The Best Laptops For Animation And Animator – All Tested (2023)
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Are you a potential cartoon artist looking for a laptop that can help to turn your creative ideas into exceptional animated images? If you’re still desperately searching for what you need, you don’t have to anymore.
We know what such a laptop has to offer as well as the best laptops for animation and animator in the current market. Now, let’s find out what you need at a laptop dedicated for animation and animator, the finest choices, and answers to FAQs.
The Best Features for an Animation Laptop
Working on animation projects has never been a simple job. Hence, an animation laptop should reach some strict standards to meet the necessary requirements.
Below are what a great animation laptop must have to offer. You should read this guide before burning your money on these pricey products.
Portability
We all assume that you often need your device on the go because you are finding a laptop instead of a desktop computer. Therefore, low weight and ergonomic design are considerable.
Battery
Working without plugging in is obviously an advantage of laptops over desktop PCs that you will need.
It is so crazy if your laptop turns off owing to power out while you are on a big animation project. Long battery life will help you backup your current work as well as protect it from interruption.
These days, an ideal laptop for animators should last for 7 hours on intense usage.
Updated
Of course, the latest technologies are always preferable. If you do not want your final results to be inferior to others, your laptop has to be updated and supports modern animation software. Thereby, your projects will be more effortless yet more successful.
Don’t buy old models then get disappointed because they cannot run new apps.
Screen Size
The modest screen size usually means a deficient working interface for animation projects. However, although you love a big screen, your laptop screen both shouldn’t be and can’t be too wide.
From our experience, a 15.6″ display should be the standard for this aspect.
RAM
Whatever you are doing with your laptop, RAM always plays an important role. It supports multitasking as well as boosts the system speed even while a number of heavy animation applications are running.
If you are on a tight budget, 8 GB RAM is okay. Nonetheless, we still recommend a 16-GB RAM laptop or better for your animation projects.
Hard Drive
If you want to render your animations in minutes, you had better go for an SSD drive rather than an HDD one.
SSDs write and read data much faster than HDDs, but their prices are also extremely higher. It is so great if you can have a 256GB SSD to run apps smoothly and an extra 1TB HDD to store more data.
Processor
A powerful processor is critical, just like RAM. A 7th generation Core i7 processor will ensure the rendering of your animation images, but any inferior processors won’t help that much.
Unless you are making poor-quality cartoons, try to go high.
Graphics Card
The animation is highly related to graphics. A high-end graphics card can do you a favor since it will deliver a more fabulous graphics experience.
That said, you ought to go for a laptop featuring Nvidia GTX graphics card or better.
Expandability
Due to the speedy development of new technology and increased users’ requirements, the inner hardware components of your laptop should be upgradeable and expandable.
For instance, at present, you are just in need of a laptop that incorporates a merely 256GB of SSD Storage, but two years later, you are likely to need more room for new animation projects. Consequently, you will have to buy a new device, or set up an extra 1TB HDD hard drive if possible.
Similarly, laptops that come with multiple unused RAM slots will enable you to fill them later if necessary, which is more cost-effective and handy.
Unfortunately, you can hardly upgrade your CPU and GPU by yourself but get a computer shop or the manufacturer to do that instead.
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5 Best Laptops for Animation and Animator
#1. Acer Spin 3 – model SP314-53N-77AJ
From the first glance at the artistic design of this Acer Spin 3, we have known that it is created for true artists.
Owing to its small screen size and low weight, the laptop is very compact and elegant. Moreover, you can rotate parts to turn the device into a handy display, tent, or tablet. Thus, you can bring it with you anywhere and anywhen, especially in your presentations.
Besides, the touch screen enables animators to take note as well as draw pictures using fingers or the Rechargeable Active Stylus. Certified by Microsoft and integrating Microsoft Pen Protocol (MPP), the stylus promises to satisfy any fastidious artists.
The Fingerprint Reader provides an additional level of biometric security to block unapproved users from accessing to your creative data.
Although the screen size and graphics might be unsatisfactory to a few users, this laptop is still wonderful overall.
