11 Best Laptops for Drawing – Top 10 Consumer

As an Artist you want the best equipment to ensure that the ideas you have in your head come out perfectly. Luckily, for most Artists, we are in the age of advanced technology, so there are endless options to choose from.

It can be hard to narrow down the list of the best laptops to buy so here is a list of the top best laptops for drawing and artists that are out in 2020 so that, no matter your drawing style, there is a laptop out there that would perfectly help bring your ideas out to life.

As an artist you need more than just a random laptop: you need something that is able to operate high graphic designs, one that would allow you to make precise details on your work, and one to provide you with high editing capabilities. Laptops with stylus pens have become huge hits with artists of all kinds, like painters, illustrators, artists, animators, etc.

Top 11 Best Laptops for Drawing

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1. Apple MacBook Pro

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Though this screen isn’t entirely touch screen, Apple outdid itself with an amazing retina display and true tone technology. The system includes a 2.4 GHz 8th-generation quad-core Intel processor, with close to 10-hour battery life. The perfect computer for heavy software usage.

Specifications

Brand: Apple
Model: MacBook Pro 13 in
Operating system: MacOS

Sample Customer Review… Love this computer. It is lightweight and has everything that I need. It streams beautifully and the screen is amazing. The touch bar is actually a nice feature. Others suggested that it was unnecessary but I really like it! I love the silver color. I have always wanted a MacBook so when I was finally in a position to buy one I got the higher-end coprocessor and the 256 memory. So glad I spent a little extra more for that. I intend to use this for a very long time!!
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2. Samsung NoteBook 9

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The first on this list of 11 best laptops for drawing and artists is the Samsung Notebook 9. This computer serves every purpose that artists need, it is a 2 in 1 that is able to be rotated 360 degrees to provide you with the best working productivity.

Whether you choose to draw, sketch, doodle, play games, edit, or simply use it as a traditional laptop you will for sure be satisfied. This 15-inch full HD laptop makes the viewing experience vibrant, the resolution is 1920 x 1080 and It comes with the 1.8 GHz Intel Core i7-8565U CPU, and an integrated Intel Ultra HD Graphics 620. Storage comes with 512GB PCIe SSD internal storage, and an additional specification of 16GB LPDDR3 RAM. The ports offered are a Thunderbolt 3 port, 2 USB 3 ports, 1 USB 2 port, an HDMI port, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. The battery life lasts up to 14 hours! In case you can’t tell already, this computer is great for artists.

Specifications

Brand: Samsung Electronics
Operating system: Windows 10 Home
Display Size: 15 Inches
Max Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Graphics Coprocessor: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Average Battery Life: 15 Hrs

Sample Customer Review…I really like it and l like the fact that Amazon offered a great deal towards buying it. Really grateful that I was able to get a high-end notebook through amazon with flex minus interest. This book is great for all; the sound and visuals are great.
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3. LENOVO FLEX 14 2-IN-1 CONVERTIBLE LAPTOP

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Not only is this laptop great for artists but it is also great for gamers. This laptop is one of the rare ones that come with the active pen, which allows you to take notes directly on the screen and draw no matter where you are. It includes 12 GB RAM that would allow you to have multiple screens and apps open. With a screen resolution of 1980 x 1080 pixels, you will be getting a high-resolution video.

Specifications

Brand: Lenovo
Series: Flex 14
Operating System: Windows 10
Screen Resolution: 1980 x 1080
Memory Speed: 2400 MHz

Sample Customer Review…This amazing little laptop is packed with power. Fast and reliable, haven’t had a single issue so far. One of my best investments for 2019. Lightweight and powerful. Love that it converts to a tablet, usually use it at work where I connect it to desktop monitor and use the extend display feature. I usually keep the laptop as the main screen and use the monitor as the extension since I love the display, which is crisp and bright.
When out on the field I use the pen to write notes, and as a project manager, this feature is essential for me. I can draw right on my laptop after converting it to a tablet. The pen actually feels like an actual pen because it’s not as bulky as previous models where you feel its weight. All in all, great laptop with enough memory to be fast and reliable.
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4. MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 6

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This laptop is one of the absolute best in the market since it allows you to have the versatility of a studio and tablet, however, you choose to use it. It is ultra-slim and super light starting at just 1.7 lbs. The system includes an Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, and Gyroscope.

