What is the best computer for animators: a complete guide for buyers

Are you one of the animation students or a graphic design student looking for a budget-friendly laptop? 

This article reviewed the best laptops for animation projects and made a rating starting with Acer Predator Helios 300 PH 315-54-760S, Apple MacBook Pro (2021), Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT, etc. 

ImageProductFeatures
Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Hard Disk Size: 512 GB
CPU Model: Core I7 11800H
Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Special Feature: Multi-touch Gesture
Apple 2021 MacBook ProHard Disk Size: 512 GB 
CPU Model: Others 
Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB 
Operating System: Mac OS 
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UTHard Disk Size:128 GB
CPU Model: Core i3 
Ram Memory Installed Size: 4 GB
Operating SystemWindows 11 Home (S Mode)
Special Feature: Multi-touch Gesture
Microsoft Surface Pro 7Processor: ‎Core i5 
RAM: ‎8 GB LPDDR4 
Hard Drive ‎256 GB SSD 
Graphics Coprocessor: ‎Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Operating System: ‎Windows 10 Home
Acer Nitro 5 Hard Disk Size: 256 GB
CPU Model: Core i5
Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB
Operating System: Windows 10 Home 
Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 ChipHard Disk Size: 256 GB 
CPU Model: Apple M1 
Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB 
Operating System: Mac OS 
Graphics Card Description: Integrated
2022 New ASUS TUF High-Performance Gaming Laptop Hard Disk Size: 512 GB 
CPU Model: Core i5 
Ram Memory Installed Size: 8 GB 
System software: Windows 10 Home 
Card Description: Dedicated 
Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA
Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop Hard Disk Size: 1 TB
CPU Model: Intel Core i7 12800H 
Ram Memory Installed Size: 32 GB 
System software: Windows 11 
Card Description: RTX 3080 Ti 
Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
Intel Turbo boost technology
Microsoft Surface Book 3Hard Disk Size: 256 GB 
CPU Model: Core i7
Ram Memory Installed Size: 16 GB 
Operating System: Windows 10 Home
Card Description: Dedicated 
Graphics Coprocessor: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q

What makes the best laptop for animation?

When it comes to finding the best laptop for animation projects, your best bet is to go for something that is powerful and has a large display screen. You don’t need a stationary desktop to get the job done; today’s laptops for animation are well-equipped for handling animation work. 

Plus, with new 2-in-1 models on the market, you can find an animation laptop that perfectly suits your needs. When looking for the best laptop for animation, you should consider two factors: power and display.

The powerful laptop is important because animators need an animation laptop that can handle large files and complex programs like 2d and 3d animation software associated with the trade. The best laptops for animation offer ample power and speed, so you can work on your projects without any lag time.

The display is also key since animators need to be able to see what they’re working on accurately. A large screen is hidden in a compact, mobile design.

There’s even a 2-in-1 model to suit all your graphical tasks. So whether you’re an experienced animator or one of the graphic designers, there’s an animation laptop, perfect for you.

Animator-friendly features in laptops

So you’re an animator on the go or one of the animation students, and you need a powerful laptop for animation that can keep up with your demands. Not to worry—there are plenty of laptops out there that are specifically designed for animators that support 3d animation and 2d animation software. Here are a few features to look for:

  1. First, make sure the laptop has a large display screen with high screen resolution. You’ll need to be able to see all the details of your animation clearly, without having to scroll around or squint.
  2. Second, make sure the laptop is powerful enough to handle all your animation software. It should have a high-end graphics card, plenty of RAM, SSD storage, as well as decent battery life.
  3. Finally, make sure it’s lightweight and portable so you can take it with you wherever you go.

Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice power for portability. There are plenty of best laptops for animation out there that can handle both your animation needs and your on-the-go lifestyle.

Performance and battery life considerations

When looking for a laptop for animation whether it’ll be used with 2d animation or 3d animation software, you should consider the two most important factors: power and display.

A powerful laptop is a key to handling more complex tasks without any lag or dropped frames in animation software. A great display is also important so you can see what you are animating as clearly as possible.

You don’t need to sacrifice performance for portability, though. Many best laptops for animation today have a large screen that is hidden in a compact, mobile design.