Pros:
- Excellent processor
- Good battery life
- High-resolution screen
- Ergonomic design
- Sufficient RAM
Cons:
- Poor storage
- Normal graphics
- Small screen size
Summary of specifications:
| Acer Spin 3 – model SP314-53N-77AJ | |
| Processor | 8th Generation Intel Core i7 8565U Processor (Up to 4.6GHz) |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Display (Resolution) | 14-inch IPS touch display Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home (64bit) |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium-ion batteries |
| Weight | 3.75 lbs |
#2. ASUS ROG Strix SCAR II – model GL704GM-DH74
Although named as a gaming laptop, the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR II – model GL704GM-DH74 is an outstanding animation laptop, too.
Apart from the dynamic 3D-weave and colorful overlay that may inspire you in your animation projects, the ultimate graphics will even enhance your passion even more.
The blazing fast speed of the processor, in combination with the premium-quality display, gives you impressive visual experience and promotes your working efficiency dramatically.
Furthermore, the large screen is also great for animation projects when you need to take care of the little details. Every pixel will reflect the smallest parts of cartoon images in the most vivid way.
Last but not least, the 1TB HDD provides enough room for your data storage. You can be creative as much as possible without having to worry that your large animation projects will take up too much space in the laptop.
Pros:
- Enough processor and RAM
- Good battery life
- High-resolution screen
- Great graphics
- Extremely wide screen
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- Poor customer service
Summary of specifications:
| ASUS ROG Strix SCAR II – model GL704GM-DH74 | |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8750H (up to 3.9GHz) |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 |
| Display (Resolution) | 17.3-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home (64bit) |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
#3. Asus ROG Strix Hero II – model GL504
This expensive Asus ROG Strix Hero II – model GL504 is somewhat similar to the above ASUS ROG Strix SCAR II – model GL704GM-DH74. It is also considered to be a gaming device until professional artists discover its full potentials.
They share nearly the same specifications from the appearance to inner components such as processor, RAM, storage, graphics, the operating system to battery.
Nonetheless, the later is smaller than the former with a 15.6-inch display, so it is more compact but still delivers adequate visual experience.
You can enjoy almost all the features that the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR II – model GL704GM-DH74 offers in this Asus ROG Strix Hero II – model GL504. Perhaps the most significant difference is just the mobility of the two products.
Pros:
- Excellent processor and RAM
- Good battery life
- High-resolution screen
- Fabulous graphics
- Average screen size
Cons:
- Noisy cooling fan
- Poor customer service
Summary of specifications:
| Asus ROG Strix Hero II – model GL504 | |
| Processor | Intel® Core™ i7-8750H 2.2GHz (Turbo up to 3.9GHz) |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256GB NVMe/PCIE SSD + 1TB |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 |
| Display (Resolution) | 15.6-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home (64bit) |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries |
| Weight | 5.29 lbs |
#4. Dell Vulcan 15 – model G5590-7679BLK-PUS
When it comes to Dell products, we cannot ignore the top longevity of them. The Dell Vulcan 15 – model G5590-7679BLK-PUS is not exceptional.
Indeed, this laptop is robust from inside out. Inside the hard metal cover with the thermal design is an innovative dual-fan cooling system that always regulates the temperature of the machine.
These factors make it possible for your laptop to accompany you for years without fear of damage or performance degradation. As a result, it is very suitable for animators who use their laptops intensely.
Most noteworthy, the medium-size anti-glare screen brings about incredible graphics and resolution. You will not be able to take your eyes off the screen because of the beautiful images created by yourself.
Although the 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750h already supports users to render animation quickly, you can upgrade the 8 GB DDR4 RAM to 16 GB if possible to even enhance the performance, too.
And lastly, 256 GB SDD and 1TB HDD are enough for animators to store their large animation libraries.
Pros:
- Excellent processor and RAM
- Good battery life
- High-resolution screen
- Stunning graphics
- Durable
Cons:
- Too heavy for a medium-size laptop
- Slow data transfer rate
Summary of specifications:
| Dell Vulcan 15 – model G5590-7679BLK-PUS | |
| Processor | 9th Gen Intel Core i7-9750h (12MB Cache, up to 4. 5 GHz, 6 Cores) |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 RAM (Upgradeable up to 16GB) |
| Storage | 256GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive + 1TB 5400 rpm SATA Hard Drive |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with 4GB GDDR5 Graphics |
| Display (Resolution) | 15.6-inch Full HD IPS Anti-Glare Display 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium-Ion batteries |
| Weight | 8.65 lbs |
#5. MSI GE 63 Raider RGB – model GP63 602
This laptop features the best configuration in our list. In fact, the MSI GE 63 Raider RGB – GP63 602 model is made up of all the most quintessential parts that a laptop can have.
