Best Laptop for Drawing 

November 24, 2021

 

A drawing tablet or regular old pen and paper come to mind when thinking of drawing instruments. A laptop, on the other hand, is one of the best tools for artists, graphic designers, and architects! Touchscreen laptops and super-sensitive stylus pens are now available thanks to technological breakthroughs. Because of the “pleasure and feel” that putting the hand on the screen provides, many art students, emerging artists, and even pros prefer drawing on a tablet over a laptop. Professionals, on the other hand, are more likely to use a laptop or a drawing pad/tablet laptop combination. Are you going through something similar? If you’re seeking the best laptop for drawing recommendations, this article will assist.

Not all laptops are capable of handling detailed artwork. Read on if you’re looking for nice sketching laptops. I’ve compiled a list of the finest laptops for creative professionals.

I’ve cut down the possibilities on the market by comparing them to make your decision easier. All of the products on this list have been hand-picked. They include all of the capabilities you’ll need for a sketching laptop, whether you’re using a pen or not.

Drawing lovers, illustrators, painters, graphic designers, and animators have flocked to computers that include a stylus pen. Thanks to the programmers for providing fantastic digital art software with a simple interface and tools that make drawing on a laptop a breeze.

To choose the correct device, you must first understand the several basic features that you’ll require to create digital art. Make a list of the applications you’ll use on your work laptop. If you don’t have access to a digitizer pen or stylus, a touch screen laptop won’t be able to meet your drawing demands (also make sure that it is pressure sensitive and has a decent grip.)

Is it starting to feel a little overwhelming? Don’t worry, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide below to help you make your list. It features the best-rated laptops for drawing, as well as critical considerations, minimal specs to seek for, and suggested system specifications for smooth operation.

Things to Look for While Buying the Best Laptop for Drawing and Digital Art:

Graphics: 

The graphics configuration is the most important feature to look for in a laptop designed for drawing. Your laptop must meet above-average color vividness and display sharpness standards to ensure that the effect of your artwork is well comprehended and witnessed.

Display quality: 

You must recognize that compromising on the display front will result in digital art that is pretty unpleasant. You won’t need a laptop with a faster refresh rate, but an HD/Full HD display, a greater screen resolution, and laptops with a wide color gamut are all good options.

Display Size:

The machine’s display screen size is the next item on the list. It’s important because the larger the screen (e.g., 15-inch or 17-inch), the better you’ll be able to spot the subtleties in the art. Furthermore, for sketching programs, a laptop with a 13-inch monitor or larger is sufficient. It must, however, be complemented by Full HD resolution. If at all possible, stay away from models with 11-inch or smaller displays. Obviously, acquiring a larger screen for your laptop is an option.

Performance: 

A laptop’s performance must be superior to the competition in order to make the most of the above specs. After all, you don’t want to be interrupted in the middle of creating a magnificent work of art by lag! A processor with an Intel Core i5 or higher boosts performance and eliminates lags, allowing you to use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other graphics-intensive programs with ease.

 Minimum RequirementsRecommended Requirements
   
CPU8th Gen Intel Core i59th Intel Core i7
RAM8GB16GB
Storage256GB SSD512GB SSD
Display10-inch PixelSense Touch (1800 x 1200)14-inch FHD Touch (1920 x 1080)
GPUIntegrated Intel HD 615Dedicated GPU (Optional)
BatteryUp to 4 hoursUp to 8 hours

List of Best Laptops for Drawing and Digital Art

1

HP Spectre x360 – Best Overall

Features

RAM: 16GB LPDDR3

CPU: Intel Core i7-10510U processor

Storage: 512GB SSD

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce MX330

Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels

HP is known for its extensive selection of laptops that are created with precision and innovation to meet the needs of both premium and basic users. With the HP Spectre x360, the company has introduced a high-end convertible that is well-suited to your artistic demands.

Let’s take a look at the HP Spectre x360’s performance first. This one’s CPU has been updated to quad-core, boosting the performance of the 4GHz Intel Core i7-10510U processor. When you add the power of the NVIDIA GeForce MX330 with 2GB VRAM to this workhorse, it becomes your go-to for drawing, doodling, and painting. Like a tough warrior, the convertible snaps.

