The 2020 best laptops for graphic designers is seeing its fearest competition ever. With more brands challenging the Macbook Pro and Dell XPS as the go to creator laptops, we are seeing some fantastic innovation taking place. From more brands featuring 100% Adobe RGB color-accurate screens to faster CPUs in their lighter models, it is a great year to be a creative professional. 

This list will help you sort through the massive catalog of option available to you in order to pick the best laptop for your graphic design needs in 2020.

Below you will see a short-list of all of the laptops featured in this post.

2020 Best Budget Laptops for Graphic Designers

1. Acer Swift 5
2. Lenovo Flex 5
3. Dell Inspiron 15 5000
4. Asus VivoBook S15

2020 Best Laptops for Graphic Designers Under $1500

1. Lenovo Legion Y540
2. MSI Modern 15
3. Acer ConceptD 3

2020 Best High-End Laptops for Graphic Designers

1. Dell XPS 15 7590
2. MacBook Pro 16
3. Gigabyte Aero 15
4. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo
5. Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition

Whether you are buying your first laptop for graphic design or picking up a new model after years in the industry there are some basic specification you want to consider when choosing the right laptop for your day-to-day design tasks. I am going to quickly list out my top recommendations. If you want a full walk through discussing all of the technical nuances of choosing a graphic design laptop then check out my Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Graphic Design Laptop post to get all of the details.

Best Specifications for a Graphic Design Laptop

• Processor: Minumum i5-8265U or AMD Ryzen 5 2500U (Recommend i7-8750H+)
• RAM: Minimum of 8gb (Recommend 16gb+)
• GPU: Minimum Intel Intel UHD Graphics 620 (Suitable unless considering video editing)
• Storage: 512gb Solid State Hard Drive

Whether you are considering purchasing a Mac OS laptop or Windows OS laptop benchmarks listed above will help you pick the best laptop for your needs.

Best Budget Laptops for Graphic Design

1. Acer Swift 5

Light-weight and well-suited for the Adobe Creative Cloud design apps.

This is a good laptop for anyone getting started as a student designer or looking for a light-weight on-the-go travel laptop to compliment your day-to-day powerful workstation.

Acer Swift 5 Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 8th Gen i5-8265U
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• Adobe RGB Color Gamut: 62%
• sRGB Color Gamut: 95%
• Weight: 2.2 Lbs
• Average Battery Life: 8 – 10 Hours

2. Lenovo Flex 5

Solid laptop for any designer that also finds himself or herself doing some illustration or sketching from time to time.

The Lenovo Flex 5 is a good 2-in-1 laptop for any graphic designer or illustrator looking for an on-the-go machine on a budget.

Lenovo Flex 5 Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 8th Gen i5-8250U
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• GPU: Intel HD Graphics 620
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• Adobe RGB Color Gamut: 37%
• sRGB Color Gamut: 57%
• Weight: 4.4 LBS
• Average Battery Life: 6 – 8 Hours

3. Dell Inspiron 15 5000

Budget friendly Ryzen 7 laptop great for designers working in Photoshop, Indesign, or Illustrator.

Ryzen has been making a big uprising in the past few years and the Dell Inspiron features the Ryzen 7 2700U plus it is the only laptop in the budget line-up with 16GB of RAM.

Dell Inspiron 15 5000 Specifications:

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2700U
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• GPU: AMD Radeon Vega 10
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• Adobe RGB Color Gamut: 35%
• sRGB Color Gamut: 35%
• Weight: 4.5 Lbs
• Average Battery Life: 4 Hours

4. Asus VivoBook S15

The VivoBook is light-weight, has a soft key keypress and an all-aluminum body.

Asus has really made some strides to build laptops that are not only good for the day–to-day office duties, but packing them with better specs suited for designers.

Asus VivoBook S15 Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 8th Gen i5-8265U
• RAM: 8GB DDR4
• GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• Adobe RGB Color Gamut: 36%
• sRGB Color Gamut: 57%
• Weight: 4 Lbs
• Average Battery Life: 5 – 6 Hours

Best Graphic Design Laptops Under $1500

1. Lenovo Legion Y540

With the latest i7 9th Gen processor and NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU this laptop is plenty powerful for graphic design and even some 4k video editing if the need arises.

The Lenovo Legion Y540 is a well-built powerful laptop with the ability to plug through whatever you can throw at it. If you are looking for a good build and even better specs then consider the Legion Y540.

Lenovo Legion Y540 Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 9th Gen i7-9750H
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• Adobe RGB Color Gamut: 59%
• sRGB Color Gamut: 91%
• Weight: 5.1Lbs
• Average Battery Life: 3 – 4 Hours

2. MSI Modern 15

The MSI Modern 15 is the first laptop that begins to break the 100% sRGB color gamut range. A good price for great specs, good color accuracy, and all packed into a thin form factor.

