Mikhail Belyakov
Choosing a laptop for a designer: my personal recommendations Finding the perfect laptop for your design work can be a real headache. With so many options and models on the market, it's worth figuring out what to look for in order to make the right choice. Display: Size Matters The first thing to consider is the size of the display. Depending on your needs, you can choose a laptop with different diagonals: 13-14 inches - great for mobile work on the road. 15.6-17.3 inches is the golden mean, providing comfort both at the desk and while traveling. Over 17.3 inches are rare, but they can even replace a desktop computer thanks to the large screen. However, they are heavy and bulky. Resolution: Don't forget about pixels Display resolution is an important parameter. The minimum today is 1280x800, the standard is 1920x1080. If the diagonal is large, the resolution must be appropriate to avoid pixelation of the image. Matrix: the key to quality Even a powerful laptop will be useless without a good matrix. There are several types of matrices: IPS/IPS Retina - provide excellent color reproduction, but are more expensive. WVA/SVA - a more budget option, but color rendering may suffer. TN is the cheapest, but distorts colors. Surface type: matte or glossy? Another important point is the matte or glossy surface of the screen. The glossy screen provides vibrant colors, but may be difficult to use in bright sunlight due to glare. Matte screens are more resistant to glare, but colors may appear less vibrant. Technical characteristics In addition to the above parameters, do not forget about the following characteristics: Brightness of at least 300 nits. Contrast from 1000:1. Color gamut of at least 50% for AdobeRGB and at least 70% for sRGB. Dimensions: mobility or monitor? If mobility is important to you, choose models with a small diagonal (13-14 inches). They can be easily carried everywhere. If necessary, connect an additional monitor for comfortable work. Processor: the power of your computing Don't forget about the processor. Choose it depending on your tasks: Intel Core i3 and AMD Ryzen 3 - for light tasks. Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 - for most design work. Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 - for demanding tasks and 3D graphics. Intel Core i9 and AMD Ryzen 9 - for the most demanding tasks, including video processing. By making the right choice, you can significantly increase the efficiency and comfort of your design work. Keep your needs and budget in mind when choosing a laptop. Design in the modern world is not limited to just the characteristics of a laptop. The effective work of a designer also depends on a number of other important factors. In this part of the article we will look at such aspects as the operating system, graphics card, RAM, data storage and many other important options, which undoubtedly influence your design success. Operating system: Mac or Windows? The operating system is an integral part of your workflow. In the world of design, the two most popular operating systems are macOS fromApple and Windows. The choice between them depends on your preferences and goals. macOS is renowned for its stability and optimization for graphical applications. If you like design and are willing to pay for an above-mid-range device, then a MacBook might be your ideal choice. However, remember that the limited hardware selection and high price may be disadvantages. Windows, on the other hand, offers a large selection of laptops from different manufacturers and more flexible pricing offers. Windows systems often have powerful components and a large selection of graphics programs, making them attractive to designers. Graphics Card: Key to Performance The graphics card is one of the most important components for a designer. It affects the speed and quality of work in graphics applications. There are many models on the market from different manufacturers such as NVIDIA and AMD. For professional design and 3D modeling tasks, it is recommended to choose a laptop with a discrete graphics card, such as NVIDIA GeForce RTX or Quadro. They provide high performance and support for specialized graphics programs. RAM: at least 16 GB Random access memory (RAM) plays an important role in processing graphics data. To run modern graphics applications, it is recommended to have at least 16 GB of RAM. This will ensure smooth and fast work with large files and complex projects. Data storage: SSD vs HDD The speed of loading applications and accessing files also depends on the type of drive. SSD (Solid State Drive) is significantly faster than HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and provides faster data access. It is recommended to choose a laptop with an SSD for better performance. Ports and connections: USB, Thunderbolt and more Don't forget about the ports and connections on your laptop. Depending on your needs, make sure that the device has enough USB ports, Thunderbolt ports, or other necessary interfaces to connect your peripherals. In addition to hardware specifications, there are several other important aspects to consider when choosing a laptop for design. Screen calibration: color reproduction without compromise Accurate display of colors on your screen is just as important as its size and resolution. Screen calibration allows you to achieve maximum color accuracy. Some laptops have built-in calibration tools, which can be handy. However, for professional work, it is recommended to use an external calibrator, which will ensure the highest color accuracy. Battery and mobility: how long on the go? If mobility and the ability to work away from a power outlet are important to you, pay attention to the battery capacity. A laptop with a good battery will allow you to continue working on the go or in places where there is no access to electricity. Style and Design: Tool and Accessory For many designers, not only the functional aspect is important, but also the aesthetics of the device. Choosing a laptop that suits your style and has an attractive design can be a bonus. Warranty and service: protecting your investment Don't forget to check the warranty and service conditions for the selected laptop model. This is important to ensure the long-term reliability of your device and to receive support in the event of faults. Reviews and ratings: find out what experts think Before making your final choice, it is useful to study reviews and ratings of laptops from independent experts and users. This will help you get a more objective understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of specific models. So, when choosing a laptop for your design work, consider all the above factors, as well as your budget and preferences. The right laptop will be a reliable tool in your hands, helping you realize your creative ideas in the world of design.