This laptop has a square-cut, crisp appearance that stands out. The Spectre x360 13 is a sturdy machine to operate on thanks to its metal base. In tablet mode, the convertible notebook can bend a full 360 degrees. You get a luxury laptop with a class finish thanks to the skid resistance beneath the deck.

Furthermore, the 16GB LPDDR3-2133 SDRAM balances the computer’s performance output and ensures that the HP Spectre x360 13 runs smoothly. Furthermore, the 512GB SSD + 32GB Intel Optane ensures that you don’t have any lags while multitasking.

When it comes to displaying characteristics, the Spectre x360 13 is a convertible that wears its 4K UHD display with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels with confidence. When compared to earlier generations, the color gamut on this device has substantially improved, and the brightness has also increased. Professionals who spend a lot of time in front of a laptop and wish to write on the screen will like the IPS micro-edge 15.6-inch touchscreen.

Positive
  • High Performance
  • 4K UHD display
  • Stylish look
  • Convertible
  • Great battery life
Negatives
  • Expensive
2

Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5″ – The Best Laptop for Artists

RAM: 8GB

CPU: 1.9GHz Intel Core i7 processor

Storage: 256GB SSD

GPU: Nvidia GTX 1050

Resolution: 3000 x 2000 pixels

Microsoft Surface Book 2 can do some heavy work thanks to the 1.9GHz Intel Core i7 processor (the i7-8650U CPU is an increase over the Intel Core i7 8565U), 8GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and Nvidia GTX 1050.

The Surface Book 2 has a 13.5″ display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels. The display is bright and sharp, with vibrant colors that are exactly what an artist would want.

This one will appeal to fans of the Microsoft Surface line. The Surface Book 2 from Microsoft Laptops is aimed at professionals, featuring high-end components and long battery life.

While the design isn’t drastically different from the Surface Book, the silvery metallic gadget is lighter at 3.62 pounds and slimmer and more compact at 12.30 x 9.14 x 0.90″.

The touchscreen is snappy, and the small keyboard is pleasurable to type on. It also works with the Surface Pen, which is a great tool for artists. You’ll have plenty of room for your sketches and artwork with a 256GB SSD storage capacity.

Positive
  • Colorful display
  • 17 hours of long battery life
  • High resolution
  • Lightweight
  • Friendly keyboard
Negatives
  • Lacks Thunderbolt 3
3

Dell Inspiron 14 – Best Laptop for Drawing with Numeric Pad

RAM: 12GB DDR4

CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor

Storage: 512GB SSD

GPU: Integrated Intel iris Xe Graphics

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels

Here is another best laptop for drawing in the shape of Dell Inspiron 14. It is powered by a quad-core Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor with a base clock speed of 1.2GHz and a turbo clock speed of 4.7GHz. For apps like Autodesk SketchPro, Corel Painter, Art Weaver, and others, the Intel iris Xe Graphics capability is critical to performance.

The 512GB SSD’s rapid data accessibility and high-speed 12GB DDR4 SDRAM complement the processor’s capabilities for smooth operations and boot-ups. Windows Pro has security measures such as BitLocker and remote access, making it an excellent choice for remote designers.

With a high resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, the FHD offers a wide range of colors and a better visual experience. The 15.6-inch screen transforms into a digital environment that will excite and challenge your creativity.

Other productive jobs can be handled using a full-size keyboard with a dedicated numeric pad. The key spacing and depth are appropriate, reducing the stress of long hours of work. The larger touchpad also serves as a wireless charger for iPhones and other devices. For artists, the S-Pen is a godsend.

The Dell Inspiron 14 weighs less than 3.39 pounds and has one USB Type-C connector, a UFS/MicroSD combo, an audio input, and an S-Pen. With WiFi-6 and Bluetooth 5, the Flex assures that users don’t miss having an ethernet port.