The MSI features an all-aluminum build with the latest 10th Gen i7 processor. Great for designers and illustrators alike.

MSI Modern 15 Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 10th Gen i7-10510U
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce MX250
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• Adobe RGB Color Gamut: 74%
• sRGB Color Gamut: 100%
• Weight: 3.6 Lbs
• Average Battery Life: 5 – 6 Hours

3. Acer ConceptD 3

This laptop is the most unsuspecting diamond in the rough. I am a huge fanboy of the ConceptD 3.

The Acer ConceptD 3 beats any competitor combining performance, build quality, color-accuracy, and aesthetic in one neatly wrapped package. I hope I am not hyping it up to much, but I will be honest, its my favorite laptop of 2020.

Acer ConceptD 3 Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 9th Gen i7-9750H
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Studio
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• Adobe RGB Color Gamut: 100%
• sRGB Color Gamut: 100%
• DCI-P3 Color Gamut: 100%
• Weight: 5.2 Lbs
• Average Battery Life: 5 – 6 Hours

Best High-End Laptops for Graphic Design

1. Dell XPS 15 7590

The MacBook Pro of Windows laptops and my daily laptop.

The is my daily laptop and if you are a Windows OS user then I would be confident recommending this laptop to you. I have had the Dell XPS 15 9560 for over 3 years and it has been faithful every day.

Dell XPS 15 7590 Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 9th Gen i7-9750H
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• Adobe RGB Color Gamut: 100%
• sRGB Color Gamut: 100%
• Weight: 4.5 Lbs
• Average Battery Life: 5- 6 Hours

2. MacBook Pro 16

The historically acclaimed MacBook Pro 16 has redeemed (for me) Apple's line-up for graphic designers.

With the butterfly keyboard getting the boot and welcoming back the scissor-switch keyboard I am truly excited to have this laptop confidently back on the list. Match that with improved cooling performance and this laptop get a sold A+ recommendation from me.

MacBook Pro 16 Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 9th Gen i7-9750H
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 5300M
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Screen Size: 16″
• Adobe RGB Color Gamut: 100%
• sRGB Color Gamut: 100%
• Weight: 4.2 Lbs 
• Average Battery Life: 8 – 9 Hours

3. Gigabyte Aero 15

Optimized for creative professionals.

At CES 2020 I was most impressed by Gigabyte’s direct pursuits to help equip creative professionals with the tools they need. Every Aero 15 is Pantone verified for color accuracy, NVIDIA Studio Certified, and has partnered with Microsoft Azure to optimize the settings for application efficiency.

Gigabyte Aero 15 Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 9th Gen i7-9750
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Studio
• Storage: 512GB SDD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• Adobe RGB Color Gamut: 100%
• sRGB Color Gamut: 100%
• Weight: 4.6 Lbs
• Average Battery Life: 5 – 6 Hours

4. Asus ZenBook Pro Duo

The ultimate workflow booster.

There are a few quirks on this laptop that (to me) make it an incredibly unsuspecting laptop for graphic designers. I love the trackpad on the right side of the keyboard, dual screen, and DCI-P3 color gamut range.

Asus ZenBook Pro Duo Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 9th Gen i7-9750H
• RAM: 16GB DDR4
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 Studio
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• DCI-P3 Color Gamut: 100%
• Weight: 5.5 Lbs
• Average Battery Life: 5 – 6 Hours

5. Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition

The MacBook Pro Killer

I call this the “MacBook Pro Killer” because it is built with a very similar aesthetic as the MacBook Pro, but has even more power. If you are a graphic designer that finds yourself doing a lot of video editing, like myself, then you should consider the Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition.

Razer Blade 15 Studio Edition Specifications:

• Processor: Intel 9th Gen i7-9750H
• RAM: 32GB DDR4
• GPU: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 Studio
• Storage: 512GB SSD
• Screen Size: 15.6″
• DCI-P3 Color Gamut: 100%
• Weight: 4.8 Lbs
• Average Battery Life: 4 – 5 Hours

What Laptop Should You Buy?

When it comes to picking a laptop for graphic design I always recommend for people to reach a little above their proposed budget to get a machine that will grow with them. If you are currently using the three basics (Indesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop) but can see yourself entering into video editing in the next year or two then consider getting a more powerful laptop to avoid the need to upgrade. Often times you can pay 25 – 30% more for a laptop that will last twice as long. So don’t jump the gun. Be thoughtful in your buying decision. 

Have questions? Feel free to email me at community@bengkaiser.com I am happy to help.

* The links provided for the laptops in this line-up are affiliate links. If you do make a purchase through any of the links provided in this blog I will get a small commission, but at NO extra cost to you. As always I am grateful when you use the links as it keeps this website alive and the helpful content coming your way.

Cheers, Ben G Kaiser

The post 2020 Best Laptops for Graphic Designers appeared first on BenGKaiser.