There’s even a 2-in-1 model to suit all your graphical tasks. And don’t forget to consider the battery life of your computer.

Picking the right display for animation

When you’re picking the right display for your 2d and 3d animation, it’s important to look for a laptop for animation that can handle a wide range of colors with accuracy.

The last thing you want is a display that won’t render your 2d animation or 3d animation software with consistent vibrancy or the correct color values.

For this reason, we suggest looking for screens with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and support for at least 100% of the Adobe RGB color space. You should also aim for an IPS panel with good viewing angles and contrast ratios of 700:1 and 1000:1.

There is also a higher-end laptop for game models with OLED displays, which offer more accurate color calibration, wider viewing angles, and deeper black levels than traditional LCD panels.

Finally, keep in mind that if you plan on doing any rendering or 3D animation work, you may want to consider getting a laptop for animation with an external GPU (eGPU).

An eGPU will give you much better performance and allow you to run the latest games and applications without slowdown.

Benefits of gaming laptops for animators

If you want a versatile laptop for animation with the power and features of a laptop for games, then you should consider gaming computers for your animation needs.

Many of these gaming laptops come with powerful processors and graphics cards (for example Intel Iris XE Graphics or Nvidia Geforce RTX) that can handle large animation jobs with ease.

They also have large, high-resolution displays that provide the perfect canvas for creating and viewing your 2d and 3d animation.

And, their keyboards are typically ergonomically designed to provide more comfort when working on larger 2d animation and 3d animation projects.

Plus, many best laptops for animation come with plenty of RAM storage, so you can store large files without sacrificing performance.

That said, gaming computers aren’t just for gamers anymore. With their impressive specs and mobility, they are becoming popular among animators who need more power than standard computers offer without sacrificing portability or design.

Other essential features of the best laptop for animation

When searching for the best computer for animation needs, there are a few more features to consider. Apart from the powerful processor and large display screen, you’ll also need at least 8GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card that supports 3D applications.

Similarly, always look for a laptop with long battery life as you don’t want to be interrupted in the middle of an animation project.

You should also keep an eye out for the best laptops for animation with multiple ports so you could connect other devices such as external hard drives or digital pens with ease.

All these features are essential to ensure your laptop can handle all the demands of animation work without any lag or technical glitches.

Differences between a regular laptop and a laptop for animation

So what’s the difference between a regular laptop and a laptop for animation?

Well, for starters, a laptop for animation will have a lot more power to handle bigger 2d animation or 3d animation tasks. This means more RAM for animation software and a better processor, as well as dedicated graphics cards.

These components allow the laptop computer to handle heavy-duty animation software graphics rendering with ease. It also means you can run multiple programs and applications simultaneously without too much trouble.

In addition to power, you’ll also want to consider the display screen of your laptop for animation.

A larger one will do wonders when it comes to displaying your 2d animation or 3 animation work accurately – it’ll also make your life much easier when it comes to editing or even just viewing your projects.

And if you need even more portability, there’s always the option of 2-in-1 laptops, which offer the convenience of a tablet and the power of a laptop in one device!

Tips on maintaining your laptop to handle animation tasks

It’s important to take care of your laptop to ensure that it can handle all of your animation tasks and maintain its performance. Here are some tips on maintaining your laptop:

  • Clean it out: dust is the enemy of all computers. Make sure to use compressed air or a soft cloth to routinely clean out any accumulated dust. This will help keep your laptop running at its best and help it last longer too!
  • Upgrade parts as needed: as technology advances, you may need to upgrade some components in your laptop. If you find that some tasks are running slowly, consider upgrading the processor, SSD storage, or RAM to give it a boost.
  • Cooling: make sure to use a cooling pad when you’re working, as this can help regulate the temperature and prevent overheating. Overheating can slow down performance and even cause permanent damage, so take precautions!

By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your laptop is up for any animation challenge!

How to choose the best laptop for animation among gaming computers 

If you’re in the market for a powerful laptop that can handle 2d and 3d animation, make sure you are mindful of its capabilities. In particular, pay attention to the power of the processor and the graphics card, as well as having large amounts of RAM to ensure smooth animation software running.

Furthermore, make sure that your laptop has a good display screen with a high resolution. This will allow you to accurately track and display what is happening on-screen in real-time.

