When it comes to finding the perfect budget laptops for graphic design, navigating all the options available can be overwhelming. But fear not, as we’ve researched for you and compiled all the information you need to make an informed decision. This article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the best laptops for graphic design under 1000 dollars. We’ll cover everything from processing power and screen resolution to graphics cards and storage capacity. We’ll cover everything you need to know. So, whether you’re looking for the best laptop for graphic design on a budget, we’ve got you covered.
Best Laptops for Graphic Design under 1000
There are numerous laptops available for graphic design with varying budgets, performance, and prices. Here is a list of the best options for each price range of under $ 1,000:
- Apple 2020 MacBook Air
- Acer Swift X 2023
- Microsoft Surface 2 – DAJ-OOO92
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Apple 2020 MacBook Air
Brand | Apple |
Model Name | MacBook Air |
Screen Size | 13.3 Inches |
Color | Gold |
Hard Disk Size | 256 GB |
CPU Model | Unknown |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
Operating System | Mac OS |
Special Feature | Backlit Keyboard |
Graphics Card Description | Integrated |

The MacBook Air M1 from Apple is an excellent option for designers who need a powerful and easy-to-carry laptop. The Apple M1 chip powers this laptop and delivers performance up to 3.5 times faster than the previous model. This laptop runs on the Apple M1 chip, providing up to 3.5 times faster performance than its predecessor. Additionally, the MacBook Air boasts a gorgeous 13.3-inch Retina display, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB of SSD storage.
It boasts a powerful processor, a large and vibrant display, and ample storage space. The M1 chip is especially well-suited for visual design tasks, as it can easily handle even the most demanding applications. The Retina display is also perfect for graphic design, providing accurate colors and sharp text. And the 256GB of storage space is plenty for storing large graphic files.
The MacBook Air boasts impressive performance and a gorgeous display while being highly portable. Measuring only 0.63 inches thin and weighing 2.8 pounds, you can effortlessly bring it with you wherever you need to go. The battery life is also excellent, lasting up to 18 hours on a single charge.
The Apple MacBook Air M1 is an excellent laptop for graphic design. It is powerful, portable, and has a long battery life. If you are looking for a computer that can handle even the most demanding graphic design tasks, the MacBook Air is a great option.
Pros
- Powerful M1 chip
- Stunning Retina display
- Long battery life (up to 18 hours)
- Lightweight and portable design
- Backlit keyboard
- Large and responsive trackpad
- macOS Monterey operating system
- Easy to use
Cons
- Only two Thunderbolt 3 ports
- No SD card reader
- No headphone jack (requires adapter)
- No battery indicator light
- No MagSafe charger indicator light
- Expensive
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Acer Swift X 2023
Brand | acer |
Model Name | Acer Swift X |
Screen Size | 14 Inches |
Color | Gold |
Hard Disk Size | 512 GB |
CPU Model | Ryzen 5 |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home |
Special Feature | Backlit Keyboard |
Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |

The Acer Swift X is great choice if you’re looking for a laptop to handle your graphic design needs. Its powerful and versatile capabilities make it a reliable tool for your work. With an AMD Ryzen 5 5600U processor, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, this laptop can handle even the most demanding design tasks. Its 14″ FHD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio makes it an ideal choice for viewing and editing images and videos.
In addition to its powerful hardware, Graphic designers can benefit from the various features of the Acer Swift X Laptop. Some great features of this laptop include a backlit keyboard, which makes it easier to work in dimly lit environments. Additionally, a secure fingerprint sensor allows for quick and easy login. The laptop also has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth capabilities, providing fast and reliable connectivity. Lastly, a USB 3.2 Type-C port can be used to connect to external devices like monitors, storage drives, and printers.
The Acer Swift X Laptop is also very portable, weighing only 2.6 pounds and measuring 0.6 inches thick. This makes it easy to take with you on the go, whether travelling for work or school or just wanting to work from anywhere.
Pros
- Powerful hardware
- Portable
- Long battery life
- Backlit keyboard
- Fingerprint sensor
Cons
- Low volume
- Get a bit warm when under heavy load
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Microsoft Surface 2 – DAJ-OOO92
Brand | Microsoft |
Model Name | Surface Laptop DAJ-OOO92 |
Screen Size | 13.5 Inches |
Color | Black |
CPU Model | 8032 |
Ram Memory Installed Size | 8 GB |
Operating System | Windows |
Graphics Card Description | Dedicated |
Hard Disk Description | SSD |
Item Weight | 2.83 Pounds |

