It is a known fact that the best laptops for UX designers are a mix of high performance and portability. The following 5 laptops offer the perfect balance between these two factors, making them some of the best choices for this year’s UX designer.
The best laptop for designers 2021 is a question that has been asked numerous times. Here are the top 5 laptops for UX designers in 2021.
Which laptops are ideal for UX designers? The goal of UX design is to create physical or digital designs. These make goods, applications, and websites more appealing, which helps to promote them.
As a UX or User Experience designer, you’ll need a laptop that can run all of the applications you’ll need for your work.
SketchUp, Adobe XB, Photoshop, Invision, Illustrator, Porto.io, XD, InDesign, and Sigma are among the programs included.
With so many different laptops available, determining which one would best meet your requirements may be difficult.
If you need some assistance with your decision, this article can assist you in making the best option for your design project.
These five computers are capable of handling any contemporary design project. UX design, UI design, visual design, web design, graphics design, and product design will all be supported.
As a result, choosing one of these five will allow you to accomplish a lot more than just UX design.
Price of Laptops for UX Designers
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 Gaming Laptop, 17.3″ 300Hz FHD IPS Type Display, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080, ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 Gaming Laptop, 17.3″ 300Hz FHD IPS Type Display, ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 Gaming Laptop, 17.3″ 300Hz FHD
$2,238.19
From $2,238.19, 1 was utilized.
as of 3:26 p.m. on September 10, 2021
Surface Book 3 by Microsoft – 13.5″ Touchscreen – Intel Core i5 10th Generation – 8GB Memory – 256GB…
$1,782.14
2 brand new items starting at $1,773.23
From $1,499.77, 1 was utilized.
as of 3:26 p.m. on September 10, 2021
Acer Aspire 7 is an Acer laptop computer. A715-72G-79BH 15.6-Inch FHD IPS i7-8750H 8GB 1TB GTX 1050 Windows 10 Acer Aspire 7 A715-72G-79BH 15.6-Inch FHD IPS i7-8750H 8GB 1TB GTX 1050
$499.00
$399.00 for 3 used
as of 3:26 p.m. on September 10, 2021
On September 10, 2021, at 3:26 p.m., this page was last updated.
For UX Design, a MacBook vs. a Windows Laptop
When it comes to user experience design, there are a few areas where a MacBook excels over a Windows laptop.
As previously said, UX design necessitates the use of some fantastic graphic design tools that will open up infinite possibilities and allow designers to be more productive.
However, the majority of these contemporary UI/UX design tools are Mac-only. As a result, using a Mac gives you greater access to these applications and gives you a unique edge.
Because you’ll be looking at the display a lot to see how the final result appears, a Mac will perform better once again because it has a gorgeous Retina display.
A Windows laptop is preferable if you need a lot of power. A MacBook, on the other hand, is the superior choice for mobility, a better display, longer battery life, and a better trackpad.
You won’t be able to play any graphically demanding games or create any 3D picture compositions, of course.
With Windows computers comes the Hicks law: the more choices you have, the longer it takes to make a decision.
Mac choices are limited, and much more so if you’re on a budget, so you’ll have to make a fast and simple decision.
Finally, the aesthetic appeal, which is superior than a Windows laptop on a Mac. Because you’re a designer, you’ll want to be stimulated aesthetically.
Mac vs. Windows is the most popular subject for discussion and a frequently asked question among users.
However, whatever one you pick is based on personal taste, usefulness, and familiarity.
System Requirements for UX Designers: Minimum and Recommended
A laptop for UX design should at the very least have an Intel Core i5 CPU or an Apple M1 processor with a base clock frequency of at least 2 GHz.
The minimum RAM required is 8 GB, and the system should have a minimum storage capacity of 250 GB, ideally an SSD. It should also have at least a 12-inch display and a capable integrated graphics card.
If you want to do more sophisticated and advanced UX design, you’ll need a lot more powerful laptop than this.
Instead of purchasing a laptop with the bare minimum of specifications, here is a list of suggested system requirements that will enable you to confidently tackle any UX design project, no matter how basic or complicated.