Lastly, it’s important to make sure that your laptop is lightweight and has a long battery life so that you can work on your project conveniently wherever you go.

FAQs about the best laptop for animation 

So, what are the questions you should ask yourself when picking out the best laptop for animation? The first and foremost question is “What am I using this laptop for?”.

This will help you determine the type of hardware you need. The other questions are related to storage, memory, and graphics capabilities. If you plan to do a lot of 3D animation or modeling, a computer with the right graphics card and processor is crucial.

If your main concern is portability, then consider laptops with extended battery life since animating can take up quite a bit of energy.

And finally, if you work in teams or collaborate remotely, consider buying a laptop with good connectivity options like USB ports and Wi-Fi for easy sharing.

Compare portable and desktop computer options

In the search for the best laptop for animation, you might be wondering if a desktop may be a better option than a laptop. While desktop computers certainly have plenty of power and don’t suffer from bad battery life, they are not as portable or easy to move around as laptops.

When comparing the two types of computers, consider how much portability you need. If you plan on taking your laptop with you from job to job, then opt for a laptop that has all the power you need, but is still lightweight and mobile.

If your goal is to have a more powerful animation computer, but don’t mind having it in one place (like your home office), then a desktop computer might be more suitable.

Finally, don’t forget to factor in cost when making your decision! Desktops can sometimes offer more value for money in terms of specs compared to laptops, but this won’t help if you need portability and mobility while working.

Gaming laptops vs workstation laptops

When you’re looking for the best computer for animation, there are a few things you need to consider. The first is whether you need a laptop for gaming or a workstation laptop.

Gaming computers are designed for gamers who need high-powered graphics and speed. They often have large screens, so you can see all the action, and they come with plenty of storage for your games and other media.

Workstation laptops are made for people who need to do heavy-duty graphic or video editing.

They usually have more ports than gaming laptops, so you can plug in all your devices, and they usually have better graphics cards so you can work with large files quickly.

The other thing to consider is whether you want a laptop or a desktop. Laptops are portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go, but they can be more expensive than desktops. Desktops are cheaper, but they’re not as portable as laptops.

Plus, the latest 2-in-1 models let you use them as either laptops or tablets, so you get the best of both worlds.

Benefits of 2-in-1 hybrid laptops

When it comes to finding the best computer for animation, your best bet is to go for something that is powerful and has a large display screen.

You don’t need a stationary desktop to get the job done; today’s laptops are well-equipped for handling animation jobs.

Plus, with new 2-in-1 models on the market, you can find a computer system that perfectly suits your needs.

2-in-1 hybrid laptops offer several benefits that make them a good choice for animators. For starters, they’re powerful machines that are capable of handling the most demanding tasks.

They also have large display screens that offer plenty of real estate for working on your projects. And, best of all, they’re versatile systems that can be used as both laptops and tablets.

This means that you can use them wherever you go, and they’re perfect for taking on the road.

Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S Gaming Laptop

The Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S laptop for gaming is the best laptop for animators who need a powerful computer that can handle large files.

This laptop has a six-core Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of memory, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card. It also has a large 15.6-inch display, which is great for seeing details in your work.

On the downside, this laptop is quite expensive and it doesn’t have a lot of storage space. If you’re looking for a more affordable laptop, you might want to consider the Dell Inspiron 15 7570.

This laptop has a quad-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of memory, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card. It also has a large 15.6-inch display.

Pros
  • It achieves an almost ideal combination of performance and pricing. nnIt can manage high-volume animation workloads. nnMobile workstations are a little lighter.n
Cons
  • Battery life is not very big.

Apple 2021 MacBook Pro

The latest Apple 2021 MacBook Pro comes with plenty of features that make it the best laptop shopping for a computer specifically meant for animators.

The 13-inch and 16-inch models both boast a powerful Intel processor, robust graphics, and up to 32GB of memory. Plus, the Retina display is perfect for viewing your creations in full HD.

However, it does come with a hefty price tag – up to $3299.99 for the highest-end model – so it’s important to consider your budget if you opt for this one.

Pros
  • This list’s most portable laptop. nnBattery life is quite impressive. nnThere are numerous connecting choices.nn
Cons
  • It’s not suitable for complex 3D animation. nnIt’s pricy.

Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT

Let’s have a look at the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT. This laptop is loaded with features that can make animating easier.

Firstly, it comes with an Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB of random access memory (RAM), and a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD). This means that your work will run faster without any lags or slowdowns.

The laptop also has an impressive 15.6-inch display screen that can run at 1080p resolution.

The screen is perfect when it comes to seeing all the details in your animation projects and you won’t need to worry about eye strain either.

Finally, the laptop weighs just 4.85 pounds, which makes it very portable and easy to take wherever you go when you’re working on animation projects.

Plus, since it runs on Windows 10 Home Edition, you should have no compatibility issues during your work either.

Pros
  • This list’s most portable laptop. nnBattery life is quite impressive. nnThere are numerous connecting choices.n
Cons
  • It’s not suitable for complex 3D animation. nnIt’s pricy.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

If you’re looking for a powerful 2-in-1 computer, the Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is the best laptop.

It’s powered by an Intel Core i7 processor, 12GB RAM, and 256 GB of storage.

Its touchscreen display is also large enough for you to get your work done without any fuss.

When it comes to the pros and cons of the Microsoft Surface Pro 7, here are a few things to consider.

On the plus side, it has great battery life and can easily be converted into a tablet for easy portability.

On the downside, its hardware may not be able to handle heavier rendering tasks and its fan can get quite loud when working on heavy projects.

Still, for animators who need a fast laptop that’s also portable, this could be a great choice.

Pros
  • There is Intel 10th Generation CPU. nnIt’s compatible with Windows 11.nnBattery life can last up to 10.5 hours. nnThere is a USB Type-C port. nnThere are dual far-field microphones. nnIt has the best tablet keyboard cover. nnWi-Fi 6 is available. nnConstruction is strong.
Cons
  • The keyboard and Surface pen are still extra. nnThunderbolt 3 is not available. nnWhen compared to a Surface Pro 8, the design is out of date. nnBecause of the fanless architecture, performance degrades over time.

Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop

The Acer Nitro 5 laptop for gaming is the best if you’re looking for something powerful and affordable. Its 15.6″ display is large enough to make 2d and 3d animation work easier, and it runs on an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8300H processor with 16GB of RAM.

This will help make sure your creations are running smoothly without any hiccups or slowdowns.

However, the downsides of this laptop include the fact that it can get quite heavy (5.6 pounds) and that it has a loud fan noise when in use.

It also doesn’t come with a touchscreen, so you won’t be able to draw directly on the screen like you can with some of the other models available.

Nevertheless, if budget is a concern and you’re looking for a strong performance at an affordable price, then the Acer Nitro 5 laptop for gaming could be just what you need.

Pros
  • The price is competitive.nnWith severe loads, it runs surprisingly cool and quietly. nnThe AMD processor is great.  nnIt can be opened and upgraded easily.  nnThe 144 Hz IPS display is fantastic.
Cons
  • The case is large and heavy. nnThe display lid is flimsy. nnBattery life is mediocre. nnThere are no biometrics, card readers, or USB-C video/charging ports.

Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip

If you’re interested in an Apple laptop, then the 2020 MacBook Air is the best laptop option.

It comes with the new M1 chip and offers incredible performance.

Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around, so it’s the best laptop for on-the-go animators.

The cons of this laptop are that it can get costly—but if you want quality, this is definitely worth the investment.

Pros
  • The M1 chip performance is amazing.  nnThe apps based on Intel perform admirably. nnThe battery life is excellent. nnThe Retina Display looks fantastic. nnApps for iPhone and iPad are supported. nnThe keyboard and trackpad are great. nnIt is little and light. nnFanless design is completely silent.
Cons
  • The 720p webcam is not good.  nnIOS apps are a snub. nnThere are only two USB-C ports. nnThe thick bezels remain. nnYou will have to wait for better Rosetta app optimization.

2022 New ASUS TUF High-Performance Gaming Laptop

The ASUS TUF High-Performance laptop for gaming is the best laptop for animators who want something portable, but also want a powerful machine that can handle heavy animation work.

This best laptop might only have a 15.6-inch display screen, but it’s powered by an impressive Intel Core i7-10750H processor and a powerful GeForce RTX2060 GPU.

