Alienware Aurora R7 is a popular Dell Tower desktop computer that promises high working speed, great graphics and lots of memory. Multifunctional hardware with a variety of connectivity options (DisplayPort, HDMI, DL-DVI, 16 x USB 2/3) makes it one of the best PC for graphic design for any photo retoucher or designer who wants to work professionally and regularly create high-resolution images.
- Upgrading the memory or processor past this configuration leads you into 13-inch MacBook Pro pricing territory, but only upgrade to that machine if graphic processing for design apps and games are.
- Apple is renowned for making excellent products for creative professionals, and the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is the best laptop for graphic design. It's also the best MacBook Pro that.
- If you are invested in the Apple platform, the new Apple MacBook Pro is the best choice for you. It has the newest and best hardware for their platform, and is perfect for your graphic design needs. If you want the best drawing experience on a portable system, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 is a great choice. Microsoft has created a great system.
This is a guide on choosing which Mac to get, depending on whether you're an artist or art student.
I'm writing this from an artist's point of view. I've used both Macs and PCs for creating graphics in the newspaper industry. This guide will assume that you've already decided to go with a Mac over PC. I've previously written something on PC vs Mac so I'll not cover that here again.
I would love to hear your comments on what Mac you're have and the work you're using it for, and the performance. Especially if your findings are different from mine.
Laptop vs desktops
Mobility is the only factor to consider between choosing laptops and desktops. Note that by today's standards, Apple laptops are incredibly fast. You don't really sacrifice a lot of features choosing between the two. If you need to be working at different locations, home, office or school, it's the laptop for you.
In addition to the stock configurations, you can also choose to customize your own. If you choose customization, you need to purchase from Apple directly. If not, you can get yours at Amazon or shops. The other difference is in pricing. Depending on where you are, you might save on sales tax if you're getting from Amazon, that's if you're not going to be filing for taxes.
Macbook Air
This is the lightest laptop from Apple.
Here are the configurations:
It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch models. The 11-inch screen is too small for graphics work. 13-inch is significantly better as it shows more viewable information.
The main limitation of the Air is the dual processors which is currently 1.8GHz. It's good enough for light to general graphics creating, like digital painting, layout and graphic design. But it will won't be as fast when it comes to processor intensive stuff, like rendering 3D models and videos.
It has 4GB of memory which is sufficient, and configurable to 8GB. That means you can work on multiple files at the same time, or several Photoshop layers in a single file.
The flash storage means opening and saving files are extremely quick, and general system performance overall is quick.
There's no disc drive, but you have the option to get an external one.
If you need good colour accuracy, the Macbook Air comes up short as compared to Macbook Pro. The colour does shift depending on the tilt of your screen. However, this is more critical for artists or designers working for high end publications like magazines. I work for the newspapers and we don't require that level of accuracy. it doesn't have to be that accurate, but it must not be inaccurate. The other point to note about colour accuracy is, you also need to take into account the colour profile of your printer and audience display.
Bottomline: Extremely mobile. Good for light to general graphics work. Zippy performance overall. Get the 13-inch model.
Macbook Pro
The Macbook Pro is the higher end model of the Apple laptops, sort of. I say sort of because as mentioned earlier, the Macbook Air uses flash storage which is extremely fast. There are configurations of the Macbook Pro that do not use flash storage.
Here are the different configurations currently offered:
Macbook For Graphic Design Student
These guys have faster processors. The low-end ones use dual core processors while the higher end ones with 4 cores.
The 5400-rpm storage is the constraint. If you can, upgrade to at least a faster 7200-rpm drive. If you have the budget, upgrade to the flash storage.
The low-end 13-inch Macbook Pro is good for light to general graphics work. However, if you're getting the low end Macbook Pro, I would recommend getting the 13-inch Macbook Air instead. Personally, I would sacrifice processor speed for a faster storage drive which improves overall performance of the system.
The 15-inch Macbook Pro is a different story because it has twice the processing power with 4 cores, an additional graphics card, and a larger screen. It's suited for general to heavy graphics work like 3D rendering and video rendering. The constraint is again the 5400-rpm storage.