The system also includes 13.5 hours of video playback and a battery life that can last up to all day on a single charge. It has a 12.3 inches Pixelsense 10 point multi-touch display which makes it even better. It allows you to get true to life colors for the graphics which makes it even better for artists. The system is packed with an Intel Core i5 processor and Integrated with Intel HD 620 Graphics, 8GB RAM, and 1TB SSD storage. If you end up choosing this option it can definitely meet your expectations.

Specifications

Brand: Microsoft
Wireless communication Technology: WI-FI
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Other camera features: Video
RAM Installed Size: 8 GB

Sample Customer Review…I’ve just been blown away by the performance that they pack into these things. I’ve owned a lot of devices over the years but this is the first one that packs full desktop performance into a tablet form factor. Being able to have the tablet experience when I want it and a fully functional Windows machine when I need it all in the same device is fantastic. I also bought the dock for a true desktop experience when I’m at my desk and it’s pretty much perfect.
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5. Acer Spin 3 Convertible Laptop

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As a touchscreen laptop, it is completely convertible with a 360-degree hinge giving users more versatility than other traditional laptops. The device is powerful enough for you to use some powerful apps without experience glitching, such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro.

The system comes with the Intel Core i7-8565U, 4.6 GHz, and the Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620. It comes with a rechargeable stylus pen, with a 12-hour battery life. Memory and storage standards are 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCle NVMe SSD internal storage. It has a good screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels full HD display.

Specifications

Brand: Acer
Series: SP314-53N-77AJ
Operating system: Windows 10 Home
Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Memory Speed: 4.6 GHz

Sample Customer Review…This laptop is amazing. It is lightweight, very fast with good battery life for an amazing price. It also features a versatile mechanism that enables the laptop to be used as a big-screen tablet for comfort. The size of the screen is just perfect for presentations.
The backlit keyboard is a plus for use in the dark, the fingerprint reader allows for quick access without having to enter a pin/password. Speakers produce clear, loud sounds. I definitely recommend!!! Great brand!!!
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6. Microsoft Surface Pro 7

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The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is an easy-to-use laptop with a detachable screen that allows for it to be used as a tablet. The high-quality display and graphics make it a great computer for any artist to use. It is compatible with a stylus and has a very responsive touch screen. This laptop is great for anyone who travels because it is lightweight and has long battery life.

Specifications

Brand: Microsoft
Operating System: Windows 10
Display Size: 12.3 inches
Screen Resolution: 2736 x 1824 pixels

Sample Customer Review…I have been looking at tablets, mainly to use with my music for when I play out but hadn’t considered a Surface Pro until it came up on VINE. Hooray! It’s much more than a tablet. I’m an Apple gal at home, but this Microsoft computer is very fast and flexible and can go anywhere with you. It starts up very quickly and everything just pops up almost instantly. (of course, I don’t have any large programs like Photoshop on it yet.)
The 64-bit processor should handle anything. It took a little getting used to Microsoft again, but It wasn’t bad. Microsoft 10 seems to be better and more intuitive than previous versions I’ve used at work, still not as user-friendly as my Apple, and I get lots of updates, but Microsoft is getting improving. The graphics are surprisingly good for such a small screen. I watch movies and Netflix on it and they look great. It has a little fold-out stand attached to the back so you can view it at an angle on your desk.
You can buy the optional keyboard. pen and mouse. I already had a spare keyboard and mouse so I didn’t order them. I have a small Aspen pad that I can use when I need the control of a pen. (If you are adding these I suggest a hub of some sort as the plug-in slots are limited.) I don’t use any of them very much because the touch screen is so amazing. You can also control it with your voice if you like and it’ll talk back. I haven’t used that feature much yet so I can’t really say much about that aspect other than it’s a bit like Siri.
The SP7 has several other useful programs preloaded and the games are fun. The display is plenty big for my music or for watching videos.
I have started using it, for my sheet music. I have uploaded 400 songs and counting. I found a program to manage them that I also love called Mobile Sheets. It’s everything I could have hoped for in a song library system.
It is a perfect fit and folds flat or can work with the built-in stand of the Surface Pro 7. It is perfect for use on my music stand.
As I said in the beginning, I was looking for a basic tablet, but I got so much more with this Microsoft Surface Pro 7. The downside of this machine is the price. I would have never paid this much for a secondary computer, especially a non-Apple unit. It has started to come down a bit in price so hopefully, it will be a better deal soon.
Overall I’m very excited and happy to have this machine. It has exceeded all my expectations.
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7. Acer Chromebook Pro R11

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The Acer Chromebook Pro gets its inspiration from the Macbook Pro but it is a much more affordable version. It can flip 360 degrees into a tablet which makes it very easy to use. This is the perfect laptop to bring on the go because of how lightweight it is. Overall, this laptop is a great deal because not only is it affordable, but it can be used in four different modes including display, tablet, notebook, and tent.