The Intel Core i7-8750H Six-core Processor promises to catch up with your thinking all the time. All of your creative ideas will be processed and become visible on the screen in front of your eyes immediately the second you interact with the laptop.
Meanwhile, the 32GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM ensures smooth operation even while the device is running multiple large projects at the same time.
Moreover, the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5 graphics card, together with the 15.6-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels display, brings about lifelike pictures. In this way, you can create top-quality cartoons in 2D or 3D formats without effort.
512GB NVMe Solid State Drive and 1TB Hard Disk Drive are proportional to the heavy capacity of your high-resolution animation files. So, you can even unleash your creativity with 4K cartoon videos without hassle.
On top of that, the 6-Cell, 51 Wh Lithium-Ion Polymer batteries make sure your creative arts activities will not be interrupted by a sudden power out.
Finally, the modest weight of 4.8 lbs underneath other powerful factors and the long battery life add more value for people who are always on the move.
Pros:
- Excellent processor and premier 32GB RAM
- Long battery life
- High-resolution screen
- Eye-opening graphics
- Medium screen size
Cons:
- Very expensive
Summary of specifications:
| MSI GE 63 Raider RGB – model GP63 602 | |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-8750H Six-core Processor (9MB Cache, 2.2GHz-4.1GHz) 45W |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 2666MHz |
| Storage | 512GB NVMe Solid State Drive + 1TB Hard Disk Drive |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5 |
| Display (Resolution) | 15.6-inch Full HD 120Hz 3ms Wideview Anti-Glare Display 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home 64-bit |
| Batteries | 6-Cell, 51 Wh Lithium-Ion Polymer batteries |
| Weight | 4.8 lbs |
FAQs
Is MacBook Pro good for animation?
As a luxurious device, the Apple MacBook Pro is good at numerous tasks, including graphics and animation. Equipped with an i7 Quad-core processor, blazing fast SSD storage, and powerful Radeon Pro discrete GPU, Apple MacBook Pro brings about fantastic performance for any professional designer or animator.
With this laptop, 3D models rendering, huge file transfers, or video encoding is just a breeze. If you want to try, the Apple MacBook Pro model ME665LL/A and MGXA2LL/A are shining examples.
However, you should also notice that some animation applications only run on the Windows platform but not Mac OS. Therefore, if you want to buy a MacBook Pro, make sure that it can help you.
How much RAM do I need for animation?
There are many factors besides RAM that affect the success of your animation projects. For example, GPU, Graphics Card, Processor, your desired quality, and so on.
Provided that the other parts of your laptop are very strong and you just want to create simple and low-resolution animations, you can even complete your animation projects with 2-4 GB RAM.
However, in general, we should recommend an 8GB RAM or above.
How much RAM do I need for 3d animation?
Same as the above question. There are many other side factors to consider how much RAM is enough for you, such as the scale of your projects and other parts of the laptop.
Depending on the case, 16gb is enough. Of course, a 32gb, 64gb or 128gb RAM can tackle any large projects you are doing on.
Can you animate on a MacBook?
In spite of being an inferior version to the Apple Macbook Pro, the Apple MacBook still gets voted as a useful instrument for animators. Its power, high speed, long battery life can aid you in making smooth and natural animations in both 2D and 3D formats.
Plus, the audio mixer and color correction features will lift your animation projects to a new level.
Do you need a graphics card for animation?
Yes. As we mentioned above in the first part of this post, the best animation laptops cannot lack a wonderful graphics card. Graphics and animation have an intimate relationship that cannot be apart, so don’t overlook this part of your future animation laptops.
Conclusion
We must tell you that there is no laptop perfectly specialized for animation. In addition, you cannot expect a compact laptop to have the same performance as heavy-duty desktops, especially in processing a large scale scene.
However, you can optimize your animation project quality in your capacity with our shopping guide. You can also choose from the 5 best laptops for animation and animator above as your helpful companion.
Ask us in the comment section if you want. Thanks for reading!
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