The compact design, combined with a powerful processor with the newest features and connectivity, and a bright FHD screen, makes this one of the finest 2-in-1 laptops for drawing that will boost your productivity and creativity.

Positive
  • Powerful quad-core processor
  • DDR4 memory
  • High performance
  • Features full-sized keyboard
  • Wide variety of color
Negatives
  • Battery life is not very good but a decent one
4

Asus ZenBook Duo – Best Laptop for Drawing with Dual Screen

RAM: 16GB RAM

CPU: Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor

Storage: 1TB SSD

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce MX450

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels

Asus introduces the Asus ZenBook Duo, which features an inventive design that combines two high-resolution screens into a single laptop that is powered by an 11th generation processor and has a long battery life to keep you focused on your designs and sketches.

The multi-threading quad-core processor in the Intel Core i7-1165G7 and the NVIDIA GeForce MX450 continues to be critical in handling the dual-screen and the design activities that come with it.

The combination of 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD, when combined with the processor, makes design applications a breeze. Your activities are expedited thanks to the Windows 10 Home version and a plethora of proprietary utility tools.

The 15.6-inch FHD touch screen visual experience relies on ultra-slim bezels and a 93 percent body-to-screen ratio. This model’s primary screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, while the secondary screen has a resolution of 4K. Because of its economical design, Asus manages to keep the heavyweight performer within 3.6lbs.

By removing the number panel, Asus makes room for a larger keyboard. A large touchpad with separate left and right-click keys is useful for getting through day-to-day tasks. The infrared camera allows you to log in quickly and without using your hands, making it ideal for online classes and video conferencing on Zoom, Skype, and Google Meets, among other platforms.

Two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, one USB 3.2 Type-A port, a card reader, an HDMI port, and an audio jack are included on the Zenbook pair. The WiFi-6 compensates for the lack of Ethernet, and the Bluetooth 5 allows you to connect to a variety of devices.

The 4-cell battery has a capacity of 70 watt-hours and can last up to 10 hours. The great battery life would be put to the test if there were a lot of dual screens. The Zenbook Duo stands out thanks to its high-resolution dual-screen, powerful processor, and a slew of features that will inspire the digital artist in you.

Positive
  • High resolution
  • Multi-threading processor
  • Long battery life
  • Dual screen
  • Large touchpad
Negatives
  • Lacks Ethernet port
5

Acer Spin 3 – Best Affordable Laptop for Drawing

RAM: 8GB DDR4

CPU: Intel Core i5-1035G4 processor

Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD

GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620

Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels

When it comes to purchasing a 2-in-1 laptop, a tech-savvy drawing enthusiast demands precision and endurance. On Acer’s most powerful Acer Spin 3 Convertible laptop, you can do the same. Through this concept, the firm has created a clever fusion of specifications.

For starters, the Acer Spin 3’s design makes it durable and physically resistant to falls. Thanks to the two-tone (black and grey) interiors around the bezels and deck, it has a stylish design. With small bezels and a weight of roughly 3.7 pounds, this under-$500 2-in-1 tablet is a good gadget for restricted portability.

The Acer Spin 3 Convertible’s power and performance have been studied and found to be among the best in the category. You’re talking about a powerful and lightning-fast computing system with the 1.1GHz Intel Core i5-1035G4 CPU. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 is the icing on the cake, as it impresses artists with Spin 3’s flawless performance.

The Acer Spin 3 Convertible easily excels its competitors in memory and storage requirements, with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD internal storage specification. It’s powerful enough to enable you to utilize Photoshop and Premiere Pro for drawing and editing without having to worry about any problems.

Let us now turn our attention to the display features. The 14-inch touchscreen has good color vibrancy but a limited brightness range. You can draw, doodle, and paint on a huge screen with a narrow bezel. With a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and IPS technology, the Full HD display provides an acceptable viewing performance.

On the left side of the laptop, you’ll find a USB 2.0 port, an SD card slot, a charging port, and a stylus charging port. A USB 3.0 port, an HDMI port, a Kensington lock port, and a headphone jack are all located on the right side.