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 is an outstanding choice for graphic designers seeking a premium laptop with excellent performance, battery life, and portability. Its stunning 13.5-inch PixelSense display, comfortable Alcantara keyboard, and sleek design make it a delight for extended creative sessions.
With its powerful 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and 8GB of RAM, the Surface Laptop 2 effortlessly handles demanding graphic design tasks, including photo editing, digital art, and even light video editing. This ensures a smooth and efficient workflow.
Moreover, the laptop’s long-lasting battery life of up to 10 hours guarantees uninterrupted productivity, whether working in the studio or on the go. At just 2.76 pounds and 0.57 inches thick, the Surface Laptop 2 is exceptionally portable, making it an ideal companion for designers working from various locations.
While the laptop offers a variety of ports, including USB-A and USB-C, it may have limited connectivity options for some graphic designers who require additional peripherals. However, its excellent performance and design outweigh this minor drawback.
Although the Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 may come at a slightly higher price, it’s a worthy investment for graphic designers seeking a reliable, powerful, and stylish computer. Its exceptional performance and portability make it an excellent choice for any design professional.
Pros
- Beautiful 13.5-inch PixelSense display
- Comfortable Alcantara keyboard
- Thin and light design
- Long battery life
- Powerful performance
Cons
- No Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C ports
- Touchscreen is not very responsive for drawing
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Comparison Table
Feature | Apple MacBook Air M1 | Acer Swift X | Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 |
Brand | Apple | Acer | Microsoft |
Model Name | MacBook Air | Swift X | Surface Laptop 2 |
Screen Size | 13.3 inches | 14 inches | 13.5 inches |
Color | Gold, Silver, Space Gray | Gold, Silver, Black | Black |
Hard Disk Size | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB | 512 GB, 1 TB | 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB |
CPU Model | Apple M1 | AMD Ryzen 5 5600U | 8th-generation Intel Core i7 |
RAM Memory Installed Size | 8 GB | 8 GB | 8 GB |
Operating System | macOS Monterey | Windows 11 Home | Windows 10 |
Special Feature | Backlit keyboard | Backlit keyboard, fingerprint sensor | Alcantara keyboard |
Graphics Card Description | Integrated | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 | Dedicated |
Weight | 2.8 pounds | 2.6 pounds | 2.76 pounds |
Battery Life | Up to 18 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 14 hours |
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great laptops available for graphic design under $1000. The best laptop for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a powerful and portable laptop with a long battery life, the Apple MacBook Air M1 is a great option. If you are looking for a computer with a dedicated graphics card, the Acer Swift X is a good choice. And if you are looking for a premium laptop with a stunning display and comfortable keyboard, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 is a great option.
No matter which laptop you choose, make sure to do your research and compare different models to find the best one for your needs.
FAQs
Does graphic design require good laptop?
Yes, graphic design requires a good laptop. The specific requirements will vary depending on the software you use and the type of work you do, but some of the most important factors to consider include:
- Processor
- RAM
- Storage
- Display
- Graphics card
Is Core i5 good for graphic design?
A Core i5 processor is an excellent option for graphic design tasks. It is a powerful processor that can manage most graphic design software demands.
However, the software requirements and the kind of work you perform will determine the specific needs.
If you are a beginner in graphic design, a Core i5 processor will suffice for most of your tasks. But, if you work with extensive or complex projects or use demanding software, you may want to opt for a more powerful processor such as the Core i7 or Core i9.
Is 4GB good for graphic design?
4GB of RAM is not ideal for graphic design, especially if you are working with large or complex projects. Graphic design software can be very demanding on memory, and 4GB may not be enough to keep your programs running smoothly.
For basic graphic design tasks, such as creating social media graphics or editing photos, 4GB of RAM may be sufficient. However, if you are working with high-resolution images, multiple layers, or complex projects, you will likely experience lag and slowdowns with 4GB of RAM.
For optimal performance, graphic designers should aim for at least 8GB of RAM. This will give you enough memory to run your programs smoothly and handle even the most demanding projects. If you can afford it, 16GB of RAM is even better.
How many GB is good for graphic design?
The RAM required for graphic design varies depending on your software, the nature of your work, and your budget. However, as a general rule of thumb, graphic designers should aim for at least 8GB of RAM. This will give you enough memory to run your programs smoothly and handle even the most demanding projects. For optimal performance, it is recommended to go for 16GB of RAM if it fits within your budget.
Here is a breakdown of the RAM requirements for some popular graphic design software:
- Adobe Photoshop: 8GB
- Adobe Illustrator: 8GB
- Adobe InDesign: 8GB
- Autodesk Sketchbook: 4GB
- CorelDRAW: 8GB
- GIMP: 4GB