11 Best Laptops for Adobe Illustrator 2023

If you are familiar with Adobe products, you should be aware that Adobe illustrator is the slowest software in the family. Actually, most graphic designers find it excruciatingly difficult to work with it. Things can get even more annoying if you are running it on a laptop with a slow processor.

As a result, every professional illustrator needs a high-performance microcomputer to keep the process running smoothly. With a decent device, you should find graphic designing to be easier and more fun.

We have a sheer number of “best laptops” out there. Nevertheless, the reality is that that doesn’t always turn true, especially when finding one for use with specialized production software. But does that mean you can’t get an ideal choice for Adobe illustrator?

Well, not at all! In this article, we will be reviewing some of the models that perform exceptionally with Adobe illustrator.

11 Best Laptops For Adobe Illustrator

#1 Apple MacBook Air

Apple is undoubtedly one of the most reliable names in the computer industry. Their laptops are super-fast, portable, sleek, and have a impressive definition display. That’s why they are the most preferred brands in different fields including graphic designing. And yes, that’s why we have Apple Macbook Air as our top choice.

Sure, for any model to sit at the top position, it has to be above all others when it comes to features and what it can offer. What that means, even before we dig deep into the features of this device, we already know we expect it to pack the most favorable features for adobe illustrator.

For instance, the CPU of this 13-inch unit has eight cores that make for the fastest model. The manufacturer even claims that this processor is up to 3.5 times faster than the previous generation. What that means, with this small machine, you may even forget that you are using the Adobes slowest software!

But it’s not just about the speed—the CPU is also efficient. Actually, a single charge should last for as many as 18 hours, more than you will get from the earlier releases. Hence, you get the most powerful performance using the least amount of power.

Speaking of the RAM, Apple Macbook Air is an 8-GB unit. On top of that is a 512GB of a solid-state drive. Together, expect to have a seamless user experience with this top-notch model. And as we all expect, it isn’t the cheapest laptop, so prepare to part with a few more bucks.

Pros:

• Light and portable.
• Long battery life.
• Amazing display.

Con:

• The webcam needs to be of better quality.

#2 Apple MacBook Pro

The runner-up model on the list is also from Apple. Just like the predecessor, this device packs a whole host of fantastic features—expect to forget the long lag times and other difficulties associated with Adobe Illustrator software.

The top-notch option features a 10^th generation quad-core Intel Core i5 processor. Together with the best-in-class level of engineering, this CPU will keep the entire process running as smoothly as any user wants.

The RAM here is 16 GB, more than you need for your graphic designing and illustrations. When it comes to storage, this amazing laptop comes with 1 TB of space. What’s even more interesting here is that the space is SSD-based, which is faster than HDD.

Resolution is one factor you shouldn’t take for granted when getting a microcomputer for Adobe illustrator. Now, this Apple device has a high-resolution retina display. This technology means that you will have your images just as sharp as needed in graphic designing and illustrations.

When it comes to size, you are getting a 13 inches display. That makes it one of the mid-sized models. While that should work well for your needs, we appreciate that this amazing laptop can also connect to two external displays. The weight of about 3 lbs. means you are getting a portable model. Sure, it isn’t the lightest— but that’s justifiable considering that it has to come with heavy-duty construction for the utmost durability.

Pros:

• The retina display care for users.
• Plenty of RAM and storage.
• Heavy-duty.

Cons:

• Quite pricey.

#3 Microsoft Surface Book 2 15-Inches screen

If you are willing to shell out for a microcomputer in exchange for the best user experience, there are minimal to no chances at all of you regretting when you buy this model.  It’s from Microsoft and takes the third spot on the list as the best high-end graphic design laptop for Adobe illustrator.

The 15-inch model packs Intel Core i7 Quad-Core CPU with a top speed of 4.2 GHz. It also has NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. Together, these features ensure that the efficient laptop works wonders with Adobe illustrator.

The 16 GB memory and 256 GBs of ROM are more than it takes to get a seamless performance. Hence, this model has everything a device of its kind needs to have to let you buy assured that you will get powerful performance.

Among the features that stand out about this option is the 2-in-1  design. Unlike some convertible models that you have to fold to transform them into something else, this unit has a detachable screen, so you can use it as a tablet without having to retain the keyboard part.

The screen resolution of 3240 x 2160 means it has the sharpest display. And with the 17-hour  battery, we are safe to claim that this touchscreen device comes with everything you need to get the most out of your creativity.

Pros:

• Convenient detachable touch screen.
• 4K display delivers life-like image quality.
• Super-responsive screen.

Cons:

• Expensive laptop

#4 Newest Acer Aspire 5

Next on the list is a model that comes from Acer. We all know Acer is one of the most trusted names when it comes to computer-related products. The Acer Aspire 5 offers fantastic capabilities without demanding much from the pocket. As a result, if you are looking for the best value, this option should meet your needs.

