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Planning to upgrade your workstation for the new year? Looking to invest in a quality device that will assist in all your real-time visualizations, renderings and photo editing? We are back with our annual catalog of laptops and mobile workstations best suited for architects and designers. With work from home continuing to triumph, the necessity for a well-performing laptop remains true. But even more so for architects, who require ample storage, great processors and advanced graphic cards for their dynamic types of work. Luckily, there’s a great lineup of newly released devices to pick from, and there’s something for everyone.
Without further ado, here are the best picks from this past year:
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Premium Laptops for Architects
Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2
Best Mobile Workstation for Architects
Ideal for high-end architectural modeling, rendering and simulation tasks, the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 stands out as a top-tier mobile workstation for architects in 2024. Powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700HX Processor, the laptop is equipped to easily handle modeling software like Revit and 3ds Max.
With generous RAM and a spacious SSD, the Lenovo ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 ensures quick data access and smooth multitasking. Its 16″ anti-glare display with high res graphics delivers vivid visuals — crucial for design accuracy and enhanced rendering capabilities.
Connectivity options include Thunderbolt ports, USB options, HDMI and more, allowing for versatility when it comes to external device integration. The device is capable of supporting up to three external monitors, making it the perfect workstation for designers who use multiple screens at a time.
Certified for popular software like AutoCAD and SolidWorks, The ThinkPad P16 Gen 2 guarantees optimal performance, offering architects power, reliability and innovation all in one sleek package.
MSI 2024 Newest Katana 17 Gaming Laptop
Best Gaming Laptops for Architects
The MSI 2024 Newest Katana 17 Gaming Laptop is one of the go-to gaming laptops for architects in 2024. Driven by the potent 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13620H, with 10 cores and 12 threads, architects can navigate intensive design and rendering software, ensuring an efficient creative process.
Its 17.3-inch FHD display, featuring a 144Hz refresh rate, offers a clear and smooth visual experience that goes way beyond the abilities of traditional computing. This display enables architects to see their designs in a more lifelike manner, with materials and textures appearing more vivid and detailed, bringing a new level of realism to their work.
The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, featuring advanced ray-tracing, ensures architects create strikingly realistic visuals. Its ability to accurately simulate light behavior enhances how materials and textures appear in designs, giving architects a true-to-life representation of their projects.
Lastly, with up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and expandable storage of up to 4TB, it’s the perfect machine for storing and handling large files.
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Intel (14″)
Best Thin / Portable Laptop for Architects
The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Intel (14″) is an ideal choice for architects who are looking for both sleek design and functionality. Despite its lightweight of 3.09 pounds and ultra-thin profile at just 0.6 inches, this laptop does not compromise on power. It’s equipped with a 3.7 GHz Core i7 processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, offering both speed and efficiency for handling demanding architectural software.
The 14-inch touchscreen, supported by Pen input, adds a layer of interactivity, making it easier for architects to sketch or annotate directly on their designs. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, while not as powerful as dedicated gaming or workstation GPUs, still delivers decent graphic capabilities. It is especially suitable for most architectural tasks and software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Rhino, making it a great choice for light to moderate 3D modeling and rendering.
Besides its portability and flexibility, the Lenovo Yoga series is known for decent battery performance, aligning with the needs of mobile professionals who require a capable and portable laptop for their architectural work.
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16
Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects
One of the best multi-screen laptops for architects in 2024, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 stands out for its outstanding design functionality. Its dual-screen setup is a game-changer, allowing architects to view and work on multiple applications at once, without the need for an additional monitor. The primary 16.0″ Wide UXGA (1920×1200) 165Hz Touchscreen Display offers a large and precise workspace, essential for detailed work.
Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 6800H Octa-Core processor and GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6 graphics, the Zephyrus Duo 16 is a great choice for rendering and visualization, even with the most demanding software.
Designed for high-speed multitasking, this laptop combines power with substantial storage capacity, making it more than suitable for handling large project files.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects
Easily switching between a laptop and a tablet, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a great 2-in-1 option for architects and designers.
The laptop features a 14.4” PixelSense Flow touchscreen with Dolby Vision IQ, offering vivid colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it great for detailed design work and photo editing, giving architects a clear and immersive visual experience.
Powered by an Intel® Core™ i7 processor and equipped with 16GB RAM, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is well-suited for moderate architectural software applications, including AutoCAD and SketchUp. It also supports multitasking effectively, with the capability to upgrade to 64GB RAM and up to 2TB of fast SSD storage.
With up to 18 hours of battery life, it’s designed for long work sessions. It’s compatible with pen input for sketching or annotating, though it’s important to note that the pen is sold separately.