Is the ASUS ROG Strix G right for you as either a graphic designer, motion designer, or video editor? ►►► Check prices on the Strix G – Don’t miss it below…

ASUS ROG Strix G

► ► CUKUSA – http://bit.ly/CUKStrixG

► ► Amazon – http://bit.ly/AmznCUK-StrixG

The guys over at Computer Upgrade Kings are awesome and hooked us up with a Discount Code for the Asus ROG Strix G. Definitely head on over there to snag one of these machines! 

– Discount Code! ” ben3″ 

Is there room for another computer in the ROG line up? Whether or not here it is… the Asus ROG Strix G. This laptop bridges the gap between the top of the line Strix Scar III or the Strix Hero III and something like the Asus Vivo book. The Strix G has excellent performance at a stellar price. 

Disclaimer: I know a lot of gamers will be searching for this machine because this laptop was initially created for the gaming industry. But there are scores of designers and editors trying to figure out if this machine is suitable for them. So, with that in mind have made this computer specifically for the Designers and Editors on the search for a great computer.

I am going to list out the specs and stats below. If you want to gain my full perspective on the look, feel, and the sound of the machine then I would definitely take a few minutes to watch the video above.

Strix G Performance Specs

• The Strix G can render 3330 Frames within Premiere Pro in 2:21.37
• It can export a 9 minute 4k to 4k YouTube settings in 6:52.80
• If you are looking for a little faster edit it can export 4k to 1080p YouTube settings in 2:26
• For all my Photoshop enthusiasts: I took a RAW photo file, boosted it up to 2GB, and then saved it out in full quality JPG. It was able to perform this save in 10 seconds flat.
• The screen has RGB Color Accuracy of 97%
• The Battery Life is not the greatest…. If you are using this machine heavily for Video editing or Graphic design you may only get about one hour and twenty minutes of battery life.
• Idle Temp – 40 – 50 Degrees Celsius
• Export/Rendering Temp – 65 – 70 Degrees Celsius
• Weight – 5.12 Lbs

DISCLAIMER: ALL LINKS IN DESCRIPTION ARE AFFILIATE LINKS

Thanks for Supporting Our Channel!

The post Asus ROG Strix G | For Designers and Video Editors on a Medium Budget appeared first on BenGKaiser.

►►► Check prices and specs below…

2015 Macbook Pro

► ► Amazon – https://amzn.to/2LIgeOD

The MacBook Pro has been considered the premier creator machine for well over 15 years. Student, veterans and self-taught gurus have flocked to the MacBook Pro for its design aesthetic, performance, and innovation. However, over the years, we have seen substantial price increases within the Macbook Pro 15 in and 13 in line-up. 

Due to these price increases, I have designers and video editors reaching out to me on the daily asking what they can do to get their hands on a MacBook Pro (or MacBook Pro alternative). Many designers have asked me if an older generation MacBook Pro will still stand the test of time. With all of the developments in software calling for more and more power will how will an older model handle these demands?

This is exactly why I have put together this video. I want to walk you through my thoughts on purchasing an older generation MacBook Pro. What to look for when purchasing, choosing the right specs, and how it handles the tasks that an everyday graphic designer encounters.

The Purchase:

First and foremost I have wanted to help you with the purchasing decision. If you are going to purchase a new machine, where should you look? I personally, would only use a reputable refurbisher that would stand behind the product (new/used) that they are selling. Amazon has a great program (Amazon Renewed), Apple has their refurbished section, and Mac of All Trades is a great vendor as well.

If you decide to pursue a third party sale make sure that you have a wide sampling of photographs to review the MacBook Pro. You want to be certain the machine did not encounter any extra abuse while in the hands of its previous owner.

The Specs:

Most 2013 – 2017 MacBook Pros are well equipped for graphic design. As you work your way through the various years you will find that the i7 is present in nearly every model. But be aware that just because the 2013 model has the i7 and 2017 has the i7 does not make them equal in performance. Consider the iteration of that specific i7 processor. Some are Dual-core, Quad-core, and Hexa-core. The more cores in your i7 processor the faster your machine.

The model I tested has the following specifications:

• Processor: 2.2GHz Intel i7 
• RAM: 16GB 
• GPU: Intel Iris Pro 1536MB 
• Hard Drive: 1TB SSD 

I recommend that you have 16GB of RAM in your machine to ensure that you can run multiple programs at the same time with eas. Solid State Hard Drives are a must for speed and reliability. 

A word to video editors. Must of these older models have either the Integrated Iris 5200 or the Intel UHD 620 GPU. These are not equipped for video editing in my opinion. These machines will be laggy, during editing, slow to render, and time-consuming to export. 

If you are a video editor I would not recommend an older iteration of the Macbook Pro.

The Performance:

Now getting to the good stuff. How will this machine handle the real-life implications of the graphic designer?

The first test that I performed was a simple 4k video edit to a full quality 4k (YouTube settings) export. The 2015 MacBook Pro exported this video in 36:25. Not a record-setting pace by any stretch of the imagination.

