The best laptop for drawing and animation in 2023 (september)
As a UX designer and researcher, we are constantly learning and improving our skillset. In 2023, that skillset will include drawing and animation. Why, you may ask, do I suddenly need to learn how to draw and animate? With the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented (AR) reality come about motion design. Motion design is simply the animation you see on a page.
That animation requires you to draw, which is why you need the best laptop for drawing and animation. But how do you choose the best laptop for drawing and animation? Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023)
Powerful performance, Retina Display, long battery life, and high storage capacity make it an excellent choice for professional animators.
Dell XPS 15 (2023)
Powerful processor, outstanding graphics, and immersive 4K UHD display cater to animators looking for a top-tier machine.
ASUS ProArt Studiobook OLED (H7604)
High-performance animation with Intel Core i7, NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000, 4K OLED display, and precise color accuracy, elevating animation projects to perfection.
You need a powerful machine that won’t lag when handling complex 3D renders or intricate vector animations.
“In the world of animation, where every frame is a piece of art, your laptop is your canvas and brush. It needs to be reliable, fast, and able to handle the pressure.”
Let’s explore the best laptop for drawing and animation in 2023. Your animation journey is about to get a whole lot smoother!
The best laptop for drawing and animation in 2023
Ready to animate like a pro? Here’s our pick of the top 8 laptops for animation in 2023, each one a high-performance machine built to bring your wildest creative visions to life:
1. Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023): The best laptop for drawing and animation!
Overview
The Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023) is the latest iteration of Apple’s flagship laptop range. It’s designed to offer top-tier performance, making it an excellent choice for professional animators. With its impressive Retina Display and powerful computing capabilities, this laptop can handle resource-intensive animation software with ease.
Key Benefits
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with the latest processors and high-speed memory, the MacBook Pro offers a seamless animation experience.
- Retina Display: The large 16-inch screen delivers crisp images, making it a treat for animators.
- Long Battery Life: The MacBook Pro has an excellent battery life, ensuring animators can work for long hours without interruption.
- High Storage Capacity: With a minimum of 512GB SSD, it provides ample storage for heavy animation files.
Pricing
The Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023) typically starts at $2,399 for the base model. However, the final price may vary depending on the configuration and additional features chosen.
2. Dell XPS 15 (2023)
Overview
The latest iteration of Dell’s XPS 15 is nothing short of a magnate in the realm of animation. Equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics, this laptop is fully prepared to tackle any animation task that comes its way. The cherry on top is its virtually borderless 15.6″ 4K UHD display that beautifully breathes life into your creations with exceptional detail.
Key Benefits
- Powerful Processor: It boasts a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor that ensures smooth and efficient performance.
- Outstanding Graphics: The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics guarantee high-quality visuals and fluid animation rendering.
- Immersive Display: A virtually borderless 15.6″ 4K UHD display offers an immersive viewing experience, making your animations come alive.
Pricing
While pricing may vary depending on the retailer and any active promotions, the Dell XPS 15 (2023) is generally considered a premium laptop due to its robust specifications. It’s an investment that truly pays off for professionals and enthusiasts committed to top-tier animation and graphic design.
3. ASUS ProArt Studiobook OLED (H7604)
Overview
The ASUS ProArt Studiobook OLED (H7604) is a powerhouse in the realm of animation. Catering to the needs of professional animators, this laptop brings a robust combination of speed, storage, and superior display quality to the table.
Key Benefits
- OLED Display: Offers vibrant and crystal-clear visuals with its 4K OLED display.
- Performance: Powered by an Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA Quadro RTX 6000 graphics for seamless animation.
- Storage: Comes with a solid 64GB RAM and 4TB SSD, providing ample storage for large animation files.
- Design: Boasts a sleek and durable design with a premium feel.
Pricing
With top-tier components and exceptional performance, the ASUS ProArt Studiobook OLED (H7604) sits at the higher end of the price spectrum. However, its state-of-the-art features and superior capabilities justify the investment for professional animators.
4. Lenovo ThinkPad P1
Overview
Built with performance in mind, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 delivers a powerful combination of a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA Quadro T2000 graphics. This laptop features a 15.6″ 4K UHD display, ensuring accurate color representation, which makes it a go-to choice for professional animators.
Key Benefits
- Powerful Processor: The 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor ensures smooth operation, even when working with complex animations.