There's even the super high-end Retina display Macbook Pro. In terms of price and value, I feel the non-Retina 15-inch is better. That's unless you need to see everything in super sharp detail, not that the non-Retina ones are not sharp. I don't have any experience with creating graphics for print with the Retina Macbook Pro so I can't really comment much on the perceived advantage of doubling the resolution.
Bottomline: Get the high-end Macbook Air instead of the low-end Macbook Pro because there's not much difference, with the Air having the advantage of being lighter.
If you do 3D or video work or heavy graphics (huge dimensions and many layers), definitely get the 15-inch quad-core Macbook Pro. Spend the extra money and upgrade to at least a 7200-rpm storage.
Mac Mini
The thing you need to know about the Mac Mini is it doesn't come with a display, keyboard, mouse and disc drive which will all translate to spending extra money to get them.
Here are the configuration:
It's good enough for light to general graphics work, just like the Macbook Air. Get at least the mid-range model which offers 4GB of memory and better graphics card. Upgrade to at least a 7200-rpm storage if possible. For the price Apple is selling, I would have expected them to throw in at least 4GB memory and a 7200-rpm storage. https://reacaslungmas1989.mystrikingly.com/blog/photo-alteration-program.
The quad-core model is more suited for video rendering rather than 3D because of the graphics card.
Bottomline: Good for light to general graphics work. Limited graphics card means 3D software won't run at its best performance.
iMac
If you don't need your computer to be portable, the iMac is a great choice. It's beautiful and powerful. Personally, I think it represents the best value for money.
Here are the configurations:
They are all quad-cores. Even the slowest iMac comes with a decent 7200-rpm drive and graphics card. These are high performance machines for general to heavy graphics work. They can take anything you throw at them.
With the 27-inch model, you can fit in two storage drives. If you put a flash storage inside, it's going to be incredibly fast. And the 27-inch comes with a stunning resolution of 2560 by 1440 pixels.
Bottomline: They are value for money desktop workhorse computers. Either the low or high end models are great. I recommend spending a bit extra for the incredible 27-inch display.
Mac Pro
This is the most powerful computer Apple has to offer.
This is also the one that I'm personally using at home. Mine was a quad-core 3GHz bought in 2006. This year, I just upgraded to a flash storage and it's amazingly fast, not that it was that slow before. I've been using it for 6 years and probably will be using it until it physically breaks down. The Mac Pro is also very expensive but I guess if you're using it for that long, it still provides good price-performance value.
Here are the configuration:
Even the base model is immensely powerful. It's also extremely easy to upgrade on your own. You can remove and side cover and add in storage or change graphics card.
The 12-core model is for those working on huge files, heavy 3D and video work.
For art students or artists with budget, I would recommend the iMac. If you do have extra budget, you can consider the Mac Pro. It depends on how long you want to use your computer. Plus, you get to choose your own monitor.
Bottomline: Great for heavy graphics, 3D and video work. Not recommended for artists or art students on budget unless you already know you'll be using it for a long time.
Applecare
Regardless of which Mac you buy. It's good to get the Applecare warranty that gives you two additional years of coverage. It's worth it.
Apple computers are expensive to fix when they break down. Stuff like memory and storage is quite cheap to replace. But motherboard and displays are really pricey because Apple's the only one making those parts.
Other questions
If you have them, I would be glad to answer them if I can.
Tags:
Updated: October 06, 2020 | 13 min readThe internet is full of confusing advice about choosing the right computer for graphic design. Which is better—laptop or desktop, Windows or Mac? What specs do you go for? How much should you be ready to pay?
Before we start
To ensure your graphic design apps work perfectly on your device, you need to devote your attention to optimizing your Mac. Download MacKeeper and let it optimize your Mac with almost no effort from you.
One thing we know for sure—Macs are in the favourites among all kinds of graphic designers, from typographers to 3D animators. Once you've set your mind on Apple, it's time to choose one out of the wide variety of devices. This article will help you figure out which Mac is best suited for your budget and your creative tasks.