Best Laptop for Architects by Brand
ASUS 2023 ProArt StudioBook 16 OLED Laptop
Best ASUS Laptop for Architects
The ASUS 2023 ProArt StudioBook 16 OLED Laptop is the top ASUS choice for architects in 2024. It’s tailor-made for high-resolution rendering and video editing, perfect for professionals requiring accurate color representation.
Equipped with the latest 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i9 HX processor and NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 graphics, this laptop excels in detailed drafting and demanding rendering tasks. The 16-inch 3.2K 120Hz OLED touchscreen offers exceptional color accuracy, which is essential for architects to ensure their designs are displayed with true-to-life clarity.
Another key feature of this laptop is its 28% larger haptic touchpad, supporting stylus input for precise control in design applications, enhancing the overall drafting and design process.
Dell XPS 17 (2023)
Best Dell Laptop for Architects
The XPS 17 is Dell’s top performer for architects in 2024, offering features that perfectly meet demanding design needs. Its standout 17-inch UHD+ InfinityEdge Touch Display with 500-Nit brightness offers architects a studio-quality visual workspace, making designs come to life with stunning clarity.
Powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics, the XPS 17 is well-suited for a range of tasks, from photo editing to lighter 3D modeling. It also features a full SD card slot, making it a great pick for architectural photographers and videographers. The combination of 2 TB SSD storage and 64GB DDR5 memory ensures smooth multitasking and efficient file management.
A bonus is Dell’s eco-conscious approach, using sustainable materials and promoting responsible recycling. Plus, with the Dell Performance app, architects can customize the laptop’s performance across various modes – quiet, ultra-performance, cool or optimized. This flexibility allows for a personalized balance between performance, thermal management and acoustics, adapting to different phases of creative work.
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8
Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects
The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i Gen 8 is a standout choice for architects in 2024, offering AI-enhanced performance ideal for heavy-duty architectural modeling and rendering. Equipped with the powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13700HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU, it provides ample power for complex tasks across a range of software including AutoCAD, 3ds Max, Revit, Rhino and similar programs.
With its fast SSD storage and 16 GB of DDR5-4800MHz memory, the laptop ensures efficient handling of large files and quick loading times, essential for multitasking and running multiple applications at once. The Legion ColdFront 5.0 cooling technology maintains optimal temperature, crucial for long design sessions.
Architects will appreciate the high-refresh-rate 16″ WQXGA display for precise design work and the Legion TrueStrike Keyboard for comfortable, accurate input. Overall, this laptop effectively combines gaming-grade power with architectural design features, making it a versatile tool for architects working with a variety of software and tools.
HP ZBook Studio G10 16″ Mobile Workstation
Best HP Laptop for Architects
The HP ZBook Studio G10 16″ Mobile Workstation is HP’s leading choice for architects in 2024, balancing power and portability for design work.
Powered by an Intel® Core™ i9 processor and high-end graphics, it effortlessly handles complex designs and real-time rendering. Its sleek, light design, coupled with a durable battery and AI Noise Suppression, makes it ideal for on-the-go productivity.
Featuring a 16-inch display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, it minimizes scrolling and vividly showcases projects. This workstation is also equipped with an NVIDIA RTX™ GPU, a customizable RGB keyboard, and Z Light Space software, allowing for detailed rendering and color accuracy.
With a variety of ports including Thunderbolt™ 4 USB-C®, USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI® 2.1, and WiFi 6E (802.11ax), it ensures easy connectivity. Running on Windows 11 with advanced collaboration tools and security features, the ZBook Studio G10 offers architects a comprehensive, high-performance solution from HP.
MacBook Pro 16 M3
Best Apple Laptop (MacBook) for Architects
The laptop offers an incredible battery life of up to 22 hours, which is a big plus for architects working long hours. Its Liquid Retina XDR display delivers stunning visual quality, essential for detailed work. This particular model is a custom configuration, boosted with the Apple M3 Max chip that includes a 14-core CPU and 30-core GPU. Combined with 96GB of unified memory and a huge 2TB SSD, it’s tailor-made for handling intense design tasks and managing large files.
Adding to its appeal, the MacBook Pro 16 M3 comes in a new sleek Space Black color, offering both exceptional performance and a stylish appearance. For architects who are loyal to Apple’s ecosystem and need a laptop that combines high performance with a premium design experience, the MacBook Pro 16 M3 is an unparalleled choice.
Best Budget Laptops for Architects
Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop, 15.6″
Best Laptop for Architects Under $1100
The Lenovo LOQ Gaming Laptop strikes the perfect balance between cost and performance making it a great choice for budget-conscious architects focusing on moderate CAD work and 3D modeling.