- High-Quality Graphics: The NVIDIA Quadro T2000 graphics deliver top-tier visual performance, crucial for animations.
- 4K UHD Display: The 15.6″ 4K UHD display provides accurate color representation, an essential factor for animators.
Pricing
While pricing may vary based on the retailer and current market conditions, the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 generally falls within the premium range. This reflects its high-performance capabilities and top-notch features. Remember, investing in a quality laptop like the ThinkPad P1 can pay dividends in the long run, especially for professional animators.
5. MSI WS66 10TMT
Overview
Be prepared to be awestruck by the beastly performance of MSI’s WS66 10TMT. A top-tier machine, it’s fully armed with a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 graphics, ensuring a seamless experience even with the most demanding animation tasks. The 15.6″ 4K UHD display is just the cherry on top, offering stunning visuals that are perfect for intricate animation work.
Key Benefits
- 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor: This guarantees fast and efficient performance, so you can focus on your animation tasks without any hiccups.
- NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 graphics: These robust graphics guarantee smooth visuals, even when handling heavy animation files.
- 15.6″ 4K UHD display: The ultra-high-definition display allows for detailed animation work and ensures stunning visuals.
Pricing
Although the cost of the MSI WS66 10TMT may vary depending on where you buy it, you can expect this premium device to be a bit of an investment. But, with its superior features and performance, it’s a worthwhile expenditure for any professional animator.
6. Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition (2023)
Overview
Meet the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition (2023), a laptop purpose-built for creators. This machine packs a heavy punch with its advanced internals and is encased in a precision-crafted aluminum chassis. Rendering animations is a sheer pleasure on its vibrant 15.6″ OLED 4K touch display.
Key Benefits
- High-performance Processor: It is powered by an 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8750H, ensuring smooth performance and rapid processing.
- Powerful Graphics: The laptop comes with NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 graphics, offering incredible rendering capabilities.
- Stunning Display: The 15.6″ OLED 4K touch display provides an immersive and vibrant visual experience.
- Quality Build: The precision-crafted aluminum chassis adds a touch of elegance and robustness.
Pricing
Though the pricing for the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition (2023) has not been officially released, it is expected to fall into the higher-end laptop price range considering its advanced features and powerful capabilities.
7. Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel
Overview
The Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel is a remarkably adaptable machine, designed with creative flexibility and powerful performance in mind. This laptop excels in the field of animation, thanks to its unique Ezel hinge which allows for adaptable display positioning, and its impressive 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER graphics.
Key Benefits
- 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor: Ensures a smooth, seamless performance regardless of the complexity of your animation work.
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER graphics: Delivers exceptional image quality, crucial for detailed animation projects.
- Unique Ezel hinge: Offers flexibility in display positioning, which can greatly aid in the animation process.
Pricing
Pricing for the Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel varies based on configuration and retailer. However, it is recognized as a premium product, reflecting its advanced features and capabilities. It is recommended to check current prices with popular electronics retailers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
8. Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR
Overview
The Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR concludes our lineup with its exceptional performance. It stands out with its Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER graphics. This laptop also features a 17.3″ 4K HDR display that guarantees dazzling visuals, making it a top-notch pick for animation tasks.
Key Benefits
- High Performance: Powered by an Intel Core i9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER graphics for spectacular speed and efficiency.
- Stunning Visuals: The 17.3″ 4K HDR display delivers crisp, vibrant visuals making it an excellent choice for animators.
- Design: The sleek design and build quality of the Aero 17 HDR make it a great choice not just for performance but also aesthetics.
Pricing
The pricing for the Gigabyte Aero 17 HDR may vary based on the vendor and the configuration you choose. Keep an eye out for discounts and deals that may pop up throughout the year to get the best value for your money.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! A comprehensive rundown of the best laptops for animation on the market for July 2023. We’ve covered a diverse range of options, each with its unique strengths, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.
Now, which one will you choose? The power-packed beast for complex projects or the sleek and portable one for on-the-go animation? Remember, the best laptop for drawing and animation is one that fits seamlessly into your workflow, enhances your creativity, and makes animation a breeze. So, go ahead, make your pick, and bring your animations to life!
Remember: The best laptop for you is the one that meets your needs and fits your budget while offering enough power to run animation software smoothly.
