely displays your designs. The colors appear bright with striking contrast ratio along with the grading. ASUS Tru2Life Video technology adjusts the parameters with varying conditions of surroundings.
The 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U serves as the source of power and speed. It can run at 3.4GHz when initiated at turbo mode in case of heavy-duty tasks. 8GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB Hard disk makes it more powerful machine. Thus, the hardware is ideally compatible with bulky and power-draining softwares like photoshop. Intel UHD 620 integrated graphics perform in coordination with the processor to impart speed in operation.
Concluding with further important features, the battery lasts for a solid 6 hours in a single charge. The versatile options for connectivity bring ease in the physical transfer of data. The keyboard has an ideal travel time for fast and convenient typing.
Pros
- 15.6 inches of HD display
- Lightweight
- Reasonable in price
- Durable and reliable
- Powerful hardware
Cons
- The keyboard is not backlit
- May overheat
8. Acer Chromebook Spin 11 CP311-1H-C5PN
Features
Another moderately priced laptop making its mark with solid productivity is Acer Chromebook Spin 11. Acer is a savior for designers under a budget owning to the Convertible Laptops as low as $350. These laptops are robust with eye-pleasing design along with staggering performance. Let’s get into the detailed review of Acer Chromebook Spin 11.
The attractive silver finish to the design manifested with cross hairline pattern stands out. The sturdy plastic composition of lid and bottom heavily contributes to the longevity of the device. Measuring 11.7 x 8.1 x 0.8 inches in dimensions Acer Chromebook Spin 11 is moderately sized, ensuring convenience in portability. The weight hits the digit of 2.7 pounds and may weigh heavier when transformed in tablet mode for art.
The dual-core Intel Celeron N3350 processor is the foremost component of solid hardware. We won’t claim that the device is a powerhouse with a high capacity internal system, but it sufficiently suffices your daily needs of designing. Furthermore, the 4 GB RAM and 32GB of eMMC engulf the hefty sizes of your softwares.
The display also constitutes an integral role in the art process. The 11.6 inches of display inclines on the dim scale, but it is colorful with satisfactory aspect ration. Moreover, the 1366 x 768 resolution grants the needed depth, accuracy, and vividness to complete the package. The touch screen is highly responsive to touch and movements. The 214 nits of brightness don’t hit the standard and loss from the rivals.
Due to the compact approach in the engineering of Acer Chromebook Spin 11, the keyboard and touchpad are ergonomically designed, just suiting the size of human hands. Nonetheless, the one year warranty is another worth mentioning perk of purchase. Acer customer support is available 24 hours to ensure your trouble-free experience.
Pros
- Satisfactory performance
- Portable
- Compact design
- One year warranty
- Ergonomic keyboard
Cons
- Dim display
- Limited time battery
9. Dell Inspiron – Best for Designers
Features
Favorite of the masses, Dell Inspiron, is the latest sensation in the market of convertible laptops under a budget. Dell is a trustworthy brand in terms of computer devices. Thus, to facilitate individual artists with cost limitations, Dell Inspiron has been the revolutionary launch in 2018. It is still leading the charts of top convertible laptops.
The model ideally measures 11 x 8 x 1 inch in size with 3.22 pounds of weight. The bright red color with the lustrous finish is unique to Dell Inspiron only. The lid is embellished with the Dell logo in mid making its center of attention. The device feels immensely sturdy in hand and seems like a long-lasting companion.
The 11.6 inches of the display is equipped with high definition pixels. The resolution of 1366 x 768 takes visuals to the level of perfection. This means the display is just right for the designers to explore the artist within. The Backlit touch display makes the screen adequately responsive to commands from fingers or stylus. Radeon R5 Graphics grants the needed hit for mounting the appearance of the artwork.
The 7th Gen AMD A6-9220e processor is clocked at 2.5 GHz, which can boost when needed in case of multi-tasking. The RAM constitutes 8GB 2400MHz DDR4, which performs in close fashion with the processor. The 500GB of Hard Disk Drive can be further mounted with the insertion of the Micro SD card. This comes in handy when hefty art softwares have consumed most of the drive.
The connectivity is also versatile, with one 2.0 port, one 3.1 port, and one HDMI. The operating system is based on Windows 10, offering an intensely quick working experience. The 2-cell lithium-ion is the main card in built-in battery with long hour time.