The next test I performed was the same action except I  exported that same clip to 1080p (YouTube settings). The MacBook Pro was able to handle that Export in 5:45. Substantially better, but not earth-shattering.

Finally for all of the Photoshop gurus. I place a RAW photo file into Photoshop, boosted the resolution and image size up until I had a 2GB file and then saved out that file to a full quality JPG. It performed this action in 14.5 seconds. 

Should you purchase an older generation of the MacBook Pro?

If you are a graphic designer and you do not foresee yourself doing any video editing, motion design, or animations than I can say with confidence that this would make a great machine. If you want to future proof yourself against the possible changes in your interest or demands if your client then I would not pursue this option. 

I hope this video brought you some value and perspective on your purchasing decision!

——-

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The post Why DId I Buy a Used 2015 Macbook Pro in 2019? appeared first on BenGKaiser.

►►► Check the specs and pricing of the 2019 MBP below…

2019 Macbook Pro i9 Model

► ► Amazon – https://amzn.to/2YoimSc

2019 Macbook Pro with the Vego 20 GPU (Bad to the Bone Model!)

► ► Amazon – https://amzn.to/2YGp1CJ

Historically the MacBook Pro has been the premier laptop for graphic designers and video editors. There was not a laptop that could touch the Apple line up for many years. But in the mid-2010s, we found a lag in Apple’s diligence to equip the MacBook Pro with better hardware to continue to improve its performance. This left me as a graphic designer severely disappointed and at a loss for the best laptop for graphic design.

In 2017 they began to make some substantial strides to increase the performance of their machines, but I must say I was still not fully satisfied with the improvements. The GPU was weak, the keyboard was littered with recalls and dissatisfied customers… needless to say, they had not redeemed themselves.

This year I can finally say with confidence that the new MacBook Pro is qualified for graphic designers, video editors, and motion designers once again!

In this video, I am going to run some head to head tests, talk about the revisions/differences with these two laptops, and help you come to a qualified buying decision for your perfect graphic design laptop.

Benchmarks results:

2019 MacBook Pro

Export 4k to 4k – 5:39
Export 4k to 1080p – 1:50
2GB Raw to Jpg – 10.7

Specs:

Processor: i9 9th Gen 8-Core
RAM: 16GB
GPU: Radeon Pro 560X 4GB
Hard Drive: 512GB SSD

If you are a graphic designer and you may think you will dabble in the areas of video editing and motion design or you are a dedicated video editor than the 2019 Macbook Pro is an excellent buy. It clearly outranks its predecessors in numerous ways.

The post New 2019 MacBook Pro Hands-On Review for Video Editing and Graphic Design appeared first on BenGKaiser.

► Jump on Kickstarter to claim your 6|21 designer backpack—link below!

Pledge on Kickstarter now –

In this video, we are going to check out the 6|21 laptop bag to see if it is indeed the best backpack for designers. Is this the best backpack for college as a graphic designer? Let’s find out!

So we are talking about a very special backpack that was created just for us as designers. I am excited to dive into this backpack to see if it really is a fit for graphic designers as a whole.

Now when I first opened up this backpack I thought, “Man, this is great! It is slim, compact, and lightweight. It even has an easy access external pouch for my phone. But will everything that I use on my day to day fit into this backpack?”.

So, what I am going to do is lay out all the gear I would normally take with me for a normal day at the office, and then try to put it in the pack. I don’t want to look to the backpack to tell me what I should and should not bring. I want to be in charge of the gear I can bring.

My hope is that this will give you a little bit of perspective of what could fit into this backpack. I believe this will help you. I want you to think about what you like to bring on your day to day as a designer to compare it to what I am fitting in the pack to see if this would indeed be the perfect backpack for you as a graphic designer.

After attempting to put everything I normally take with me each day, I was able to fit everything I normally fit into my backpack except one pretty essential item for myself. My LUNCH! I normally pack a sandwich and a piece of fruit for my lunch. This is handy when I am out for meetings. I am frugal, so I don’t like to drop $12 – $15 a day on lunch.

So, unfortunately, because of the book in my backpack, I was not able to fit my lunch. Now, if I swapped out the book for my lunch I would be all set to go. Which is totally an option, but I just wanted to see if I could fit everything I would want to take if I was unconstrained.

I fit ALMOST everything I wanted. I guess I am a little odd when it comes to packing a lunch. I know most people like to go out for lunch, so for many, this will NOT be a deal breaker. Do note that there is plenty of room for a snack or protein bar, just not my FULL lunch.