Minimum system requirements: Intel Core i5 or higher generation Intel Core i7 processor| 8 GB RAM | 256 GB SSD or 1 TB HDD storage| Intel Iris Plus or higher AMD Radeon pro graphics chip | 13.5-inch screen | 1920 x 1080 pixels screen resolution
10th generation Intel Core i7 or higher Intel Core i9 processor| 16 GB of RAM or higher | 512 GB SSD or larger combination storage | Dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 or higher GeForce RTX graphics card | 15.6-inch screen or larger | 1920 x 1080 pixels or higher screen resolution
2021’s Top 5 Laptops for UX Designers:
Best Overall: Asus ROG Strix G732LXS (Asus ROG Strix G732LXS)
Asus ROG Strix G732LXS
Bottom Line: This laptop’s specifications give the greatest overall performance and will be of great assistance to UX designers. The 10th generation Intel Core i9 CPU is extremely powerful, the Nvidia GeForce RTX graphics are excellent, and the screen is very big, making it one of the finest gadgets on the list.
Characteristics
- 17.3-inch display
- 512 GB PCIe SSD storage
- DDR4 SDRAM (16 GB)
- Intel Core i9 10980HK processor, 10th generation
- Windows 10 Professional (OS)
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Supercomputer GPU
Pros
- There are RGB backlights on the keyboard, as well as a separate numeric keypad.
- The cooling system works well.
- The system has a wide range of connection possibilities.
Cons
- The trackpad is tiny and positioned off-center.
- The system is a little cumbersome.
- There isn’t any kind of optical drive.
Thanks to the laptop’s strong specifications and high level of performance, you’ll be able to accomplish all of your UX design tasks in record time. This ROG Strix 17 is also regarded as one of the finest gaming laptops for Windows.
It comes with an Intel Core i9 CPU from the 10th generation, as well as a strong and specialized Nvidia GeForce RTX Super graphics card that guarantees superior results regardless of the circumstances.
It has 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 memory with 1365 MHz and 1560 MHz base and boost speeds, respectively.
With its enormous size and ultra-thin bezel, this laptop’s display is also very remarkable.
On this one-of-a-kind panel with an extremely high 300 Hz refresh rate and a 3ms overdrive reaction time, you’ll witness the most vivid pictures with all complex details.
This is a full HD IPS display with a wider viewing angle that enables you to see the pictures clearly.
An Intelligent Cooling solution is included with the device. It works in accordance with the system parameters in order to provide the best possible performance.
Liquid metal compounds are used on the CPU to keep it cool and improve its performance.
Furthermore, the chassis is well-ventilated to guarantee adequate heat dissipation while reducing noise levels by up to 40%.
The system provides a wide range of connection possibilities.
Bluetooth 5.0 and Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 with Range Boost technology are examples of this.
Three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port, one HDMI 2.0 B port, one RJ 45 LAN connector, and one audio jack are included in this system.
The ample quantity of DDR4 SDRAM with 3200 MHz bandwidth, as well as the PCIe SSD storage, provide improved multitasking and startup times.
The UX designers will benefit from the Windows 10 Professional operating system, the RGB keyboard with separate numeric keypad, and the ROG Aura Sync System.
Runner-up: Inspiron 3793 (Dell)
Dell Inspiron 3793
Bottom Line: Because it has a little slower CPU than the laptop above, this laptop is rated the runner-up on our list. However, this device’s similarly big screen, considerably greater RAM, and combined storage do not detract from its speed and prove to be helpful for UX designers.
Characteristics
- 17.3-inch display
- 1 TB HDD + 1 TB SSD storage
- DDR4 SDRAM (32 GB)
- 10th generation Intel Core i7 1065G7 processor
- Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics (GPU)
Pros
- The RAM and combined storage are enormous.
- A separate numeric keypad is included with the keyboard.
- A DVD-RW drive is integrated with the system.
Cons
- The trackpad is tiny and tilted to one side.
- Backlights are not included with the keyboard.
- The battery life is very short.
This is another excellent laptop for UX designers to utilize since it has a faster processor and better graphics performance.
The 17.3-inch screen is big enough to provide a larger viewing area, but it adds to the device’s weight.
Color accuracy, rich details, and visual clarity are all enhanced by the pictures shown on this full HD screen.
This energy efficient LED WVA screen’s anti-glare feature guarantees that your eyes are not harmed when you look at it for extended periods of time.
It is powered by an Intel Core i7 CPU from the 10th generation. It has four cores and eight threads, allowing for quicker data processing and optimum power efficiency thanks to the low-voltage architecture.
The RAM and storage capacity of this laptop are its most remarkable features.
The RAM is 32 GB, and the DDR4 nature of the RAM, as well as its high bandwidth, guarantees that all of your software applications, numerous apps, and games operate smoothly.
This laptop has a total storage capacity of 2 TB, with half of it being HDD and the other half being SSD.