We have produced the ultimate list of Apple devices that are the best for graphic design:
- Best overall: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019)
- Best desktop: 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display
- Best alternative: MacBook Air (2020)
Why choose a Mac for graphic design?
Macs have been preferred by the world's leading designers for years, mainly due to the superb colour accuracy and image quality that come with Apple's high-end Retina displays. Furthermore, the new features that the company introduces with each release, such as the Magic Keyboard and Touch Bar, improve user experience, making it easier and more comfortable to design on Macs.
Simply having a powerful computer is not enough for creative occupations. A significant amount of memory and the best graphics cards are essential to pull off most professional software. The majority of Macs from the current line have plenty of RAM and discrete GPUs with on-board memory of up to 4GB.
The exquisite integration that comes with macOS allows smooth workflow between all the different apps that you use when working on a project. Additionally, cross-platform compatibility enables you to run Windows through Apple's own built-in tool, Boot Camp—so, when you need to run a Windows-specific app, you're sorted.
- Upgrading the memory or processor past this configuration leads you into 13-inch MacBook Pro pricing territory, but only upgrade to that machine if graphic processing for design apps and games are.
- Apple is renowned for making excellent products for creative professionals, and the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is the best laptop for graphic design. It's also the best MacBook Pro that.
- If you are invested in the Apple platform, the new Apple MacBook Pro is the best choice for you. It has the newest and best hardware for their platform, and is perfect for your graphic design needs. If you want the best drawing experience on a portable system, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 is a great choice. Microsoft has created a great system.
This is a guide on choosing which Mac to get, depending on whether you're an artist or art student.
I'm writing this from an artist's point of view. I've used both Macs and PCs for creating graphics in the newspaper industry. This guide will assume that you've already decided to go with a Mac over PC. I've previously written something on PC vs Mac so I'll not cover that here again.
I would love to hear your comments on what Mac you're have and the work you're using it for, and the performance. Especially if your findings are different from mine.
Laptop vs desktops
Mobility is the only factor to consider between choosing laptops and desktops. Note that by today's standards, Apple laptops are incredibly fast. You don't really sacrifice a lot of features choosing between the two. If you need to be working at different locations, home, office or school, it's the laptop for you.
In addition to the stock configurations, you can also choose to customize your own. If you choose customization, you need to purchase from Apple directly. If not, you can get yours at Amazon or shops. The other difference is in pricing. Depending on where you are, you might save on sales tax if you're getting from Amazon, that's if you're not going to be filing for taxes.
Macbook Air
This is the lightest laptop from Apple.
Here are the configurations:
It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch models. The 11-inch screen is too small for graphics work. 13-inch is significantly better as it shows more viewable information.
The main limitation of the Air is the dual processors which is currently 1.8GHz. It's good enough for light to general graphics creating, like digital painting, layout and graphic design. But it will won't be as fast when it comes to processor intensive stuff, like rendering 3D models and videos.
It has 4GB of memory which is sufficient, and configurable to 8GB. That means you can work on multiple files at the same time, or several Photoshop layers in a single file.
The flash storage means opening and saving files are extremely quick, and general system performance overall is quick.
There's no disc drive, but you have the option to get an external one.
If you need good colour accuracy, the Macbook Air comes up short as compared to Macbook Pro. The colour does shift depending on the tilt of your screen. However, this is more critical for artists or designers working for high end publications like magazines. I work for the newspapers and we don't require that level of accuracy. it doesn't have to be that accurate, but it must not be inaccurate. The other point to note about colour accuracy is, you also need to take into account the colour profile of your printer and audience display.
Bottomline: Extremely mobile. Good for light to general graphics work. Zippy performance overall. Get the 13-inch model.
Macbook Pro
The Macbook Pro is the higher end model of the Apple laptops, sort of. I say sort of because as mentioned earlier, the Macbook Air uses flash storage which is extremely fast. There are configurations of the Macbook Pro that do not use flash storage.
Here are the different configurations currently offered:
Macbook For Graphic Design Student
These guys have faster processors. The low-end ones use dual core processors while the higher end ones with 4 cores.