As far as graphic design is concerned. EVERYTHING I would need to be a graphic designer is able to fit in the bag:

• Dell XPS 15
• Mouse
• Thumb drives
• Pen
• Pencil
• Sketch Pad
• Book
• Mini laptop tool kit
• Keys
• Water Bottle
• Phone
• Charger
• Cords
• Snack
• Headphones
• Wacom Tablet (I could have fit one but I don’t personally use one)

I am a graphic designer who is on the go. I cycle to work almost every day. I need a backpack that is thin, lightweight, compact, and easy to toss on my back to get on the go. I love the single strap. It allows for good ventilation on my back and it doesn’t weigh down both of my shoulders. When it is hot in the summer here in Florida dual straps on a backpack can get extra hot and sweaty. That single strap helps a lot to not get SO sweaty on my ride into work.

I love the slim profile of the backpack. It makes it great to fit on my back while riding. When I am leaning over on my bike my head tends to hit the top of any backpack that is too bulky at the top. The 6|21 did not hit my head. It allowed me to look up safely and comfortably so I can do my best to avoid being hit by a car (thank you very much!).

All around I really like all that this backpack had to offer! As mentioned earlier the ONE thing I wish it could have done was to fit my lunch with the rest of my gear, but I am an odd bird, so perhaps you won’t find this an issue.

The post The PERFECT Graphic Designer Backpack – Is it Possible? 6|21 Backpack Review appeared first on BenGKaiser.

Gigabyte Areo 15 (7 Hours + 96% RGB)

►► ( https://amzn.to/2KeEO8X )

Surface Book 2 (9 – 10 Hours + 93% RGB)

►► ( https://amzn.to/2wwf9zN )

HP Spectre x360 (5 – 6 Hours + 87% RGB)

►► ( https://amzn.to/2Kj3L2d )

MacBook Pro (7 – 8 Hours + 99% RGB)

►► ( https://amzn.to/2ELT2Ka )

Dell XPS 15 (6 – 7 Hours + 98.5% RGB)

►► ( https://amzn.to/2JQtwHR )

Lenovo Yoga 730 (7 Hours + 97% RGB)

►► High-end ( https://amzn.to/2wweKgL )

►► Budget Version ( https://amzn.to/2QFy44v )

Two common questions circle around my comments section over and over again. These two questions seem to be on the minds of almost every graphic designer, video editor, or photographer looking for a new laptop for their professional careers.

The two questions I see the most:

1. How is the battery life
2. Is this screen color accurate

In order to make this your one-stop shop, I will be presenting to you the laptops with the best battery life and most color accurate screens. I will tell you a bit about each of these computer’s performance specs, but I want to focus highly on the two main questions I receive a lot on my channel.

In order for a computer to make this list, it MUST have battery life, the performance necessary for graphic design tasks, and a color accurate screen.

Let’s dive into the best laptops for graphic designers – Battery Life Edition!

The post Laptops with the Best Battery Life for Graphic Designers appeared first on BenGKaiser.

In this post/video I don’t want to just throw some recommendations at you. I want you to understand exactly what you need in order to have a powerful video editing laptop. Buying the best video editing laptop is not just taking my word for it. It is about understanding your individual needs and then being able to make a qualified decision.

Below you will find my top picks for video editing laptops:

Basic Budget: Acer Aspire 5

►►► ( https://amzn.to/2XIQR1B )

Performance Budget: Acer Predator Helios 300

►►► ( https://amzn.to/2XJ3vxx )

Best Build Quality: Dell XPS 15

►►► ( https://amzn.to/2MPszBS )

High-Performance: Asus ROG Hero 17in

►►► ( https://amzn.to/2MLWVp0 )

Best Battery Life: Surface Book 2

►►► ( https://amzn.to/2WFpxzQ )

High-Performance Budget: Asus ROG Srtix Scar II 17in

►►► ( https://amzn.to/2MLFpRN )

So what are the best benchmark specs for a video editing laptop? Whether you are catching this video editing laptop overview at the end of 2019 or 2020 you are in good hands. I am going to keep it simple for you here and let you watch the video if you want to go in-depth with all of the details in my video. To have a capable video editing laptop you want to have AT LEAST the following specs in your machine:

• 16GB of RAM
• Intel’s i7 Processor
• NVIDIA GTX 1050 or MX 150 Graphics Processing Unit
• 256 GB Solid State Hard Drive
• Full HD Screen
• 87% – 100% Color Accuracy

If the laptop you are looking for has at least the specs listed above then you have made a good choice. If you are feeling EXTRA kind I would be honored if you were to use the Affiliate links above to purchase your laptop. This will give me a small commission but cost you NOTHING. It is how you can show my channel some love and support for all of the effort that goes into creating this EXTREMELY helpful videos.

The post Best PC Laptop for Video Editing on ANY Budget – Tips Specs and Recommendations appeared first on BenGKaiser.

►►► Specs and Details for the new Dell XPS 15 – ( http://bit.ly/newdellxps15_dell )

NOT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE YET

The new specifications on the Dell XPS 15 7590 may give you the performance boost you are looking for in your graphic design or video editing computer. The scheduled release date is in early June. In this video, I want to break down the new Dell XPS 15 vs the 9570 (previous model). This will help you understand the value of the new machine and if it is worth waiting for the new Dell XPS 15 model to release.