This allows you to store a huge number of files, both big and little, quickly and access them just as quickly. It also guarantees that the system and applications start up quicker.
This system’s keyboard is basic and lacks backlights, but it doesn’t detract from the typing experience.
The spacious and well-placed keys, as well as the excellent travel distance and feedback, allow you to type comfortably and correctly.
Use the additional 10-key numeric keypad that comes with the keyboard for quicker data input.
Although it uses shared graphics memory, the inbuilt Intel Iris Plus graphics processor is as excellent.
You can anticipate a smoother and superior picture reproduction with higher color accuracy, whether you’re gaming or browsing the internet, producing the finest photos with simple and sophisticated photo editing, or watching movies.
The high-quality stereo speakers included in the system will provide a higher and better sound output, enhancing your watching experience.
When it comes to video chats, you can depend on the laptop’s high-resolution camera and microphone.
Two USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, one USB 2.0 port, one HDMI port, one media card reader slot, one RJ 45 connector, one headphone/microphone combo jack, and one DVD-RW drive are among the ports and connection choices available to you.
You may rely on this device’s wireless-AC and Bluetooth compatibility for faster and stronger internet connection.
3. MacBook Pro (Apple) – Retina Display of Excellent Quality
Apple MacBook Pro
Bottom Line: This laptop for UX designers has a reasonably big screen with a high resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels. The pictures are crisp and clear, with a resolution of 220 pixels per inch. True Tone technology, a 16:10 aspect ratio, 500 nits of brightness, and support for millions of colors are all included.
Characteristics
- 15-inch display
- 256 GB SSD storage
- 16 GB RAM
- Intel Core i7 9th generation processor
- Macintosh Operating System
- Radeon Pro 555x Graphics Processor
Pros
- The Retina display is really stunning.
- Touch ID provides a secure login.
- Four Thunderbolt 3 ports are available.
Cons
- A numeric keypad is not included with the keyboard.
- Under load, the system becomes very hot.
- The battery is quickly depleted.
With a dedicated graphics card with 4 GB of VRAM, this MacBook provides great performance and superb graphics quality.
The system’s architecture enables for automated transition to Intel UHD graphics 630 when the UX designers want it.
It is powered by a six-core Intel Core CPU from the 9th generation.
This guarantees quicker processing and more precise results at a base speed of 2.6 GHz, which may be increased to 4.5 GHz using Turbo Boost technology, which takes full use of the processor’s 12 MB shared L3 cache.
This laptop has a Retina display with a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels, which is very big.
The pictures have a resolution of 220 pixels per inch, a 16:10 aspect ratio, a brightness of 500 nits, and support millions of colors.
True Tone technology allows it to change color temperature in response to the environment and offer 25% more colors than sRGB.
This laptop also has a sufficient quantity of RAM and fast SSD storage, allowing for greater multitasking and quicker system startup.
The touch bar and touch ID make it easier to use the system and provides for a safer and quicker log in.
The ports, despite their limited number, are the finest aspect of this machine’s design. There are up to four Thunderbolt 3 ports, which are very flexible and may be used for a variety of tasks.
You may use these ports to connect many devices and screens outside, transmit data at a high speed of 40 Gbps, and even charge your gadgets.
There is also a USB 3.1 Gen 2 connection that allows data to be sent at a rate of 10 Gbps.
You’ll receive powerful 802.11ac wireless networking connection, which is compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n, as well as Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility.
Although this system’s keyboard lacks a separate numeric keypad, it is quite simple to type on.
Thanks to its butterfly mechanism, which makes it four times more stable than conventional keys with scissor mechanism, the keys are quite wide and roomy, with good key travel and tactile feedback.
The force touch trackpad is very big and sensitive to movements and clicks, which will make using the device more convenient and comfortable.
The dual speakers have been custom tuned and precisely balanced to provide high-quality and high-fidelity sound output, and the audio quality of this laptop is also very excellent.
With more bass, a wider dynamic range, and maximum loudness from speakers that are directly linked to the system’s power, the system’s peak amplification is increased.
You’ll have a fantastic audio experience, and you’ll be able to mix tracks, view videos, and watch movies on the move. Check out our review of the Apple Macbook Pro.
4. Microsoft Surface Book 3 – Long Battery Life and Versatile Design
Microsoft Surface Book 3
Bottom Line: This laptop has a flexible design and a long battery life, in addition to a fairly decent set of specifications that can aid UX designers in their work. It may be used as a portable studio or as a standalone tablet due to its design. The battery will last 15.5 hours, allowing you to use it all day.
