Photo-editing software is a crucial component for any photographer and professional graphic software. A photo clicked can be tweaked, refined to perfection. New, unique elements added to bring the picture to life.
A photo-editing software works smoothly when coupled with the right hardware. Before choosing the right laptop, answer these questions. Which photo-editing software will be used most frequently on the device? What will be the size of the images you’ll usually work on the laptop?
The answers can help in purchasing a laptop that enables high definition photo files to upload quickly, multiple instructions uploaded without the trouble of the system lagging, freezing, or crashing.
Of course, do keep in mind that photo-editing laptop typically isn’t below $500. For minimum best results, a good processor, i5 or above with at least 8GB RAM, high-quality screen, and a decent graphic card needed to bring your photo to life.
Let’s have a look at one of the best laptops for photo-editing at an affordable price.
Table of Contents
#1. Microsoft Surface Book SX3-00001
The laptop comes with a 13.5-inch touchscreen display of 3000×2000 pixels resolution. The screen can be detached from the dock and used as a tablet. You’ll have to purchase an additional Surface docking station to connect all of the other peripherals. It also includes a Surface Pen to provide added precision of 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity to get the best results on professional photo retouching and photo manipulation.
The internal components include a 6th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and an additional graphic processing unit of NVIDIA GeForce GPU with 8GB memory for handling the fine artwork in images.
The SX3-00001 features a cutting-edge PixelSense display. This top-notch display comes with full sRGB coverage. Artists and designers look for a perfect space to display their skills and mastery. A great amalgamation of the SX3-00001 and the digitizer pen input can cater to their requirements.
Moreover, the 3:2 aspect ratio comes ideal when it comes to making presentations. This aspect ratio is also ideal for updating documents.
The Microsoft Surface Book SX3-00001 is a feature-rich business laptop. It is an outstanding combination of an NVIDIA GPU, brilliant performance, and mind-blowing battery life. The magnificent battery backup will keep you working all around the day.
Thus, the SX3-00001 can be considered as a comprehensive solution for business as well as entertainment.
Specifications
Processor: Intel Core i5, 2.9GHz
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256 GB
Screen Size: 13.5” Display
Dell Inspiron 5000 2-in-1 is a decent model laptop for photo editing under 500 dollars. The 14-inch screen comes with touch capabilities with a good response time. Though, the display could’ve been made brighter for outdoors. The screen also has an integrated 720p webcam and dual digital microphone array.
It supports four Main Laptop Orientation Modes -Laptop, Tent, Tablet, and Stand
A little more in weight for a 14-inch laptop and can be inconvenient to hold in “tablet” mode.
Available Ports: 2x USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, SD card reader
One of the best 2-in-1 laptops, you can get less than 500 dollars.
Specifications
Processor: Intel Core i3, 3.9GHz
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 128GB SSD
Screen Size: 14” LED Display
The Asus Vivo book S is powered by a powerful and efficient 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U Processor, 1.8 GHz with Turbo Boost Technology up to 4.0 GHz. This may not be the latest processor but sufficient for running programs like Lightroom without any lag. Thanks to the 8 GB RAM. The storage capacity of 256GB SSD for faster saving and uploading of photo files. you need to store plenty of photos, recommend to buy external storage, so the built-in storage options won’t be too limiting. It features nano-edge display and an ultra-thin bezel (0.3-inch) to give a wider screen experience.
Unfortunately, this appealing laptop has a few annoying issues – short battery life and a not-so-comfortable touch-pad.
Even with its shortcomings, if you require best budget laptop for photo editing, VivoBook S, with its 15-inch display, and compact size could be exactly what you’re looking for.
A great amalgamation of 8GB DDR4 RAM and Intel Core processor ensures an outstanding performance of the VivoBook S. Moreover, you can continue producing masterpieces with the VivoBook’s ultra-smooth visuals. No need to worry about any break or pause!
Are you concerned about the connectivity? The ASUS VivoBook S offers blazing-fast, dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi. As a result, you can expect to surf the Internet with a maximum of 867Mbps. It is up to six times speedier than 802.11n. In short, the VivoBook S is a perfect laptop to work on-the-go.
ASUS VivoBook S exhibits one USB 3.1 port along with the reversible USB Type-C connector. It has streamlined the connectivity between the laptop and other devices.
Moreover, the VivoBook S features USB 2.0, USB 3.0, SD card, and HDMI ports. All these ports ensure trouble-free compatibility with various projectors, internal or external devices, and displays.
Specification
Processor: Intel Core i5, 1.8GHz
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256 GB
Screen Size: 15.6” Display
Acer Aspire 5 is a perfect laptop with powerful features and great performance with a reliable battery life. It’s an exceptional laptop for photo manipulation under the budget.
The laptop supports a 10th Generation Intel Core i5 quad-core processor paired with an 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD for storage. Crisp, true colors come alive on a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display. Acer brings in the Bluelight Shield application that allows users to control the amount of blue light used to display an image. Thus, lessens the ill effects of blue light exposure.
The laptop runs on Windows 10, so if you’re looking for a laptop, which can handle heavy image editing, then Acer Aspire 5 is specially made if you’re tight on budget.
The Acer Aspire 5 comes with a marvelous appearance and excellent mobility. That means you can carry your laptop throughout without any trouble. A big thanks to its lightweight, thin design combined with aluminum top cover.
You would also get the convenience of Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax standard) with the Aspire 5 Laptop. Wi-Fi 6 is a great revolution in the wireless industry. It ensures an improved experience in Internet surfing.
Specifications
Processor: Intel Core i5, 4.2GHz
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512 GB
Screen Size: 15.6” LED display
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 is unique with its elegant, thin, and light design. Only 2.76 pounds, it fits easily in your backup, leaving space for other items, making it wonderfully portable. Three color combinations to choose from – Platinum, Burgundy, and Cobalt Blue.
It has a crystal-clear gorgeous 13.5-inch touch screen capabilities. The screen may appear small but packs a punch when hits a resolution of 2256×1504 pixels.
The 8GB of RAM is sufficient for running intensive photo editing programs with a large number of files comfortably. The storage capacity may seem insufficient for high definition photo files, but an external drive can resolve the issue.
Besides being impressively compact with a sleek body, and portable, the laptop has an exceptional 14-15 hours of battery backup, enough to work the entire day and still to remain for those extra hours.
Specifications
Processor: Intel Core i5, 4.2GHz
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128 GB
Screen Size: 13.5” LED display
Best Buy
The Acer Aspire 5 is the Best Buy since it’s specially designed for good performance, light, thin design, and ease of usage. It costs less but doesn’t compromise on the RAM and storage. This laptop offers a dedicated Graphic Processing Unit from NVIDIA GeForce MX250 with 2 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM and a 10th Generation Quad-core i5 processor. Plus, you get 9.5 hours of battery life. The best laptop your money can buy!