If you are new to my blog or YouTube channel you know that I am a huge fanboy of the Dell XPS 15. As a prior make enthusiast, I needed something better in performance but equal in quality. I jumped ship on Apple a few years ago due to their price gouging and lack of necessary performance for heavy graphic design tasks and video editing.

So I set my sights on the Dell XPS 15 for its substantial build quality, solid battery life, and GREAT performance.

With the release of the latest Dell XPS 15, my satisfaction with the Dell XPS 15 only continues to grow. Their build quality remains on par with my expectations while they continue to improve the experience and performance of this machine.

There is not a lot NEW about the Dell XPS 15 as far as the build is concerned. Which honestly, I am completely content. Apple has only revised the MacBook Pro’s build 4 times during more than a decade of its life. If you have a well-built product than I don’t see a need to make A LOT of changes… unless the lack of changes are causing you to fall behind in user satisfaction.

SCREEN

The Dell XPS 15 comes with a new 4k OLED screen (IMPORTANT: the OLED is NOT a touch screen). This will come in handy for graphic designers, video editors, and photographers. The screen will be more vibrant, color accurate, and sharp! Dell is claiming 100% RGB color range. This is a fantastic upgrade because they are increasing the accuracy and performance of the machine.

CAMERA

The next “major” change is the webcam moving from the bottom of the screen back to the top while continuing to keep the minimal bezel we all cherish. This is a small bonus for those who are often having web conferences with clients.

BATTERY LIFE

While discussing the experience of the new Dell XPS 15 I believe a key feature is the promise of a longer battery life. Dell is promising 20 hours of battery life on the HD model and 13 hours with the OLED 4k model when doing basic tasks like writing word docs offline.

That is all happy and well, but in reality, what does that look like for you as a graphic designer. In contrast to tests I have done in the past with the promised battery life and the actual battery life experience when working in Adobe Creative Cloud, I am going to wager you will probably get around 7.5 – 9 hours of battery life out of the HD model and 6.5 – 8 hours out of the OLED model.

For a machine that is fast, light, and well built these are actually very good battery life specs. The Asus Strix II can only get about 2.5 – 3 hours of battery life.

Now that we have discussed the ins and outs of the usability let’s dive into the performance of the machine to see what kind of power can be expected in the new model.

PROCESSOR
The new Dell XPS 15 can come with the 9th generation of the i5, i7, or i9 processor. The i7 processor has been historically the most reliable and best-performing processor in the Dell XPS 15. Last year’s model gave you the option of selecting the i9. There were a lot of complaints about thermal (laptop getting very hot), as well as some performance throttling in order to try and reduce the heat the new i9 was causing.

The first question… will they solve this issue in the 7590?

As far as the performance is concerned I did a little benchmark digging to help you get prepped for what model you are going to purchase. The i9 does give you a little more performance, but NOT a lot. On the benchmarks I was reviewing between the two processors the i9 was only about 7% faster than the i7.

Taking on the risk of those throttling and thermal issues it may still be a better choice to go with the i7, but the choice (or should I say risk) is all yours.

Graphics Processing Unit

Let’s talk about the GPU. Last year’s model came with the GTX 1050Ti. A fantastic GPU for this high-performance super-thin ultrabook. The GTX 1650 is about 33% faster than the GTX 1050Ti. You will save on rendering time with the new GPU and exporting time with that faster 9th Gen CPU.

WIFI CARD

One added bonus this year is the Wifi card. My Dell XPS 15 has a pretty lousy Wifi reception… my wife has a 2011 MacBook Pro that picks up better Wifi than my 2017 Dell XPS 15. So I am really hoping with this new Wifi card that they fix that Terrible Wifi issue.

The post The New Dell XPS 15 7590 – Graphic Designer’s Hands-Off Review appeared first on BenGKaiser.

In this video, we are looking at the Model Z from Computer Upgrade King. A fast and affordable 4k video editing laptop under $2000 that can boost your workflow! ► Check prices in the description below!

If you are looking for a machine to handle your 4k video editing then you may have found your match, the Model Z by Computer Upgrade King is a fantastic build with a ton of power. So let’s dive into the full review.

Model Z by Computer Upgrade King

►► Amazon – https://amzn.to/2HE2BeK

The guys over at Computer Upgrade Kings are awesome and hooked us up with a Discount Code for the Asus Strix II. Definitely head on over there to snag one of these machines! ► Discount Code: “ben3”

Before I dive into this review let me just say I was very hesitant when the guys over at Computer Upgrade King told me they were going to send me a custom laptop build. I had never used a custom laptop. I am used to buying or reviewing name brand machines, so I was a little apprehensive when they mentioned this machine.