Characteristics
- 13.5-inch display
- 256 GB SSD storage
- 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM RAM
- Intel Core i5 processor, 10th generation
- Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
- GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics Integrated
Pros
- The battery lasts a long time.
- Touch and pen input are supported on the screen.
- A full-size SD card reader is included.
Cons
- There isn’t any kind of optical drive.
- The graphics card is built-in.
- A separate numeric keypad is not available.
As a UX designer, this computer will meet all of your requirements, as well as some other demanding video and graphics jobs.
With its strong capabilities and setup, it will also support some high-end gaming.
The Intel Quad Core i5 CPU from the 10th generation, along with the integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics chip, provides excellent performance and speed.
This laptop’s battery life is also very impressive, enabling you to finish your whole day’s work on a single charge. Depending on how you use it, it may last up to 15.5 hours.
Apart from being a conventional laptop, this laptop’s architecture allows it to be used in a variety of modes, such as a tablet and a portable Studio.
The PixelSense display has a high native resolution that not only provides sharp and clear pictures, but also enables touch and the Surface Pen for simple navigation and a natural feel when writing or drawing right on the screen.
You’ll have access to all of the connections you’ll need for your work, as well as the ability to attach various external devices to this laptop.
A USB Type A port, a USB Type C port, and a full-size SD media card reader slot are all included.
This gadget is already light, weighing less than 5 pounds, but the design of this laptop enables you to remove the screen entirely and use it as a separate tablet, adding to its portability.
The device’s audio system is also very remarkable, thanks to the dual speakers’ Dolby Atmos sound technology.
Due to the far-field Studio Mics integrated into the system, you will also be heard loud and clear during a video conference.
The illuminated keyboard has high quality keys with a decent travel distance and tactile feedback, so you can anticipate an excellent typing experience.
There is no separate 10-key numeric keypad, though. The trackpad is also very big and sensitive to touches, resulting in a more enjoyable user experience. Check out our review of the Microsoft Surface Book 3.
5. Acer Aspire 7 – Good Value
Acer Aspire 7
Bottom Line: This laptop offers everything needed to assist UX designers in every manner imaginable, and its performance provides excellent value for money. The dedicated graphics card is very efficient, and the CPU is pretty excellent. Storage, display, keyboard, connectors, audio, and battery life are all excellent.
Characteristics
- 15.6-inch display
- 1 TB hard drive
- 8 GB DDR4 RAM
- 8th generation Intel Core i7 8750H processor
- Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
- Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 GPU
Pros
- The storage capacity is enormous.
- The audio quality is excellent.
- A numeric keypad and backlights are included with the keyboard.
Cons
- The storage is a hard disk drive (HDD) rather than a solid-state drive (SSD).
- The trackpad sits on the left side of the screen and is very tiny.
- The laptop is a little on the heavier side.
This laptop’s design, construction, specifications, and settings make it ideal for UI and UX design as well as other computer tasks, such as basic gaming.
It has a good-quality screen that is quite big. The IPS panel on the full HD screen provides excellent viewing from all angles, improved color accuracy, and brightness.
Using the six strong cores of the Intel Core i7 CPU from the 8th generation, it can process data at a high speed of 2.2 GHz.
The dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX graphics card with 4 GB GDDR5 RAM boosts the system’s performance even further.
With a battery life of about 7 hours, you may use this laptop all day on a single charge.
With a speed of 2400 MHz, the 8 GB DDR4 RAM will enable you to utilize several tabs and applications at the same time.
The 1 TB HDD also provides a lot of storage capacity.
However, owing to the HDD storage, which is considerably slower than an SSD and runs at a speed of 5400 rpm instead of 7200 rpm, the boot time and performance of this system is slightly hampered.
The Windows 10 Home operating system, as well as the wide range of connection possibilities and the big keyboard with distinct number keys, can greatly assist you in your UX design and other computer activities. Check out our review of the Acer Aspire 7 laptop.
What to Look for When Purchasing the Best Laptops for UX Designers
A laptop with a strong CPU of a higher version, enough RAM and storage, a decent enough screen, a good battery life, and ideally a dedicated graphics card with sufficient VRAM would provide you with a better UX designing experience.
Finding such a laptop is a difficult job, and each of these factors must be carefully examined one by one.
Processor
It is suggested that you get a laptop with at least a quad-core CPU.
It may be an i5 or higher, but having more cores implies having more separate processors, which means greater multitasking and overall performance.