The screen is 15.6 inches. Thus, it’s small enough to carry along and at the same time large to ensure that you don’t strain when working on your projects. Also, this machine has a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. While that’s not one of the best display resolutions for the size, it still translates to decent pixel density.

The CPU speed here is 2.6 GHz. but it can go up to 3.5 GHz. That’s not the highest a computer can deliver, although it’s more than you need to keep your project running smoothly. In fact, you may not notice any difference when using a better illustrator.

The 8GB DDR4 RAM means you can multi-task with this device without worrying that it will freeze or overheat. Also, most professional illustrators using this device love the idea that it has 256 GB SSD storage, which is up to 15 times faster than the traditional HDD.

About connectivity, this device has several USB ports and an HDMI port. The sleek design means it’s the kind of unit that almost every professional illustrator wants to buy. And with up to 7.5 hours of battery life, this device provides you with enough power when on the go.

Pros:

• Very fast to boot up.
• Extremely light.
• Decent value for money.

Cons:

• The speakers are a bit low.

#5 Acer Aspire 5 Slim

The other ideal laptop for professional illustrators is the Acer Aspire 5 model. It’s an old version of the just-reviewed option and one of the most popular microcomputers. Actually, if you are looking for the best seller device, you won’t get it wrong here.

The unit comes with a dual core processor that will power you through the most demanding graphic designing and illustration tasks in a fraction of the time. The maximum processing speed here is 4.0 GHz., a decent rate for graphic designers.

The 15-inch screen has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. What that means is that it doesn’t have the sharpest display. However, we still find it to be a high-resolution display you can count on to deliver high-quality graphics.

Also, you will appreciate that this unit comes with ultra-thin bezels. This feature leaves you with a wide display, ensuring that you make the most out of your microcomputer’s screen. On top of that, the computer is super-slim for portability.

For lovers of music, this designer laptop has innovative speakers. The new design delivers deeper bass than what you get in most models. Additionally, you will appreciate that the volume here is higher than that of the majority of competitors.

Pros:

• It takes less time to load.
• Ultra-thin bezels.
• Quality sound.

Cons:

• The keypads are a tad noisy.

#6 New Microsoft Surface Book 3 V6F-00001

For those who want a device that will give them many hours of graphic designing and illustrating even when not near a power source, here comes the product that best meets their needs. It takes the sixth spot on the list and brings the best battery life.

With a full battery, expect up to 15.5 hours of constant use. Not many models will keep going for as long. However, it’s also worth acknowledging that battery timing is subject to the intensity of the software you are running.

The core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256 GB of SSD deliver the speed and fluidity that’s usually lacking when using Adobe illustrator. That makes it a popular choice for designers who want a smooth user experience when using this software or any other.

As with the Microsoft Surface 2 that came earlier on the list, this microcomputer is a 2-in-1 unit. The screen here disconnects from the keyboard, making it more portable when in tablet mode. The touchscreen display brings you the convenience you need when using Adobe illustrator.

About resolution, that of this microcomputer for designers is 3000 x 2000. With the 13 inches screen, that’s about 267 PPI. With that said, we see this model brings you a sharp display that your project wants.

Pros:

• Reasonable price.
• Reliable touch screen technology.
• Improved battery saver mode.

Cons:

• Not the cheapest.

#7 MSI GL62M 7REX-1896US 15.6″ Full HD Display

For the lovers of video games also working with Adobe Illustrator, it’s always wise to kill two birds with one stone. And yes, although it introduces itself as a gaming laptop, the MSI GL62M has everything you need to make your interactions with Adobe Illustrator more productive and fun.

The unit comes with a Core i7-7700HQ CPU that delivers top speeds of up to 3.8 GHz. With this speedy performance, expect the best experience even when dealing with painfully slow software like Adobe illustrator.

The 15.6-inch screen has a 1080p resolution. That’s not the clearest display but considering the size, expect to see every detail on the screen more clearly in a simple glance. High refresh and fast response time give you the best experience when it’s gaming time.

More CPU-intensive designer programs usually generate more heat. Now, we know excessive heat can affect the performance of a laptop. The MSI’s Cooler Boost Technology keeps the unit from overheating. What that means, you get the best performance all through the hours you use it.

The heavy users will appreciate the ergonomic keyboard. Also, the keypads 1.9mm key travel. Hence, they are more responsive with better tactile feedback. What’s even more, the keyboard is backlit with pure color for the best experience when working at night.

Pros:

• It has both SSD and HDD.
• The cooling system is well-engineered.
• Intuitive user interface.

Cons:

• Fans can get a little noisy when playing games.

#8 MSI A10SFS-287 Creator  

At times it pays to invest in a microcomputer that can serve ideally in a wide variety of applications. Now, if you want a pleasing laptop for Adobe illustrator that you can also use with video editing software, this is one of the wise choices.