The 5400-rpm storage is the constraint. If you can, upgrade to at least a faster 7200-rpm drive. If you have the budget, upgrade to the flash storage.
The low-end 13-inch Macbook Pro is good for light to general graphics work. However, if you're getting the low end Macbook Pro, I would recommend getting the 13-inch Macbook Air instead. Personally, I would sacrifice processor speed for a faster storage drive which improves overall performance of the system.
The 15-inch Macbook Pro is a different story because it has twice the processing power with 4 cores, an additional graphics card, and a larger screen. It's suited for general to heavy graphics work like 3D rendering and video rendering. The constraint is again the 5400-rpm storage.
There's even the super high-end Retina display Macbook Pro. In terms of price and value, I feel the non-Retina 15-inch is better. That's unless you need to see everything in super sharp detail, not that the non-Retina ones are not sharp. I don't have any experience with creating graphics for print with the Retina Macbook Pro so I can't really comment much on the perceived advantage of doubling the resolution.
Bottomline: Get the high-end Macbook Air instead of the low-end Macbook Pro because there's not much difference, with the Air having the advantage of being lighter.
If you do 3D or video work or heavy graphics (huge dimensions and many layers), definitely get the 15-inch quad-core Macbook Pro. Spend the extra money and upgrade to at least a 7200-rpm storage.
Mac Mini
The thing you need to know about the Mac Mini is it doesn't come with a display, keyboard, mouse and disc drive which will all translate to spending extra money to get them.
Here are the configuration:
It's good enough for light to general graphics work, just like the Macbook Air. Get at least the mid-range model which offers 4GB of memory and better graphics card. Upgrade to at least a 7200-rpm storage if possible. For the price Apple is selling, I would have expected them to throw in at least 4GB memory and a 7200-rpm storage. https://reacaslungmas1989.mystrikingly.com/blog/photo-alteration-program.
The quad-core model is more suited for video rendering rather than 3D because of the graphics card.
Bottomline: Good for light to general graphics work. Limited graphics card means 3D software won't run at its best performance.
iMac
If you don't need your computer to be portable, the iMac is a great choice. It's beautiful and powerful. Personally, I think it represents the best value for money.
Here are the configurations:
They are all quad-cores. Even the slowest iMac comes with a decent 7200-rpm drive and graphics card. These are high performance machines for general to heavy graphics work. They can take anything you throw at them.
With the 27-inch model, you can fit in two storage drives. If you put a flash storage inside, it's going to be incredibly fast. And the 27-inch comes with a stunning resolution of 2560 by 1440 pixels.
Bottomline: They are value for money desktop workhorse computers. Either the low or high end models are great. I recommend spending a bit extra for the incredible 27-inch display.
Mac Pro
This is the most powerful computer Apple has to offer.
This is also the one that I'm personally using at home. Mine was a quad-core 3GHz bought in 2006. This year, I just upgraded to a flash storage and it's amazingly fast, not that it was that slow before. I've been using it for 6 years and probably will be using it until it physically breaks down. The Mac Pro is also very expensive but I guess if you're using it for that long, it still provides good price-performance value.
Here are the configuration:
Even the base model is immensely powerful. It's also extremely easy to upgrade on your own. You can remove and side cover and add in storage or change graphics card.
The 12-core model is for those working on huge files, heavy 3D and video work.
For art students or artists with budget, I would recommend the iMac. If you do have extra budget, you can consider the Mac Pro. It depends on how long you want to use your computer. Plus, you get to choose your own monitor.
Bottomline: Great for heavy graphics, 3D and video work. Not recommended for artists or art students on budget unless you already know you'll be using it for a long time.
Applecare
Regardless of which Mac you buy. It's good to get the Applecare warranty that gives you two additional years of coverage. It's worth it.
Apple computers are expensive to fix when they break down. Stuff like memory and storage is quite cheap to replace. But motherboard and displays are really pricey because Apple's the only one making those parts.
Other questions
If you have them, I would be glad to answer them if I can.
Tags:
Updated: October 06, 2020 | 13 min readThe internet is full of confusing advice about choosing the right computer for graphic design. Which is better—laptop or desktop, Windows or Mac? What specs do you go for? How much should you be ready to pay?