This isn’t to say you can’t opt for a higher or lower processor version, but if you go for the high-end processors like an i9, you’ll see diminishing returns owing to the additional seconds spent on exporting and rendering, which will mount up quickly.
Stick to an i5 or i7 CPU for UX design, and avoid the low-power Y series of the Intel Core family whenever possible.
RAM
Most laptops now come with 8 GB of RAM as standard, which is more than enough for basic word processing, emailing, and streaming Netflix! It may be a little sluggish when it comes to UX design.
You don’t need a lot of RAM on your laptop for UX design work, but a laptop with 16 GB of RAM will provide you a better performance.
With twenty tabs open on two browsers and several applications open at the same time, you’ll be able to multitask with ease.
Storage
A laptop with 128 GB of storage will not enough for your UX design requirements.
If you do so, you will quickly run out of space since the majority of your files will be big in size.
When you multiply the amount of files by the size of your laptop, you’ll find that you’ll need a lot of storage.
Normally, a laptop with 256 GB of storage is a more practical option, but 512 GB is much superior.
If you want to ensure that your laptop is future-proof, go for a 1 TB storage option.
You’ll be able to work on big media files and even play games with this!
Most significantly, you should make it a point to use an SSD rather than a conventional rotating hard drive.
SSDs are more expensive than traditional HDDs, but they are considerably quicker.
This one change alone may substantially speed up your productivity, even without considering the additional advantages of being less susceptible to breakage and producing less heat and noise.
Display
A laptop seems to lag behind a desktop in this region. However, this does not rule out the possibility of improving your process.
If your laptop permits it, you can always connect it to a 27-inch display to give yourself more space to multitask.
There are, however, a few factors to keep in mind while selecting the appropriate display for your laptop for UX design.
Your laptop’s display should have a resolution of at least full HD, or 1920 x 1080 pixels. It should preferably be determined by the kind of external monitor to which it will be connected.
If the external monitor is smaller, a 2K display will suffice, but if it is bigger, a 4K display will suffice. You won’t be able to see the pixels on the screen this way.
A monitor having sRGB coverage of at least 98 percent or higher, an IPS panel, anti-glare properties, and an acceptable overdrive reaction time. For improved rendering and visual experience, it should have a narrow bezel.
If you want to play high-end games on your laptop in your spare time, choose a display with a higher refresh rate, or stay with a 60 Hz display.
This will allow you to invest in other areas while saving money on your display.
It is up to you to decide if you want a display that enables touch or a stylus pen based on your own preferences, budget, and convenience.
Graphics
The majority of today’s gaming laptops have a specialized and powerful graphics card.
These cards, which are either Nvidia or AMD, have enough dedicated memory or VRAM to improve video support and graphics performance.
However, mobility and power consumption will suffer as a result.
Because UX design is mostly visual, you’ll be better off with a laptop that has a dedicated graphics card.
Large and costly external GPUs are not recommended since they often have compatibility problems, which may be a major hassle.
However, if you design UX and UI using mostly vector-based tools, you won’t require a highly strong dedicated graphics card.
In such scenario, a decent integrated graphics chip will suffice.
Other things to think about
If you do a lot of work on the move, a more portable laptop is best for UX design. It should be between 3 and 5 pounds in weight.
The weight will be determined by the screen size as well as the battery. As a result, a screen size of 13 to 15 inches is recommended.
On a single charge, the battery should last for approximately 8 to 10 hours, if not more.
Laptops with a battery life of 20 or 24 hours, on the other hand, will cost you extra. As a result, make wise decisions.
FAQs:
Should I invest in a 2-in-1 hybrid laptop for user experience design?
Yes, if you have the financial means. These systems often feature more processing power, longer battery life, and greater usability, enabling you to use it as a standalone tablet as well as a conventional laptop.
What are the essential components of a laptop for UX designers?
It all depends on the kind of job you do and the type of workplace you want to set up for yourself. A mouse and mouse pad, an external keyboard, an external monitor, and a cooling pad are the most essential peripherals.
Since I already have a tablet, can I utilize it for UX design?
Yes, as long as it has the necessary characteristics. Most tablets now have more capabilities, but they are still not as good or powerful as a 2-in-1 laptop. When using Figma on a tablet, however, you may connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard for additional convenience.
The best budget laptop for graphic design 2021 is a topic that has been trending in the past few years. This article will discuss 5 of the best laptops for UX designers to use in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which laptop is best for UX designers?
Are UX designers in demand in 2021?
Yes, they are in high demand.
What computer do UX designers use?
UX designers use a computer that is compatible with the software they are designing for.
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