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As a UX designer, having the right tools is essential for unleashing your creativity and maximizing your productivity. A high-quality laptop that caters to the specific needs of UI and UX designers can significantly impact your design process and overall workflow.
In this article, we have curated a list of the best laptops for UX designers, carefully considering their performance, display quality, versatility, and other key factors. Whether you’re a professional designer or an aspiring creative, this guide will help you find the perfect laptop that aligns with your design requirements.
Top Picks: The best laptops for UI and UX design in 2023
Apple Macbook Air M1
Key Features
The Apple MacBook Air M1 offers several key features that make it a great choice as a UX design laptop. Here are four features that can greatly benefit UI and UX design work:
The M1 Chip
One of the standout features of the MacBook Air M1 is its powerful performance and efficiency. The M1 chip is 3.5 times more powerful than previous gen intel based macs while maintaining impressive power efficiency. This means you can handle demanding UX design tasks, such as working with demanding softwares and running multiple applications simultaneously, without experiencing any lag or slowdown.
Retina Display
Another important aspect for UI or UX designers is the display quality, and the MacBook Air M1 doesn’t disappoint. It features a stunning Retina display with True Tone technology, providing vibrant & accurate colors.
The True Tone technology adjusts the display’s color temperature based on ambient lighting conditions. This ensures precise visual representation in different places while working on UX design projects.
Portable and Light weight
Weighing at 2.4 pounds ,it is incredibly slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. As a UX designer, you may often find yourself working on the move or collaborating with clients in different locations.
MacBook Air delivers an impressive battery life of up to 18 hours. You can be rest assured of continuous working without having to worry about finding a power outlet every now and then.
Fast SSD Storage and Smooth Workflow
MacBook Air M1 offers fast SSD storage options. With the speedy SSD, you can quickly access your files, launch applications, and save your design projects without any delays. This helps to enhance your workflow and productivity, enabling you to focus on your design work without being hindered by slow loading times.
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My Thoughts
Though I have shortlisted the laptops based on certain considerations , The Apple Macbook Air M1 comes with 8GB RAM. Despite considering the 16 gb across laptops, I included 2020 M1 because it still is a super fast machine compared to similar configurations.
It will still be able to handle some intensive loads as far as photoshop or any other vector editing software is considered.
Apple Macbook Pro M2
Key Features
The Macbook Pro M2 is a level above the M1 Air. Here are the key features which make it one of the best laptops for UX designers :
The High Performer M2 Chip
The M2 Pro in the MacBook Pro is a powerhouse that can handle demanding projects with ease. It’s advanced 12-core CPU ensures that professional workflows run smoothly, whether you’re organizing and editing a large number of images or running complex simulations. The m2 Pro chip is around 20% faster than M1.
When it comes to media editing, the M2 Pro’s impressive capabilities shine. Its powerful media engine enables seamless playback and editing of multiple streams of 4K and 8K ProRes videos.
Enhanced Graphics & Better Thermals
Additionally, the MacBook Pro’s up to 19-core GPU delivers an incredible boost in graphics performance. This ensures that visuals are rendered quickly and smoothly, whether you’re working on intricate 3D designs or editing videos.
The thermal management system ensures optimal cooling during demanding design tasks. This helps prevent overheating and ensures that the laptop maintains peak performance even during extended design sessions, providing a reliable and stable platform for UX designers to work on their projects.
Better Connectivity
The MacBook Pro M2 Pro comes with a more connectivity options than the Macbook Air M1. It includes multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-C ports, and an HDMI port, allowing seamless connectivity to external displays, peripherals, and storage devices.
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My Thoughts
You cannot go wrong with the Macbook Pro M2. It is a powerful laptop. If you have the budget then I suggest go for it. Whether you are a freelance ux designer or employed , the returns will be multiple times the investment.
I purchased my macbook pro retina in 2014 for my freelance ux design business which almost emptied my savings. But I reaped the rewards many times over the years. It still is my primary source of work and is going strong.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio – 14.4″
Key Features
Convertible Design
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio features a unique and versatile design that allows you to switch between laptop, studio, and tablet modes. This flexibility enables you to adapt to different tasks and work comfortably in various situations.The Acer ConceptD 3 Ezel has attempted a similar approach earlier, but Microsoft’s implementation stands out.
Instead of a detachable screen, the Surface Laptop Studio features a magnetic middle hinge that allows the screen to shift to various positions.
The “stage mode,” provides a stable surface for writing or drawing with a stylus. For more immersive sessions, the display can be moved to a fully flat position, offering a canvas-like experience.
Vibrant Display
The spacious 14.4-inch size allows for effortless multitasking, empowering you to make the maximum use of windows 11 snap functionality. The 3:2 aspect ratio makes working on documents more natural.
With 2400 x 1600 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, every movement on the screen becomes a delight. Whether you’re scrolling with precision, engaging in seamless touch interactions, or utilizing the pen input, you’ll appreciate the reduced latency and enhanced responsiveness.
The surface studio also gives 100% coverage of the sRGB colour gamut, 83% of Adobe RGB.