If you know much about me I like to review laptops in a systematic way to ensure I don’t miss any of the dirty details. I like to look at three specific areas when reviewing a laptop.

• Experience
• Build Quality
• Performance

Experience

At first glance, I was pleasantly greeted by the aluminum top cover, keyboard deck, side plates, and even some aluminum mesh fan vents on the bottom of the machine.

SAY, what?! I did not expect a custom build to have such nice attention to detail and at a very reasonable price (considering the performance and specs of the machine).

Before you get TOO excited this is not a BUDGET machine. This is a machine for someone looking for some serious performance, but I digress, we need to save that for later in the video.

So I love nearly all-aluminum body, RGB light expression beneath the keyboard and along with the front plate of the laptop. This laptop has some finishings no doubt!

Open the lid and you will be greeted by the bright RGB backlight keyboard, aluminum keyboard deck, mechanical keyboard, and a respectfully thin bezel.

I like the mechanical keyboard a lot. I have not used a mechanical keyboard in a long time. It is has a very smooth/crisp keystroke. It is a little on the loud side. So if you are planning on taking this machine to class or meetings to take notes you may come across a little obnoxious. The keyboard layout is a little odd, but that is only because they have very consciously fit all the necessary keys for gaming on this keyboard. It takes a little getting used to, but you will be off and running in no time with a little practice.

The Trackpad uses the standard windows drive. It is responsive to gestures and clicks, nothing amazing, but it does work much better than other trackpads… for instance my Dell XPS 15. I dislike my XPS trackpad A LOT.

The Screen

Next, we move into the screen. Like I said the thin bezel is very nice. They have fit the webcam along the top without making the bezel too bulky. This has also allowed for a fairly this bottom bezel making this screen very nice to consume. The screen has a matte finish, so if you were looking for a glossy screen, look elsewhere.

Refresh Rate & Color Accuracy

It has a strong refresh rate a 144Hz and can reach roughly 95% RGB color range, which is great for video editing and graphic design.

Fan Speed, Fan Speed, and More Fan Speed. From the keyboard to the fan speed this is not going to be a laptop notorious for quiet operations. It is a noisy little bugger. Even with the nice vents on the bottom, those fans spun quite a lot to keep the Model Z cool. They did a very good job, but they were loud.

Function:

Weight: It is a light laptop which I like. It weighs in at just under 5 lbs

• 4.63lbs

Battery Life: You are going to need your charger because you may only get about 2.5 – 3 hours if you are working this computer.

• 2.5 – 3 Hours of Battery Life

Another thing I think is absolutely crucial to consider as a video editor and creative is the ports on your machine. The Model Z comes with the following ports.

• 2x USB 3.0 Ports
• 1x USB 2.0 Port
• 1x USB-C Port
• 1x HDMI Port
• 2x Mini Displayport
• 1x SD Card Slot
• 1x Network/Ethernet Port
• 1x Headphone Jack
• 1x Microphone Jack

Needless to say, this laptop has what you need as far as the port are concerned.

Build Quality

Moving onto build quality. As I discussed earlier I was very impressed with the build quality of the Model Z. I was surprised to see so much aluminum (pleasantly surprised that is). It gave the machine a very strong feeling in my hands. Flip the machine over and you are greeted by a set of large mesh aluminum grates to vent the fans as they spin to keep your machine cool.

One, out of the two things, I did not like about the machine is the edges around the bezel. They are kind of sharp and feel a little unfinished. If I were the designer of this machine my next rendition would definitely have smooth rounded edges.

Two, when the lid is closed it has a little bit of giving… I think floppy might be the best word the fits the feeling I get. When I close my Dell XPS 15 the hinge holds it snug to the keyboard deck. With the Model Z, it gives a little bit. I don’t think this is a game changer, but I want this to be an honest review of my experience.

The lid is smooth as you open and close the machine. It is a dual hinge setup which gives the expanse between the two hinges a little bit of giving. This is not my favorite hinge setup, but I think it is solid.

BAM, Build quality. I would give it an 82% so a solid “B-”. It is Great, but not A+ status.

Performance

Alright, let’s now jump into my favorite part of reviewing these machine, the performance tests!

First what kind of tech is the Model Z packing.

• Processor: Intel Core 9th Gen i9-9750H Hexa Core Processor (2.6GHz – 4.5GHz)
• RAM: 16GB DDR4 2666MHz
• Hard Drive: 500GB NVMe Solid State Drive + 1TB 5400rpm Hard Disk Drive
• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 8GB GDDR6 in Max-Q Design
• Display: 15.6″ Full HD 144Hz Slim Bezel Display

So what can it do when putting it to the test of your average video editor, motion designer, or graphic designer? Let’s check it out!

Exporting a 9 minute 4k clip to 4k YouTube settings out of Premiere Pro

• 7:23.54

Exporting a 9 minute 4k clip to 1080p YouTube settings out of Premiere Pro

• 2:15.38

The fans did a pretty good job at keeping the machine cool.