Before we start
To ensure your graphic design apps work perfectly on your device, you need to devote your attention to optimizing your Mac. Download MacKeeper and let it optimize your Mac with almost no effort from you.
One thing we know for sure—Macs are in the favourites among all kinds of graphic designers, from typographers to 3D animators. Once you've set your mind on Apple, it's time to choose one out of the wide variety of devices. This article will help you figure out which Mac is best suited for your budget and your creative tasks.
We have produced the ultimate list of Apple devices that are the best for graphic design:
- Best overall: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019)
- Best desktop: 27-inch iMac with 5K Retina display
- Best alternative: MacBook Air (2020)
Why choose a Mac for graphic design?
Macs have been preferred by the world's leading designers for years, mainly due to the superb colour accuracy and image quality that come with Apple's high-end Retina displays. Furthermore, the new features that the company introduces with each release, such as the Magic Keyboard and Touch Bar, improve user experience, making it easier and more comfortable to design on Macs.
Simply having a powerful computer is not enough for creative occupations. A significant amount of memory and the best graphics cards are essential to pull off most professional software. The majority of Macs from the current line have plenty of RAM and discrete GPUs with on-board memory of up to 4GB.
The exquisite integration that comes with macOS allows smooth workflow between all the different apps that you use when working on a project. Additionally, cross-platform compatibility enables you to run Windows through Apple's own built-in tool, Boot Camp—so, when you need to run a Windows-specific app, you're sorted.
Finally, Macs are diverse and flexible when it comes to lifestyle. Are you a dynamic person who is always on the run? Then you must need to be able to carry your entire workstation with you. The light and compact MacBooks with long battery life have got your back. Correspondingly, if you're more of a desktop dweller and prefer working from the comfort of your home, you can opt for a large and impressive iMac.
The best Mac configuration for graphic design
Professional applications for designers are focused on interface design, illustration, and 3D. All of them are RAM-hungry, so look for devices with at least 8GB of RAM. If you're not sure how much memory you'll need for future projects, consider models that can be upgraded (the latest generations of MacBook Pro, the majority of iMacs, and Mac mini). Otherwise, always opt for the highest amount of RAM possible—you can purchase it in-store when buying your Mac.
On top of RAM, you'll need at least 256GB of internal SSD storage to keep many high-resolution images on your internal disk. Make sure you get a Mac with a solid-state drive rather than a hard drive for better performance. It's unlikely that you'll be able to replace a drive yourself after the purchase as Apple's products are sealed units, so make sure that you get plenty of storage space at the start. If that's not an option, get an external drive.
When it comes to processor power, graphic design applications are not that intense, especially when compared to video editing software. You'll get away with a 1.6GHz dual-core Core i5 CPU. Obviously, it is encouraged that you get a Mac that has more cores, but in most cases, you won't notice a change in performance once you're over the GHz range—instead, invest in additional RAM.
Make sure that your Mac has a discrete graphics card with plenty of RAM or is compatible with an eGPU. Older Mac models and most MacBook Airs use integrated GPU, which eats away from the CPU power and slows down the computer when working on graphics-heavy projects. https://ameblo.jp/97gnoserdensuvc/entry-12650229898.html. We recommend looking for a Mac with at least AMD Radeon RX 570—an equivalent of Nvidia GTX 1050.
Elmo voice changer online. Don't forget about the ports—as a graphic designer, you'll need to connect your tablet and other peripherals for regular work. Make sure your computer has at least two Thunderbolt 3s.
Finally, the display—one of the most important aspects of design work. Of course, most creators will agree that the larger the monitor, the better the workflow. However, the key aspect here is the resolution—make sure it's at least 1280x800. As for pixel density, it's higher in Apple monitors than in most PCs and regular laptops, so you'll be fine with any Mac.
The best MacBook for graphic design
MacBook Pro for graphic design
The 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro is an improved successor of its outdated 15-inch version. The base model has a 2.6GHz 6-core 9th Gen Core i7 processor that can be upgraded up to a 2.4GHz 8-core 9th gen Core i9 with Turbo Boost to 5.0GHz. This is more than enough power for any graphic design software.