It also has 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, making it ideal for animation professionals.

The pros here are its portability, high performance, and great battery life. On the other hand, the cons are that its display isn’t large enough for some professionals who need to view more complex animations with more detail.

Additionally, its lack of an Ethernet port could be problematic if you need to share large files over a network connection.

Pros
  • It’s smaller and quicker than the previous year’s model. nnThe numeric keypad is on a tactile keyboard.  nnPerformance is outstanding. nnBattery life is incredible. nnThe price/performance ratio is good.
Cons
  • A trackpad is spongey. nnThe keyboard is too small. nnThe design is not for everyone.

Razer Blade 15 Gaming Laptop

If you’re looking for a laptop for animation, you should consider the Razer Blade 15 Laptop. This laptop is perfect for animators, as it features a full HD touchscreen with a 15.6-inch display, plenty of RAM and storage space, and an Intel Core i7 processor for rendering with ease.

The Razer also won’t let you down on graphics performance either – this laptop is packed with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 GPU to give you smooth visuals and a quick output to your connected display.

On the downside, this laptop is expensive and likely out of reach of beginning animators.

Additionally, it’s not the most user-friendly device to use since it runs on Windows 10 Pro, which might be a bit too advanced for new users.

If you’re considering this laptop, however, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to handle it without issue.

Pros
  • The gameplay performance is excellent.  nnDiverse port choices, a 1080p webcam, and an excellent touchpadn
Cons
  • Productivity results are not always good. nnBrighter screens are available from competitors. nnThe average battery life undermines the portability attraction.

New Microsoft Surface Book 3

Have you heard of the Microsoft Surface Book 3? It’s just what you need if you’re looking for power, portability, and a high-quality display.

The Surface Book 3 has two versions: a 13.5-inch version and a 15-inch version. Both have powerful graphics, processing power, and large displays that can handle animation projects with ease.

Plus, it comes with a built-in stand that allows users to toggle between laptop and tablet mode easily.

The pros of the Surface Book 3 include its large display, portability, and power. On the other hand, it’s expensive compared to other similar laptops on the market.

Additionally, its ports are all on one side which can be inconvenient at times. Ultimately, this is an excellent choice for animators who want a laptop that is both powerful and portable!

Pros
  • The performance is amazing. nnIt’s compatible with Windows 11. nnBattery life is great. nnIt has the 3:2 Aspect ratio detachable screen.  
Cons
  • It’s extremely expensive.nnThere is no Thunderbolt 3 support. nnThe design is becoming obsolete.

FAQs

What computer do I need for 2D animation?

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon 560 would be enough for 2D animation. Any other card with +4GB of VRAM will suffice. Nvidia RTX 2050 to 3050Ti for 3D animation. Nvidia Quadro is another great choice.

What do most professional animators use?

Best 3D Animation Software: Autodesk Maya u003cbru003eMaya is a professional animation and 3D reproduction software that is used to make video games, movies, television shows, and visual effects. It fulfills the industry’s highest standards.

What computers do Pixar animators use?

If you want the absolute best laptop for animation you can buy right now, then you won’t get better than the new MacBook Pro 16-inch.u003cbru003ePowered by a choice of Apple’s new M1 Pro or M1 Max chips, the MacBook Pro can easily handle even the most complex animations.

What is the best computer for drawing and animation?

We have listed the best laptops for the animation above where you can choose the one that meets your needs. The list includes Acer Predator Helios 300 PH315-54-760S, Apple MacBook Pro (2021), Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-36UT, and many others. We recommend you make a well-informed decision by reading all reviews first. 

What laptops are good for animating?

There is no need for you to research this subject. We’ve already done that. We hope our article would be useful for you as it has the rating of the u003ca href=u0022https://bestoflens.com/best-laptops-for-animation/u0022u003ebest computers for animationu003c/au003e including Microsoft Surface Pro 7, Acer Nitro 5 laptop for gaming, Apple MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip (2020). 

Conclusion

So don’t wait any longer — buy a powerful laptop today! You are kindly recommended to consider one of the options from our list like Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip, Microsoft Surface Book 3, Acer Nitro 5, and many others. 

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