Meta description: With so much choice and loads of price points, finding the right PC, laptop, or Mac for UX designers is a challenge, so we’ve put together the ultimate guide.
How to Choose the Best PC and Laptop for UX/UI Designers?
As a UX designers, you need a powerful laptop or PC! After all, your computer is the tool of your trade. The computer you choose needs to be able to run multiple applications simultaneously without lagging or slowing down, and with so many choices, it is a daunting task to pick the best machine for UX design. It becomes even more of a challenge if you are new to the industry and or on a tight budget. But more on that later. First, let’s discuss the elephant in the room: Mac or Windows!!
Which is best, Mac or Windows, for UX design
The first big decision is choosing between Mac and Windows.
Back in the day, Macs were the tool of choice for any self-respecting designer. However, Windows PCs have become equally capable for design work. Despite this, Macs remain popular among designers, partly due to the availability of Sketch, a popular design tool, as a macOS-only application. However, using a Mac is not a necessity for UI or UX design.
Before making a decision, consider the following questions:
- What operating system do my colleagues or business partners use?
- Do I already own other Mac or Windows devices?
Choosing a machine that aligns with your colleagues’ or business partners’ operating systems can streamline collaboration and reduce potential compatibility issues. If your team primarily uses Macs, it might be beneficial to opt for one as well.
It’s also worth considering that Macs are often more expensive than comparable PCs. Compared to a Mac, Windows and Windows-associated hardware is cheaper, and you can build your own for even less money. Comparable computers running Windows can be found around 40% cheaper than a Mac.
Laptop vs Desktop
While laptops offer the advantage of portability, this benefit is often negated in the context of design work. Most designers tend to use their laptops like desktops, keeping them on a desk for extended periods. In such cases, the portability advantage is largely irrelevant.
Moreover, desktop computers provide a more conducive environment for focused and productive design work. The larger screen, comfortable keyboard, and stable setup of a desktop contribute to a more immersive and productive design experience, allowing you to fully concentrate on your creative endeavours.
Here’s our advice for designers looking to get a new PC or laptop in 2024 for UX designers
Instead of focusing on specific models, we’re going to discuss hardware. Don’t worry; it’s not complicated.
There are a few categories of requirements you have to keep in mind. These are the following. We’ll recommend a minimum spec for all of these categories.
- CPU
- GPU
- RAM
- Storage
- Screen size
CPU
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the brain of your computer. A powerful CPU is crucial for UI and UX designers to ensure seamless and efficient workflow. A good CPU boasts a high clock speed (GHz) and multiple cores, enabling it to handle demanding design tasks easily.
Minimum CPU Requirements for UI/UX Design
As a UI/UX designer, a laptop with a current Intel i5 CPU is recommended for handling your daily design workloads. While an i7 CPU offers enhanced performance, it’s not strictly necessary for most design tasks.
Pro Tip: Choose the Right Generation for Optimal Performance
Remember that CPU performance also depends on its generation. An older generation i7 processor may be slower than a newer generation i5, so consider both factors when choosing.
GPU
The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) handles graphics rendering on your computer. It comes in two varieties:
- Integrated GPU: Built into the CPU, more affordable, energy-efficient, and found in cheaper laptops.
- Dedicated GPU: Separate chip offering superior performance but at a higher price.
A computer with a dedicated GPU is a must-have for UI and UX design. Although vector-based design tools aren’t that heavy on the GPU, having that extra headroom makes your laptop future-proof.
RAM
Random-access Memory, or RAM, is your computer’s short-term memory, where the data the processor uses is stored and accessed for immediate use to run your applications and open your files.
We recommend purchasing at least 16 GB of RAM.
Storage
Modern computers use Solid State Storage (SSD) rather than the traditional hard drives (HHD).
If you want to get the most out of your computer, we recommend not going below 250GB of storage. If you can, opt for 500 GB. SSDs are expensive, so going for more storage will set you back, but your computer will be a bit more future-proof.
Pro tip
If you’re buying a PC, don’t even consider an old-school spinning hard drive. Go for a fast SSD. This one change alone will greatly speed up your workflow.
Screen Size
Once again, bigger is better, but it comes at a price. When buying a new laptop, screen size is probably the most significant factor in determining the cost of your laptop, and in some cases, opting for a larger screen can double the amount you pay.
Screen resolution is another factor worth keeping in mind. We recommend a laptop with at least a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution for design work. If you have the budget, go for a 1440p or 4K screen.
Pro Tip
In most cases, laptops with smaller screen sizes also have other lower specs.
In Summary, you’ll need:
- CPU: Current Gen Intel i5 or better
- GPU: Dedicated GPU (NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon)
- RAM: 16GB minimum
- Storage: 250GB SSD minimum
- Screen: 13-inch or larger
Additional Considerations:
- Battery Life: Aim for 6-8 hours of battery life.
- Portability: Choose a lightweight and portable laptop if you travel frequently.
In Summary
- CPU: Current Gen Intel i5 or better
- GPU: Dedicated GPU (NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon)
- RAM: 16GB minimum
- Storage: 250GB SSD minimum
- Screen: 13-inch or larger
Additional Considerations:
- Operating System: Choose macOS or Windows based on software compatibility and workflow preferences.
- Battery Life: Aim for 6-8 hours of battery life.
Thankfully, you can find a great laptop perfect for UX design for well under $1000:
HP Victus Gaming Laptop
- Brand HP
- Screen size 15.6 Inches
- Colour Mica Silver
- Hard disk size 512 GB
- CPU model Ryzen 5
- RAM memory installed size 16 GB
- Operating system Windows 11 Pro
- Special feature Backlit Keyboard
- Graphics card description Dedicated
- Graphics co-processor GeForce RTX 2050
If your heart is set on an Apple, some great secondhand deals can be found on eBay.
Also, consider a tablet:
The introduction of the first iPad by Apple over a decade ago revolutionised the professional tablet market. This groundbreaking device ignited a wave of innovation and competition among tech giants, leading to the release of increasingly powerful and versatile tablets each year.
Look for:
- Screen Size: 11-inch recommended for balance between portability and drawing experience.
- Storage: 64GB-128GB internal storage with cloud backup for larger files.
- Stylus: Pressure-sensitive stylus like Apple Pencil or Samsung S Pen for a natural experience.
- Operating System: Choose an OS that aligns with other devices for seamless file transfer.
Additional Considerations:
- Display Quality: High-resolution display with good color accuracy for accurate artwork viewing.
- Battery Life: Long battery life for on-the-go work.
- Accessories: Consider drawing glove, carrying case for enhanced experience.
Popular Tablet Recommendations:
- Apple iPad Pro: High-resolution display, powerful chip, versatile Apple Pencil.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8: Vibrant display, S Pen stylus, powerful processor.
- Microsoft Surface Go 3: Compact, lightweight design, Windows 11 compatibility, optional Surface Pen.
- Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 3: Detachable keyboard, Chrome OS compatibility, built-in stylus.
Final thoughts
Getting yourself the best PC or laptop you can afford is essential to your career as a designer.
Your next computer depends on your budget, the tools you want to use, and your personal preferences. Shop around, and take your time to make the right choice.
Follow us on our Instagram page, ux_meta, for more ux design tips, UX challenges, and best practices.
If you’re thinking about taking your user experience (UX) to the next level, Fourmeta might be a great fit for you. Get started today, and you’ll see how easy life can be for your business when you’ve got the right digital solution in place.
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