Specifications

Brand: Acer
Operating System: Chrome OS
Display Size: 11.6 Inches
Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768 pixels

Sample Customer Review…This is my 4th Chromebook and this is an absolute dream! It has a very nice solid feel to it, the screen is gorgeous, the battery lasts all day and then some, the keyboard and mouse are incredibly accurate, comfortable and a pleasure to use. I honestly don’t know where else you would find a better value in a Chromebook with this many features. I can have over a dozen tabs open at the same time and this laptop is just as fast with one as with 12.
Last week the Google Play store became available and that just added icing on the cake to an already phenomenal laptop! I can now sync all my apps from my cell phone with my laptop and enjoy seamless integration…nothing seems to slow this powerhouse down.
The weight of this is perfect for traveling; less than 3 pounds and easily slips into a backpack or carry-on. I have a 22″ HP monitor plugged into mine via the HDMI port along with an external Logitech keyboard and mouse. When we travel we always take this with us as it handles everything we throw at it with ease! We can use it as a laptop or tablet, this one device eliminates the need to carry multiple tech items with us whenever we travel locally or internationally.
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8. MICROSOFT SURFACE GO

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This incredible device has the lightest surface yet, it is perfect for getting things done wherever you are. It includes a high resolution of 10inch pixelsense with an all-day battery life. It has an ambient light sensor and includes multi-tasking USB-C. Versatility in laptop, tablet, or studio mode. With this purchase, you’ll get Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y, 128GB SSD, and 8GB RAM. The laptop offers a kickstand for this laptop that makes it easier to view the screen clearly, and watch movies.

Specifications

Brand: Microsoft
Wireless communication technology: WI-FI
Operation System: Windows 10 Home
RAM Installed size: 8GB

Sample Customer Review…I have been looking for the perfect combination of computer and tablet for ten years. They finally DID it. The new Surface Go is really light and thin, so it’s easy to handle and take with you, and the size is perfect. It seems sturdy, and I don’t worry about it being fragile.
The screen resolution is fabulous. I also got a large screen monitor, and when I’m using my Surface Go as a desktop, I connect it to that. We just got new speakers with a huge subwoofer, and the sound from this is awesome. The Surface Go has 3 ports: a headphone jack (that’s where I plug in my speakers), a tiny USB-c port, and a special port for the charging cord. You HAVE to get an adapter to use USB-a things (regular size) with this.
I bought four different adapters until I found my favorite: the Lention USB-c Multi-Port Hub with 4K HDMI Output. Then I can plug in 4 things plus my HDMI cord from the big monitor. I didn’t buy the Surface keyboard but use a wireless full-size keyboard with it. When I use it as a tablet, the on-screen keyboard pops up, and I use that. The 8 GBS of RAM are perfect for my use, and the storage memory is quite adequate.
I can fit all my documents and music, but only some of my photos. I use an external hard drive for backup and for my photos. If you stream all your music, then you could fit all your photos. I always copy my music, though, so my music takes up a lot of space. I also bought a wireless pen. It will write on a blank page from Microsoft Word.
If you choose to buy the latest Word, it will do handwriting recognition, too. There are also sticky notes and notes apps that work with this computer and the pen. So, this is IT, the perfect tablet/desktop. Highly recommended. Oh, and Windows 10 works with all my old software. Cool.
Read More Reviews at Amazon.com

9. Samsung Chromebook Pro

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This is one of the cheapest laptops you can get out there as an artist, it is a convertible touch screen laptop, it has a smooth transition from notebook to tablet. Comes with a built-in pen for writing and drawing. Lightweight with up to 9 hours of battery life at full capacity.

Specifications

Brand: Samsung Electronics
Series: Samsung Chromebook Pro
Operating system: Chrome OS
Memory Speed: 2.2 MHz
Screen Resolution: 2400 x 1600

Sample Customer Review…So this is my second Samsung, I had to return the first one due to a mini defect. This one is perfect. It runs smoothly with Android Apps, the touch screen is great, and the screen, in general, is AMAZING. I’ve had Chromebooks for the last 4 + years and this by far is the best one I’ve ever purchased. They are getting better and better by the year.
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10. HP Spectre x360

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The specter X306 is also a convertible notebook that is able to move 360-degrees, giving users the accessibility to use it in 4 different modes, including tablet mode, which is really helpful for artists and designers. This laptop comes with the Nvidia GeForce MX150 graphics card, this offers amazing visual effects in its 15-inch UHD display. You will also be provided with a fluid drawing experience with the HP active pen which comes included with the laptop upon purchase. The laptop runs on Windows 10 home powered by the Intel Core i7 Processor with 16GB RAM.