Finally, the Spin 3 has a battery life of up to 12 hours, which is an outstanding feature to consider when buying a laptop for sketching programs. It keeps you running for a long time while you work on your projects, providing a smooth experience. Finally, the Spin 3 laptop comes as part of a fantastic bundle.

Positive
  • Very much affordable
  • Best convertible laptop
  • 2-tone interior
  • Stylish look
  • Durable
  • Decent battery life
Negatives
  • Display is good but not excellent
6

Acer Chromebook R11 – Best Chromebook for Artists and Drawing

 RAM: 4GB

CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3150 processor

Storage: 16GB SSD with 100GB Google drive separate space

Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels

With its 360-degree hinge, long battery life, and appealing appearance, the Acer Chromebook R11 distinguishes out among Chromebooks. Read on to find out why we think it’s the best Chromebook for artists.

The Chromebook R11 features an 11.6-inch touchscreen display with In-Plane Switching technology, vibrant colors, and a good contrast ratio. However, the display might benefit from a little more brightness, especially when used outside.

This hybrid device, unlike the Chromebook flip, features a 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3150 processor and 4GB of RAM, which isn’t remarkable, but it wasn’t designed for avid gamers, to begin with. For artists, these specifications are more than adequate.

Also, while 16GB of storage isn’t the most, it’s adequate when you consider the additional 100GB of Google Drive storage and the additional SD card slot. As a result, you’ll have plenty of room for your artwork.

Laptops with touch screens are fantastic, and the keyboard is comfortable for long periods of time. The trackpad, on the other hand, is inconsistent in how it responds to each press. However, you may choose from four distinct settings thanks to the 360-degree hinge.

This Chromebook lives up to its billing in terms of battery life, lasting 10 hours on a single charge. This, in our opinion, makes it one of the best two-in-one laptops for artists. As a result, this is a really portable laptop that is designed to remain dependable while on the move.

PROS

Positive
  • 360 degree rotatable
  • 2 in 1
  • Stylish appearance
  • Excellent battery life
  • Comfortable keyboard
Negatives
  • Trackpad could be better
7

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 – Best Battery Life

RAM: 8GB

CPU: 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-8250U processor

Storage: 256GB SSD

GPU: Intel UltraHD 620 GPU

Resolution: 2736 x 1824 pixels

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is well-liked for its adaptability and low weight design, which outperforms prior Surface computers. In this model, artists will find a range of enhancements that will meet their needs.

This drawing laptop has a premium design quality, with a matte black finish that offers it a sleek and stylish appearance. This machine’s capabilities can be used in both tablet and studio modes.

Let’s have a look at how effective this device is. The 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-8250U processor paired with an integrated Intel UltraHD 620 GPU gives this sub-$800 laptop a high execution level.

Furthermore, the 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD internal storage combination add to the machine’s brilliance. You can continue working on your drawing projects without worrying about any difficulties.

The laptop’s display is also a standout feature. The 12.3-inch PixelSense display on the Surface Pro 6 is stunning. With a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels, you may enjoy an outstanding level of vibrancy and detail on the screen. The sRGB color gamut aids in the definition of a wide range of colors on a screen. This is a safe refuge for digital drawing enthusiasts who are adamant about achieving utmost precision.

The typing experience on the keyboard is fantastic, thanks to the 1.3 mm key travel that can be seen on the thin Type Cover. The Surface Pro 6 also has a precision-focused Touchpad that is responsive to multi-touch motions and navigates effectively.

Finally, the Surface Pro 6 has a competitive battery life, allowing you to work for up to 13.5 hours without needing to put the device into charge. As a result, artists gravitate toward the Surface Pro 6 to accomplish their sketching goals without hesitation.

Positive
  • Lightweight
  • Best battery life
  • Value to money
  • Mid-range budget
  • Best for artists
Negatives
  • Thick bezels around the display
8

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Best from Microsoft

RAM: 16GB

CPU: 1.3GHz Intel Core i7 processor

Storage: 512GB SSD

GPU: Intel Iris Plus

Resolution: 2736 x 1824 pixels

The Surface Pro 7 is a revised upgrade to Microsoft’s flagship 2-in-1 line, displaying more power and performance than before. Following feedback from previous Surface Books, the laptop has made some fascinating enhancements, although many aspects have remained the same. Not that we’re complaining; the Surface Pro 7 is a machine that outperforms many competitors when it comes to drawing.