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ASUS ROG Strix G15
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Key Features
Asus ROG Strix G15 is a super solid option as a UX Design laptop just because of the features that you get at his price point when you compare it to a Macbook. Here are the the key features:
Superb AMD Processor
The Asus ROG Strix G15 is equipped with a superb Ryzen 7-6800H AMD processor with 8 cores and 16 threads. This simply means that it delivers impressive performance. Whether you’re gaming, streaming, or working on demanding tasks, the powerful processor ensures smooth and lag-free performance.
Mind you, this is a laptop with a dedicated GPU : RTX 3050. This means that graphical intensive tasks like rendering, video editing and of course gaming are a breeze. The “Creator” in you will be satisfied.
Long Battery Life for Extended Use
Despite being a gaming latpop it has a larger 90W battery. With optimized power management, the laptop offers good runtimes of around 10+ hours with normal usage. Of course if you play intensive games then expect shorter hours on mattery.
But for most UX design related use cases it should last you more than 10 hrs.
Efficient Cooling for Optimal Performance
The Asus ROG Strix G15 incorporates effective cooling mechanisms that keep the laptop cool at various touch points. There is a protruding edge at the back which adds to the thickness but it also contributes to the better thermals. The system remains cool even during intense gaming sessions or resource-intensive tasks. This not only helps maintain optimal performance but also extends the lifespan of the components, ensuring long-term reliability.
Solid Build Quality and Great Display
In terms of design and build quality, the Asus ROG Strix G15 offers a fair design and solid construction. The laptop has aluminium top with a sturdy plastic base. It is built to withstand the rigors of gaming and daily use, and can take some rough handling.
There are various models of ROG Strix G15 but this one was chosen due to the 300Hz refresh rate. Which means super smooth and buttery visuals. This combined with 100% sRGB means accurate color representation and visuals.
My Thoughts
Earlier I also thought why a Gaming Laptop but gaming laptops are designed to run games which means they are heavily optimised for performance. When I started out I had a slower cheaper laptop and doing heaver tasks on that machine was time consuming. Even Photoshop used to take minutes to load a heavy file. Imagine the wait :(.
If you consider the looks of a laptop and also like to play some serious games then the Asus Strix G15 definitely is a a contender for one of the best gaming laptops for UX design.
HP Newest 13th Generation Envy 2-in-1 Laptop
Key Features
Sleek & Premium Design
The HP Envy x360 is metal chassis laptop with sturdy aluminium casing. This provides a premium and expensive look n feel to the laptop. With the 360 degree screen ability, the laptop doubles up as a drawing tablet also. You can even use it in a tent mode.
Backlit Keyboard allows to even work in low light environments.
Various Ports
This laptop does not lack when it comes to connectivity options. You get 2 x Thunderbolt 4 with USB Type-C, 2 x USB Type-A, 1 x HDMI 1.4b, 1 x 3.5mm audio, 1 x SD media Card Reader slot. This makes sure you won’t have to shell out extra on various adapters or carry them with you incase you travel a lot.
Powerful Processor & Great Performance
The included intel i-7 processor has 10 Cores, 12 Threads and can go upto a frequency of 5GHz. This gives a snappy performance. Also with the enormous 32 GB Ram and 2 TB SSD, you will experience butter smooth operations.
Demanding softwares like Photoshop / Sketch etc.. will be a breeze to work on with this laptop.
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My Thoughts
If you’re in search of a device that can keep up with your demanding workdays while also offering an exceptional entertainment experience, the HP Envy x360 is the ideal choice. Experience the perfect blend of performance, versatility, and entertainment all in one package.
Latest Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Gen 10
Key Features
Minimal, Clean and Elegant Design
The sleek and durable black chassis of Lenovo Thinkpad X1 is adorned with the iconic ThinkPad X1 logo and Lenovo marque, creating a stylish and recognizable appearance. For the un-initiated, the ‘i’ in ‘ThinkPad’ even illuminates in red when the laptop is powered on, adding a touch of sophistication.
The magnesium alloy chassis features a matte carbon fiber in “Deep Black” that has a nice hand feel and looks expensive.
Solid Build Quality yet Lightweight
The Thinkpad Carbon will survive extreme environments as well. It is is one of the best military grade laptops around. It also meets MIL-STD-810H. The lid is made from carbon-fibre, the body from magnesium alloy.
Despite being made from metallic components , the laptop weighs at 2.48lbs or 1.27 kgs which is quite light.
Keyboard and the Trackpad
The keyboard and touchpad are one of the most ergonomically designed and the trend continues across the Thinkpad series. The feedback is just right when you press a key. You will enjoy one of the most comfortable typing experiences in the Thinkpad X1 Carbon.
The trackpad does seem a bit small but that’s about it.
1080p Webcam & Security
While moist of the laptops offer a 720p webcam, The Thinkpad X1 comes with an upgraded 1080p Full HD webcam. Meaning you don’t have to invest extra on an additional 1080p webcam.
