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Computer Specifications For Graphic Design 2022
The first thing a graphic designer should obtain is graphic design skills. Enrol at Blue Sky Graphics online graphic design school and start your journey as a graphic designer. When it comes to purchasing a laptop, especially a high-end one, the wide variety of specifications and features may be a little daunting. Here’s a short glossary to help you select like a pro:
Processor
Because you are likely to use power-hungry applications for creative work, it makes sense to spend more money on a more powerful CPU. After all, the less time you spend waiting for your computer to catch up, the quicker you will complete your job. Processors are often known as CPUs (central processing units) or simply chips.
When it comes to CPUs, the two big brands are AMD and Intel. Nowadays, there is little difference between the two companies, and both provide high-quality CPUs for high-end laptops. Then there is Apple’s own Apple M1 Chip, which comes in the 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models and has proved to be extremely powerful.
RAM
You will also need a sufficient quantity of RAM – at least 8GB, but 16GB is a solid bet these days. RAM is an abbreviation for random access memory, which essentially means that it assists your computer in navigating its way through your files and duties.
Again, the more RAM your computer has, the quicker you will be able to do your tasks. Also, do not mistake memory (RAM) with storage (your hard disc or solid state drive).
Storage
In addition, premium laptops utilise one of two kinds of storage: spinning hard drives or solid state drives (SSDs). A spinning hard drive is older, but not outdated technology; they are less expensive and have greater storage capacity than comparable SSDs. They also rotate around, generating noise, friction, and heat.
SSDs, on the other hand, are more recent – and thus more costly – than spinning discs. They contain no moving components, which allows the computer to read and store data considerably more quickly. Your laptop will boot up faster and operate and launch applications more smoothly with an SSD. The main disadvantage of using an SSD is that you receive considerably less storage capacity.
Graphics Card
GPUs, or graphics processing units, are comparable to CPUs but operate in a somewhat different manner. Graphics cards are better at displaying information on-screen. Some less expensive computers forego a separate graphics card in favour of letting the CPU handle all duties – but for the job you will be performing, you will almost certainly require a dedicated GPU.
Again, the more costly the GPU, the faster it will be able to do the tasks you assign it.
Screen Dimensions
A bigger screen is also advantageous — there is no sense in gazing at a small monitor while planning a multi-million pound marketing campaign. Consider 13-inch as a bare minimum, with 15-inch or 16-inch ideal.
Which MacBook is the most suitable for graphic design?
Apple now has two MacBook product lines: the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. Apple’s models are now in flux as the firm transitions from utilising Intel CPUs to its own Apple Chip. The MacBook Air and certain MacBook 13 models have already received them, while the 16-inch MacBook is still on the waiting list.
The difference between the Air and Pro models has shrunk significantly with the newest Microsoft Air, but we still believe that the Pro has the advantage for designers, as it has in the past. There are little features that simply put it over the top, such as the Touch Bar, which may provide additional utility for designers and fans. Because the Air lacks one, the Pro can work harder and for longer periods of time without having to slow down if the CPU becomes overheated.
Then there is the battery life, which may last up to 20 hours on the Pro vs 16 on the Air. Both are great accomplishments, to be sure, but we can not help but be persuaded by a bit more juice.
Are Gaming Laptops Appropriate for Graphic Design?
Graphic designers, like gamers, need powerful computers with large displays. So, can you kill two birds with one stone by purchasing a single laptop for both jobs?
So, kind of. Any graphic design work you need to do may be completed on a gaming laptop.
However, when it comes to gaming on the computers on our list, you will be a little short on visuals. Laptops must have strong discrete GPUs to handle the high graphical demands of contemporary games, and they need significant cooling to function properly.
As a consequence, gaming laptops are often rather large, and putting one into a courier bag before going off to work is likely to leave you with a weary shoulder – though models such as the Razer Blade Stealth are noteworthy lightweight exceptions.
Gaming laptops, such as the Lenovo Legion Y730 shown, are notorious for their gaudy aesthetics. As a result, bringing out a laptop like this at a pitching meeting may not make you seem very professional.
What Is the Best Drawing Laptop?
The Surface Book 2, Surface Laptop 3, and the HP Spectre x360 15 are three of the laptops listed above that include a touchscreen.
A stylus enables you to easily draw on each laptop’s touchscreen, and some, such as the Surface Book’s stylus, allow for more flexibility than simply drawing lines: for example, you can shade by tilting the pen while you draw.
Wacom
However, unlike the other three versions, the Surface Book’s stylus is not included in the purchase of the laptop. So, unless you know you will be using it often, it may not be worth the cost.
If you want to buy a laptop without a stylus but require drawing capabilities, consider investing in a drawing pad (or graphics tablet, as they are sometimes called) that works with all computers.
They may be as little as £25, but you can expect to pay at least £100 or more for a high-quality pad. Wacom is the industry leader in graphics tablets, with its Intuos line starting at £80. In addition, tablet pads are usually better for serious sketching than using a pen directly on a glass surface. They feature several degrees of pressure sensitivity, enabling you to easily draw and shade.