Microsoft has also attempted to work on improving the Surface Pro 7’s performance. The 1.3GHz Intel Core i7 processor is a step up in Microsoft’s 2-in-1 series, and the Intel Iris Plus GPU allows you to draw with precision.

This configuration also includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, allowing you to achieve new levels of productivity. So no lag means you may draw or doodle at a commendable speed without pauses. Furthermore, multitasking will not be an issue. As a result, you can sketch, listen to music, and/or edit at the same time, depending on your needs.

But, more importantly, does the display properly serve your drawing purpose? The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 features a fantastic 12.3-inch display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824 pixels. The brightness and color vibrancy are well-balanced, and the laptop also has ambient sensing, which automatically adjusts the brightness and color vibrancy based on the surrounding lightness/darkness.

Finally, the battery life of up to 10 hours is competitive, allowing you to work on extended sketching projects without being disturbed. In addition, the charging is quick. As a result, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is an expensive but worthwhile gadget.

Positive
  • Great performance
  • Outclass quality
  • Best laptop for drawing and digital art
  • Excellent resolution
  • Ideal battery life
Negatives
  • Expensive

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I sketch on any laptop with a touch screen?

To use a touch-enabled computer or device to draw and sketch.

Toggle to the Draw tab. Tap Draw with Touch, then tap any of the pens or highlighters on the ribbon to draw or sketch on the page using your finger or a stylus.

 Q. Which display is better for drawing laptops?

Choose a laptop with a brighter monitor if you’re seeking one of the best laptops for drawing. For drawing, the computer must have a brightness of at least 300 nits. Only then would you be able to tell the difference between various color tones. If LED touch screens have a fast response time, they will be suitable for drawing.

Q. What should you seek for in a drawing laptop, first and foremost?

For the greatest results, the artist’s laptops must meet certain specifications. Display quality, touchscreen functionality, stylus support, and other aspects are among the most important considerations.

When artists use a laptop to express themselves, the screen is the first and most significant consideration. The size and resolution of the photographs determine the sharpness and clarity of the images. A display of 13-15 inches is usually the finest option.

Look for laptops that have a drawing pen or can be used with a stylus. Compared to sketching with your finger, drawing with a pen gives you more control over the drawing line. A dedicated high-end GPU will speed up the work of digital designers and others who work with 3D modeling.

You should also think about RAM and storage, as well as operating systems and other factors.

Q. Which laptops are suitable for drawing?

Artists will typically find it easier to make digital drawings on convertible laptops with features like dedicated graphics units, high performance, quick RAM, super-accurate display, and long battery life.

Q. Are 2-in-1s useful for both professional artists and hobbyists?

If the laptop meets the basic configuration criteria, a 2-in-1 laptop that functions well in tent mode, as well as tablet mode, can be ideal for an artist to draw, doodle, or paint.

VERDICT

To make the best laptop for professional artists and amateur drawing fans, a number of things must be examined at the same time: a powerful and quick CPU, an effective GPU, fast RAM and storage, long-lasting battery life, and accurate display quality. The laptops listed above are the best laptops for drawing, doodling, painting, and working that are aimed towards artists on a budget.

Following a thorough examination of the descriptions and customer as well as critical reviews, the Surface Pro 7 from Microsoft and the HP Spectre X360 stand out above the rest.

If you’re on a tight budget but still need a capable gadget, the Acer Spin 3 is the way to go. The device is equipped with an AMD processor and plenty of RAM and storage space.

These drawing laptops deliver a powerful performance, and they’re known for outperforming previous generations with amazing upgrades and useful settings for both amateur and professional digital artists.

Please study the descriptions of each laptop carefully in order to make an informed selection when purchasing the best drawing laptop.

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