Pros
- Stylish lustrous finish
- Convertible
- Satisfactory performance
- Affordable option
Cons
- Limited battery
10. 2018 Lenovo Yoga 720 – Best for Artists
Features
Don’t misjudge the model from lack of review and be ready to get wonderstruck by unbelievable specs in the price tag of $600. Lenovo Yoga 720 may not be as cheap as you are expecting, but the features compete with most of the high-end rivals in the market. The same version may be available in varying high price tag in the market, but we have enlisted a trustworthy and low priced source for you to purchase.
The compactness is the major approach of engineers while designing Lenovo Yoga 720. The model measures 12.2 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches in dimensions reflecting the sleek and slim body. The aluminum body with silver finish is the epitome of grace and elegance. The lid has Yoga emblem, further adding to the design.
The 14 inches of full high definition display might be dim as compared to high-end laptops but beats the rivals of the same price. The in-plane switching provides precise views from varying angles giving artists leverage of working from different sides. The 1920 x 1080 resolution further add color accuracy and vividness.
All hale to built-in 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U processor for the lightning-fast performance. It is further accompanied by 4 GB DDR4 SDRAM and a solid-state drive of 256 GB. Use a range of software for 2D or 3D animation, Lenovo Yoga 720 will handle everything like a pro. Intel Graphics 620 is another quality mounting factor in visuals and functionality as well.
Furthermore, the ports are in a diverse range, and the operating system is based on Windows 10. The battery life was tested and lasted till 9 hours with intense browsing and multi-tasking. Lastly, the one year of warranty makes the purchase safe by all means.
Pros
- Long time battery
- High-quality display
- Affordable
- 8th generation processor
- 256 GB SSD
Cons
- Dim visuals
Guide to Pick Budget-Friendly Laptops for Artists
The selection process becomes intensely draining and hectic when you have a budget constraint. It’s human nature desire maximum while paying less cost. Thus, if you want maximum, you will have to pay the price of extreme homework because your desire is out there. We have loosened some strings for you by mentioning the best available options. Further, the below-mentioned points reflect some necessary specs to be careful about.
Processor
The processor is the main performance determining component of a laptop. Being an artist means dealing with a load of work and emails every day. Digital art is a diverse field, from drawings to animation and video editing. Thus the processor should be compatible with the size of the designing and animation softwares.
Any slight incompatibility may lead to an interruption in work in the form of slow speed and performance errors. Thus when looking for a laptop under a budget, go for the options with powerful processors.
RAM and Storage
After processor, RAM, and storage acquire an integral place. The operation of RAM largely influences the operation of the processor. Just suppose the speed of the device is the product of the processor added with RAM. So, the bigger, the better. Most of the options available in the budget series are 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB.
Size of Display
The screen to body ratio should be above 75%. The wider screen brings extra convenience to the movement of hands. This allows the artist to view the artwork from a wider angle or look into the intricate detailing as well, leading to a highly satisfactory outcome.
Resolution or display Quality
The size of the display is accompanied by a definition in the visuals as well. The size is useless unless it is not incorporated with a high resolution setting the parameters to the standards. The display is determined by parameters like brightness, sharpness, vividity, contrast, aspect ratio, and color grading.
Convertible Laptop
The cheap laptops are usually approached by students or the starters in the field of computer arts. So, why not get your hands on the device with 2 in 1 functionality that can be used for graphics in tablet mode and a laptop with the keyboard as well.
Conclusion
The cheap laptops serve as an ideal source for initial practice. They can sustain rough usage as well because of extra utilization in college and at home as well. Furthermore, you can get it replaced when entering the field professionally. We advise you to scroll up, read products again, and pick one close to your needs.
You are leaving with top-notch three recommendations for you to serve the needs!
- Microsoft Surface Pro leads the game with contemporary style and strong performance.
- Lenovo Flex 14 is a strong competitor with equally astonishing productivity and lightning-fast speed.
- Acer Aspire E 15 is one reliable option with the latest hardware and 9 hours of battery.
Lastly, the market is crowded with budget-friendly laptops for artists, but you have to make sure you get the best. By keeping in mind the above-enlisted points, we assure you only the best of the best will be at your doorstep.
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