It also comes with the standard saftey features which the thinkpad series continues to offer. This includes the fingerprint scanner, Kensington lock slot, a privacy shutter for the webcam and facial recognition via IR camera.
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HP 15.6 FHD IPS Laptop
Key Features
IPS Panel with Antiglare Display
With a resolution of 1920 x 1080, this display showcases vibrant colors and remarkable clarity, ensuring every visual detail is brought to life. Thanks to the IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology and micro bezels you’ll enjoy wide viewing angles that allow you to immerse yourself fully in the content, whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or working on creative projects.
Good 11th Gen i5 Processor for Performance
The HP 15.6 inches laptops comes with a 12th gen i5 processor. This processor gives an impressive performance. This is a well made build which is capable of good performance with the choice of processor.
The i5 coupled with 16 gb RAM will make sure you don’t lag behind on the more demanding tasks related to UX/UI design. You will also be able to handle multiple chrome tabs along with multiple softwares open.
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My Thoughts
Well this is not a very high performance laptop but given the price range , it is really well done. So if you are on a budget then the HP 15.6 Laptop is one of the best affordable laptop for UX design.
Overall it has a dependable configuration with good battery life and you are also getting an IPS display for a better viewing angle.
Buying Guide : Choosing the best laptop for UX/UI Design
In this buying guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when searching for the best laptop for UX designers. The system requirements for ui/ux design are not so demanding. If you end up doing your own research make sure you take into account the following UI/UX design laptop requirements:
Processor
The processor or the CPU is the brain of your laptop and plays a vital role in handling complex design software. Look for laptops with fast and efficient processors such as the Apple M1 or M2, Intel Core i5,i7 or AMD Ryzen 5, 7, to ensure smooth multitasking and quick rendering of your designs.
In this article we have selected laptops with minimum Intel i5/Ryzen 5.
Display Quality and Resolution
A high-quality display is essential for UX / UI designers to accurately visualize their designs. It is advisable to opt for laptops with IPS or OLED panels and a high resolution. This will ensure vibrant colors, sharp details, and wide viewing angles. This will also satisfy the pixel perfectionist in you.
Additionally, consider laptops with wider color gamuts, such as 100% sRGB, to ensure accurate representation of colors in your designs.
We will consider laptops with a bare minimum a Full HD (1920×1080) dislpay here.
Graphics Card
Typically the laptops come with 2 types of GPU,
- An inbuilt GPU in the processor like Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics or Intel Integrated graphics
- An additional Graphics card like the GTX or RTX or Radeon series.
A dedicated graphics card is important when you also plan to use your laptop for rendering, gaming and other graphic intensive tasks.
In most of the cases, an integrated GPU will suffice. It might not be as critical for UX/UI design. We will Look for laptops with both options for smoother design workflows and better rendering capabilities.
Memory(RAM) and Storage
For seamless multitasking and efficient design workflows, opt for laptops with ample RAM (at least 16GB). This will also satisfy your cravings for keeping million browser tabs open while doing research or taking that inspiration from various designs. Additionally, consider laptops with fast SSD storage for quick file access and faster software loading times.
For this list we will be considering laptops with 16gb RAM and atleast 256 GB SSD.
Versatility and Portability for On-the-Go Creativity
As a UX designer, you may find yourself working in different environments and collaborating with team members on the go. Therefore, it’s essential to choose a laptop that offers versatility and portability.
Look for laptops with convertible or 2-in-1 designs, allowing you to switch between laptop and tablet modes effortlessly. This versatility enables you to sketch, annotate, and present your designs using touch and pen input.
Additionally, consider laptops that are lightweight and slim, making them easy to carry and transport wherever your creative journey takes you.
Battery Life
UX designers often find themselves engrossed in their work for hours at a time. Look for laptops that offer at least 8-10 hours of battery backup, allowing you to work on your designs without constantly worrying about recharging
Best Laptops for UX Designers FAQ
Can I use a tablet as a UX designer?
Yes, you can use table as a UX designer but using a laptop will allow you to work freely and with much more ease.
Are gaming laptops good for graphic design?
Yes, gaming laptops are good for any kind of design work because they are performance centric.
Is a desktop computer or a laptop better for UX design
Both offer different set of benefits. But for most cases, a Laptop paired with an external monitor would work wonders for UX design.
Is a 128GB SSD big enough for a UX designer?
No, a minimum of 256 GB is recommended as Design files and other assets can get bigger.
Should I choose Mac or Windows for UX design?
In Short, it comes down to what you are comfortable with. If you have been using windows stick to that. If you use mac then go with it. Personally I use mac so I stick with it.
Conclusion
Selecting the best laptop for UX designers is a critical decision that can significantly impact your creative journey. By considering factors such as powerful performance, exceptional display quality, versatility, ergonomic design, and long battery life, you can find a laptop that perfectly aligns with your needs as a UX designer.
We hope this article has provided valuable insights into finding the best laptop for UX designers. Remember to prioritize your specific requirements and consider the factors that are most important to you. With the right laptop by your side, you can unlock your creative potential and deliver exceptional user experiences. Happy UXing!