Specifications

Brand: HP
Series: Spectre
Display Size: 12 Inches
Operating System: Windows 10 Home

Sample Customer Review…Trying to decide on a laptop is impossible these days. Most top end ones like the HP Elites, Dell Xps or Apple Macbooks are all pretty much in line with each other. I choose this one because it had everything I wanted at a reasonable price point and I am very happy with it. I love the look and feel of it.
Very sturdy and has that feeling of a solid build. It works amazingly fast with the SSD and the screen is beautiful. The touch screen is great even though with any laptop, you don’t use it as much as you think. The included pen works awesome too. Overall, I am so happy I bought the HP. If your looking for a new top-end laptop, you will not be disappointed.
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11. Microsoft Surface Book 3

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Another 2 in 1 laptop that is great for drawing, It has plenty of graphics power that allows you to doodle and create to your heart’s content. The laptop’s large gives you a nice vibrant screen canvas to work with especially if you buy the 15-inch model. Due to the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphic card users have enough power to keep up with their various artwork. Unfortunately, the surface pen is not included with the original purchase and has to be purchased separately.

Specifications

Brand: Microsoft
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Display Size: 13.5 Inches
Screen Resolution: 3000 x 2000 Pixels

Sample Customer Review…I purchased this when I started my own consulting business, versus using a laptop provided by a consulting agency. It is wonderful. I had a Surface Laptop previously, which I also like. But the option to use the tablet makes using this in meetings wonderful.
I don’t need a notebook. I use the pen + One Note to capture all my notes and quickly transfer them to the document/project I’m working on. Bonus is the bright screen, as I am not a fan of dim screens. The last plus is the battery. My previous work laptop could only get by with about 6 hours (at most), usually less. I can unplug this and spend the entire day on the go. Well worth the cost for a laptop I will use for years.
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Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Purchasing a Laptop for Drawing

Familiarize yourself with your style and prices you are willing to spend

Depending on the kind of art you’re interested in whether that be animation or digital, you need to look at what each laptop has to offer for your individual needs and budget.

Touch Screen

For some people, drawing is much easier using a touch screen laptop and there are plenty of options and things to consider if you decide that a touch screen laptop would work best for you. With a touch screen feature, this gives you the ability to draw on the screen with a stylus and create beautiful digital drawings.

Size and Resolution of Screen

It is recommended that the bigger screen you have, the better. Not only does it make it easier for you to see all of your designs, but the colors and details on the screen will appear more vibrant and detailed.

Illustrations and Graphics

Something that an artist working on a computer should consider getting is a graphics card. A graphics card will give you the ability to produce higher quality and smoother images. The more advanced your graphic card is, the better your results are going to be.

Hardware

Most laptops that work best for drawing require specific software programs. If you are particularly interested in animation and working with photoshop, you need to have a processor. Any laptop you get will also need a hard drive, so it is important to consider the type of hard drive that you want depending on what works best for your needs. There are typically two types of hard drives, which include HDD and SSD. An SSD is a faster hard drive, but it has less storage. These factors are important to take into consideration.

Software

As an artist, some typical programs that you are going to have on your computer will include Adobe Illustrator and photoshop. To ensure that these programs run effectively, your computer should have a good Central Processing Unit. A Central Processing Unit is Responsible for processing and carrying out instructions on computers. Without a good central processing unit, your computer will slow down especially if you are using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

Battery Life

A laptop with a long battery life of 10 or more hours is recommended especially if you are on the go. That way, you won’t have to worry about frequently needing to charge your laptop. This will give you the flexibility to work from any location.

Laptop Size

If you are on the go and carrying your laptop for long periods of time, you might want to consider getting a lightweight laptop that is easily portable.

Conclusions

Again these are the 11 best laptops on the market for drawing and artists. Although they are on the expensive side, they are however worth the price. Best of, all most of them have the graphics ability that is needed to complete your jobs. I hope that this list along with the information provided will take some ease off your computer buying experience.

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Written by Edwige Freitas and Kristen Osborne