But what about GPU? This beast has an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory—a substantial amount for gaming, let alone creative work. It's equipped with 16GB of on-board RAM and up to 8TB of SSD storage.
The LED-backlit Retina display with True Tone and P3 has 3072x1920 native resolution with 226 PPI and 500 nits brightness. Finally, four Thunderbolt 3 ports are available to connect peripherals—all of this in just 2 kg, starting at $2,399.
In 2020, Apple released an updated 13-inch version of MacBook Pro. This might not be enough for print design, but will be sufficient for web-designing purposes.
The base model of the 13-inch MacBook Pro has a 1.4GHz quad-core 8th Gen Core i5 processor with room for improvement up to 2.3GHz quad-core Core i7. However, it has an integrated Iris Plus graphics card, which is a significant drawback.
The base 8GB of RAM can be configured to 32GB, and SSD storage can be expanded to 4TB. The Retina display's resolution is 2560x1900 with 500 nits brightness, True Tone and P3 technologies in place as always. The laptop can have two or four Thunderbolt 3 ports, weighing 1.4 kg and costing from $1,299 to $1,799.
MacBook Air for graphic design
The 2020 MacBook Air is the cheapest and most portable among all Apple computers. Weighing only 1.290 kg, it still packs powerful components that will satisfy beginner designers.
The base $999 model has a 1.1GHz dual-core Core i3 processor. The more expensive $1,299 option brings it up to a 1.2GHz quad-core Core i5 with Turbo Boost to 3.5GHz. Both the models have an integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics card with support for an eGPU available. 8GB of on-board RAM is configurable to 16GB, while 256GB of SSD storage can be boosted up to 2TB.
The display of the MacBook is impressive. The LED-backlit 13.3-inch screen with IPS and True Tone technologies packs 2560x1600 native resolution at 227 PPI with support for millions of colors.
Finally, two Thunderbolt 3 ports are available. The computer is also known for its long battery life of up to 12 hours with no need to connect the charger.
iMac for graphic design
On August 5, 2020, Apple announced a major update to their 27-inch iMac, making it the most powerful iMac ever created. It's ideal even for the most intense tasks such as game design and 3D modeling.
The CPU of the new iMac is configurable up to 3.6GHz 10-core 10th Gen Core i9, which has not been done before in any of the Apple devices except for Mac Pro. The base model of the iMac has a discrete GPU of Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 memory. This can be improved up to a staggering Radeon Pro XT with 16GB of GDDR6 memory.
Two 4GB blocks of RAM can be customized to the maximum of 128GB—56GB each. SSD storage, starting at 256GB in the base model, can shoot up to 8TB in the best configuration.
The famous 27-inch 5K display has a 5120x2880 resolution and supports more than a billion colors. It has all the usual specs: True Tone, P3, 500 nits brightness… But it can also be turned into nano-texture glass, guaranteeing truly unbelievable user experience.
As for ports, the computer has four USB-As, two Thunderbolt 3s and an SDXC card slot. The iMac's price starts at $1,799, going up to $2,299.
How to optimize your Mac ready for design projects?
Mac is one of the most comfortable computers for graphic design. However, having insufficient RAM or disk space may interfere with your work.
For example, 3D modeling is a RAM-hungry process, that's why freeing up RAM memory is an excellent idea. You can use Memory Cleaner in MacKeeper to free up your Mac's RAM without some extra effort. With a few clicks, MacKeeper will help to optimize your current Mac session.
Graphic design software also requires a lot of storage. Unused apps, duplicates, cache, junk files, and other useless elements take the space you can use for your creative projects. You can quickly free it up with MacKeeper's set of cleaning tools. Let your Mac be ready for your most daring creations!
Conclusion
World-renowned companies, such as Pixar and Walt Disney, choose Macs to create their masterpieces. This is not surprising—the majority of graphic designers prefer Macs for their fast functionality, simple file management, and outstanding design software.
Best Mac For Graphic Designer
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Best Mac For Graphic Design Students
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