At Idle it hovered around 45 degrees Celsius (around 113 degrees Fahrenheit)

When exporting out of Premiere the CPU temp jumped up to and hovered around 75 – 80 degrees Celsius (around 170 – 175 degrees Fahrenheit)

Ok, but what about rendering time. As a graphic designer working in today’s digital economy, I have been called on to create animated Instagram Ads and videos for some of my clients and rendering can take a lot of time. How does the Model Z handle rendering?

Rendering 3330 Frames in Premiere Pro

• 2:56.54

Photoshop save out 2GB Raw file to full quality Jpg

• 9.28 seconds

I loved testing the Model Z. Especially since it was a model I had yet to even consider looking into. I love finding those hidden gems and bringing them to you on this channel. I love the performance and build quality of this machine. If you are looking for a beastly laptop to edit video substantially under $2000 then you are in the right place. Light, faster, and well built.

It has my check of approval, what about yours?

The post CUK Model Z Review – Custom 4k Video Editing Laptop Under $2000 appeared first on BenGKaiser.

► If 25 people join I will start the Online Graphic Design University

( http://bit.ly/onlinedesignUniFB )

► or Text “DESIGN-ONLINE-FB” to 44222

When I was first training to become a graphic designer I was placed in front of the Adobe CS2. Yeah, this is back when you had to order the Adobe creative suite and install it on your machine with CDs… did you say CD? Oh yeah, I did.

Anyway, I was set in front of a computer and given a tutorial book on how to use the Adobe creative suite. I learned Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. I am so glad I learned all three. The first program I ever learned was InDesign. I think this was extremely important because it didn’t allow me to form any healthy addictions to Photoshop, which I see a lot of designers struggling with today.

Anyway, I am slightly digressing. I need to talk about the wrong way and the right way to learn to become a graphic designer. I am going to break down 4 ways to make sure you are doing it right to equip yourself to learn the skills and land a job.

Understanding Why You Are Using a Tool

“I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.”

I love this thought from Abraham Maslow because it is so true about many designers. If the only tool they learn how to use is Photoshop (which is true of a lot of beginner designers) then every problem they come across they will reach from their hammer.

When in fact, InDesign or Illustrator was the best-suited tool for the job.

It can be said exactly the same way about understand style, communication, and expression.

If the only style you have in your bag is Bauhaus (constructivism and cubism) than every design project looks like it needs that exact style!

Don’t get stuck in this mindset. The very first thing you need to understand about learning graphic design a diversification in tools and design history.

Understanding Where You Came From

To continue on the vain of art history I want to stress the importance of knowing where you came from.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. – George Santayana

Repeating the past is less of something to avoid and more of something to understand and use correctly. So, in respect of design history, you only condemn yourself when you use the past incorrectly.

If you are interested in a brief history of graphic design, I just released a video on my channel… definitely, go check that out!

I believe it is absolutely crucial to understand that every design style has risen from some form of inspiration. If you can study it correctly and apply it with skill than you will have the power of historical communication.

Fast and cheap will always cost you more than slow and valuable

Every day I have people asking me the best place to learn to become a graphic designer either for free, or cheap or if I can offer the up and coming to Nomad School of Design for free. Not only do they want it for cheap or sometimes free but they want to be a highly paid designer two weeks ago. And the worst part is, they are MAD at everyone who is being paid well and great at design.

This obsession with cheap (or free) and fast is that it will not build you into a capable graphic designer. It will not give you the long term skills to continue to grow in your niche and dominate the field for years to come.

You need a solid foundation. That will cost you time and money. Now, with that being said the Nomad School of Design will cost far less than your average university, but it might force you to sacrifice a little bit just like every designer that you envy.

Don’t copy, cute, and paste your design education

Finally, I will end with this thought. When you short cut, cut and paste, or jerry-rig your own design education via free resources you are missing out on a deep dive into the principles, philosophy, and wisdom that comes from learning from a teacher/instructor/professor/person who you are investing in with either your time or your money and they are investing in you.

What we are missing in our current industrialized culture is mentorship. We need more people will to sit under the instruction and guidance of those who have gone before them. The amazing thing about mentorship is you simply need to find someone a few years ahead of you to exchange money, time, or services for their knowledge and expertise. Once you learn all that you can from that person you move to the next mentorship opportunity and continue to grow until you reach the career of your desires.

That is what I am proposing to you in the Nomad School of Design. These things that I have found are going wrong when I see beginners tap into the design industry I want to make right. I want to you (or them) on a more successful path to succeed. I am not promising fast success or success at all! What I am promising is the tools, knowledge, and mentorship to equip you to be prepared to reach as high as you want to reach in the design industry to obtain the position you aspire to attain.

The post Don’t Learn Graphic Design the Wrong Way! appeared first on BenGKaiser.