The Intel Core i7 processor belongs to the tenth generation category. Also, the CPU has eight cores that deliver speeds of p to 5.1 GHz. That said, whether it’s graphic designing, illustrations, or video editing, the microcomputer will bring your imaginations to reality in no time.

Also, the graphic card of this model features the world’s most powerful GPU. What that means, expect the best-in-class performance from this laptop for designers. About the memory, 32 GBs will handle multiple programs at the same time.

Storage-wise, you are getting a TB of a solid-state drive. That probably more than you will need to hold all your large file sizes. Together with the large RAM and the high-speed processor, expect a seamless user experience when using this device.

The 99.9 WHr battery offers enough amount of power to keep you going for extended periods. What that means, with this ultra-slim laptop, you will have more uninterrupted time to allow you to concentrate on your creative work.

Pros:

• Plenty of storage space.
• 5.1 GHz. of processor speed.
• Built-in protection.

Cons:

• Bezels don’t leave you the widest display.

#9 Lenovo IdeaPad 3 81W0003QUS

If you want a super-slim device that you can take along with you anywhere you want, here comes the model that’s worth giving a shot. It’s tenth on the list but at the top when it comes to weight. I mean, it’s so far the most lightweight machine on the list.

The Asus Zenbook only weighs 2.45 lbs. With this little amount of weight, you will even forget that it’s in your backpack. When it comes to size, this unit is only 0.55 inches thick. Thus, it won’t take much space in your bag.

The latest generation quad core CPU delivers a clock speed of 4.7 GHz. Hence, it’s faster than the majority of the models appearing earlier on the list. Other innards that guarantee high-performance include 1TB SSD and 16GB LPDDR4X RAM.

Regarding security, this device uses an integrated IR camera as a key feature for facial recognition. This authentication method is safer compared to passwords and allows quick and effortless login for the user.

The keyboard is comfortable to use and comes with a dedicated number pad. For the designers who also like typing plenty of stuff, the keyboard of this laptop will adjust to a more comfortable position. And with the backlit feature, you won’t have any trouble using it in the dark.

Pros:

• Only 0.55 inches thin.
• Ergolift keyboard.
• Elegant design.

Cons:

• The positioning of the delete key isn’t the best.

#11 Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop

If you want a portable unit but aren’t ready to meet the price tag of the previous model, you can consider getting this unit. While it takes the final place on the list, it’s the runner-up model to the most lightweight microcomputer on the list.

It features military-grade construction when keeping the weight as low as 2.65 lbs. Also, it’s only 0.63 inches thick, so it’s one of the thinnest models we have on the list. Hence, if you want a more portable laptop with a more futuristic design, this model meets those requirements.

The 14-inch widescreen gives you plenty of viewing area when doing your creative works. On top of that, the LED-backlit has a resolution of 1920 x 1080. Hence, whether you are using it for graphic designing or to display video, expect more life-like pictures.

About security, you are getting a unit that comes with an embedded fingerprint sensor. This feature prevents unauthorized users from interfering with your work. Also, the fingerprint sensor provides a quick way to log in without the need for a password.  

The 8GB RAM, 512 GB SSD ROM, 1 USB 2.0 Port, 1 USB 3.0 Port, HDMI port, exceptional battery time, AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Processor, and impressive CPU speed of up to 4.1 GHz. allows you to buy this device with confidence that you are getting one of the industry’s finest.

Pros:

• Efficient processor.
• Built-in twin microphones.
• The build quality is fantastic.

Cons:

• No Micro SD card slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much RAM do I need for Adobe Illustrator?

Although it is one of the slowest Adobe software, Adobe Illustrator doesn’t need much RAM. With 8GB RAM, this designer software should run smoothly on your machine. However, if you can get one with 16GB memory, that will be even better.

What is the best laptop for Adobe Illustrator?

The word “best” here will depend on what else you want to do with the device. Any of our hand-picked models qualifies to be termed “best” provided it has everything you need.

How do I choose a laptop for graphic design?

When choosing an illustrator laptop, consider things like the RAM, ROM, processor, resolution, and portability. 8 GB are enough for graphic designing, but most computer geeks will recommend that you go for 16 GB memory. In terms of storage, it should be SSD-based and at least 256 GBs. It also needs a high-speed processor with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. On portability, that will depend on your priorities.

What’s the best value laptop for adobe illustrator 2020?

If you want to spend the least amount of money without compromising on performance, it can be a little puzzling to sift out the model to buy. According to our list, the 2020 Newest Acer Aspire 5 offers the best value.

Does Adobe Illustrator work better on Mac or Windows?

If you are wondering whether Adobe illustrator works the same way in Macs and Windows, the simple answer to that is YES. If you run the software on two computers with the same features, you won’t notice any difference.

Final Verdict

If you want the best experience when using Adobe Illustrator, the only way to get that is by investing in a high-performance laptop.

Sure, we have so many powerful models out there, but not many come with the perfect combination of amazing features necessary to excel in graphic designing.

However, all our finest choices work well for the job and are less likely to disappoint.