This laptop, with its Intel 13th Gen 8-Core i5-13420H processor, handles moderate CAD and 3D modeling tasks with ease. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card ensures smooth, detailed renderings, crucial for architectural design visualization.
Its 64GB DDR5 RAM and 2TB SSD provide ample space for large files and efficient multitasking. Plus, the 15.6″ FHD display offers clear, precise visuals for detailed work, making this laptop a smart choice for budget-conscious architects.
Dell Inspiron 14
Best Laptop for Architects under $900
The Dell Inspiron 14, priced at $849.99, is an excellent professional-grade choice for architects.
This laptop combines high performance with a sleek, portable design, making it perfect for architects who value mobility without sacrificing power. It’s particularly suitable for AutoCAD, SketchUp and light Revit work.
The Intel Core i7-12700H processor handles complex rendering and detailed CAD work efficiently, while the Intel Iris Xe Graphics ensures decent performance for architectural visualization. The 14-inch 2.2K display offers superior clarity for detailed design work, and with 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD, multitasking and storage are smooth and ample.
While some of the gaming laptops on this list provide more powerful graphics, the Dell Inspiron 14 offers a more professional look and a higher resolution display.
HP Victus 15
Best Laptop for Architects under $800
The HP Victus 15.6″ Gaming Laptop is an affordable option for architecture students or any budget-conscious architects that focus on basic CAD and 3D modeling. Starting at $574.00, its various configurations cater to different needs.
The base model includes an Intel Core i5-12450H Processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphic card, ideal for basic CAD and 3D modeling tasks. For more demanding work, higher configurations with i5-13420H and RTX 3050 are available, enhancing performance for detailed architectural visualizations.
The 15.6″ screen offers clear design visualization, and with options for up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD, it can handle larger project files efficiently.
Compared to the Lenovo LOQ, the HP Victus offers an affordable entry point, though it may not match the Lenovo’s higher performance configurations.
Acer Nitro 5
Best Laptop for Architects under $700
Starting just below $700, the Acer Nitro 5 is a budget-friendly choice for architects requiring good graphics performance. It offers a range of configurations, including Intel Core i5-12500H and i7 models, and graphics options from NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 to the more powerful 3050Ti or 4050 models.
These features make it suitable for basic to moderate 3D modeling and CAD work. The 15.6″ FHD display ensures clarity for detailed design work, and with 8GB DDR5 RAM and a 512GB SSD, it balances performance and storage effectively. The Acer Nitro 5, offering various configurations, is an excellent choice for architects who are mindful of their budget yet need reliable performance.
In comparison, the Acer Nitro 5 offers similar graphics capabilities to the Lenovo LOQ but at a lower starting price, while providing a more powerful processor option than the HP Victus for enhanced performance.
Acer Swift 3
Best Laptop for Architects under $600
For architects with a tight budget, the Acer Swift 3 SF314-44-R3ZM is an ultra-budget-friendly option starting at just $570. It’s the ideal choice for basic architectural tasks, particularly suitable for students and professionals who need a lightweight device for drafting and modeling.
The base model comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor and 8GB of RAM, but if this isn’t sufficient, the Acer Swift 3 provides a range of configurations to cater to various needs. For $790, you can get a model with an AMD Ryzen 5 5625U processor and 16GB of RAM, offering balanced performance for architects seeking affordability and capability.
And for those architects who prioritize power, there’s a $696 version with an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor and 16GB of RAM.
In comparison to the Dell Inspiron 14, the Acer Swift 3 offers a more affordable alternative for those who prioritize cost over advanced features, yet still provides sufficient capabilities for basic and moderate architectural tasks.
Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2023
Premium Laptops for Architects:
Best Mobile Workstation for Architects: HP ZBook Firefly G9 Mobile Workstation
Best Gaming Laptops for Architects: Dell Alienware m15 R7 Gaming Laptop
Best Touchscreen Laptop for Architects: Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i 14’’ Laptop
Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects: ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 Gaming Laptop
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects: Microsoft Surface Pro 9
Best Laptops for Architects By Brand
Best HP Laptop for Architects: HP ZBook Fury G8 Mobile Workstation
Best Dell Laptop for Architects: Dell Inspiron 15.6’’ FHD Touchscreen Laptop
Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects: Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 Laptop
Best MSI Laptop for Architects: MSI 2022 GE76 Raider 17.3″ 144 Hz FHD Gaming Laptop
Best Apple Laptop for Architects: Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop with M2 chip
Budget Laptops for Architects and Designers:
Best Laptop for Architects Under $900: Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $800: HP 2023 17.3″ FHD Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $700: Acer 2022 Aspire 5 Slim Laptop 15.6″
Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2022
Premium Laptops for Architects
Best Mobile Workstation for Architects –HP ZBook Studio G8 15.6″ Mobile Workstation
Best Gaming Laptop for Architects – Razer Blade Pro 17
Best Touchscreen Laptop for Architects – Microsoft Surface Pro 8
Best Multi-Screen Laptop for Architects – ASUS ZenBook Pro Duo 15 Laptop
Best 2-in-1 Laptop for Architects – Samsung Galaxy Book Flex2 Alpha 2-in-1 Laptop
Best Laptops for Architects By Brand
Best HP Laptop for Architects – HP OMEN 15 Laptop
Best Dell Laptop for Architects – Dell Alienware 51M R2 Gaming Laptop
Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects – Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Extreme Gen 3 Business Laptop
Best MSI Laptop for Architects – MSI GE76 17.3″ 144Hz IPS FHD Premium Gaming Laptop
Best Apple Laptop for Architects – Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch)
Budget Laptops for Architects
Best Laptop for Architects Under $900 – HP Pavilion 17 Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $800 – Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Best Laptop for Architects Under $700 – Dell Inspiron 3000 Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $600 – ASUS VivoBook 14″ FHD Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $500 – Apple Macbook Pro (13-inch)
Top Laptops for Architects and Designers in 2021
Premium Laptops for Architects:
Best Mobile Workstation for Architects: HP ZBook Studio G5
Best Gaming Laptop for Architects: Asus ROG Zephyrus Laptop
Best Flippable Laptop for Architects: Dell Inspiron 13 7000
Best Laptop / Tablet Combo for Architects: Microsoft Surface Book 3
Best Lenovo Laptop for Architects: Lenovo ThinkPad P73
Best MSI Laptop for Architects: MSI GS66 Stealth
Best Samsung Laptop for Architects: Samsung Notebook 9 Pro
Best Apple Laptop for Architects: Apple Macbook Pro 16-Inch
Affordable Laptops for Architects:
Best Laptop for Architects Under $800: HP 15 Laptop
Best Laptop for Architects Under $700: Dell Inspiron 15
Best Laptop for Architects Under $600: Acer Aspire 5
Best Laptop for Architects Under $500: Lenovo IdeaPad 3
Other Considerations
Mac vs. Windows: In terms of hardware and operating system, it all comes down to your personal preference. High-end Apple and PC laptops are well geared to handle the challenges offered by the job. Windows 10 is arguably more user friendly as it supports a wide array of software but is exposed to more viruses than Mac. The Macbook Pro in particular is well perceived by professionals as being great for graphic applications but is considered by many to be overpriced. That said, Apple makes our list this year, thanks to improvements to Parallels, which allows Windows software to be run on Mac. Andy Roehl, architect at Moonlight Design Studio, LLC, asserts that “running parallels on a current Apple laptop is no problem; [it works] much better now than 10+ years ago.”
Gaming laptops: A growing trend within the architecture and design professions is the adoption of gaming laptops, thanks to their powerful specifications. Built to handle incredibly detailed graphics and demanding streaming requirements, the processing power of gaming laptops make them ideal for BIM and architectural visualization tasks, and often cost less than top-of-the-range mobile workstations. Marsha McDonald, Principal Designer and CEO of Seacrest Designs and Decor, sums it up perfectly: “If my kids are fighting me for my system (they are gamers), then I know I am golden!”
Ports and peripherals: “For peripherals,” says Christiana Copper, Project Manager at TyE Bar, LLC, “my favorite mouse is the Logitech G602 – I program canned email responses on the programmable buttons, but you could probably do CAD macros as well. I also bought monitor arms this year, and I am really enjoying them.” Consider how many USB ports, ethernet ports and other specialist ports you might need; this will vary depending on your preference for wired or wireless peripheral such as computer mice, touch pads and external hard drives.
Useful Accessories:
Vertical / Ergonomic Mouse: Allow your hand to rest at a more natural angle on the mouse, easing your muscles.
External monitor: By displaying the screen closer to your eye level, this addition to your home office makes it easier to catch details while reducing neck and back pain.
Laptop Stand: A helpful way to keep your device from overheating, these stands also allow you to adjust your laptop screen to a comfortable height. To maximize the benefits, this stand is best when accompanied by an external keyboard that keep the keys at a convenient level for your wrists.
Portable External SSD: An external hard drive is a high power way to manage archives and keep your laptop storage neat and spacious.
Got your own view on which is the best laptop for architects and architecture students? Let us know at editorial@architizer.com.
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