Make room for creativity: Which laptop should a designer choose in 2024?

In the modern world, any self-respecting person’s starter pack includes three things: a cup of coffee, a diary with all the important (and not so important) tasks, and a laptop. Of course, we would like to limit ourselves to paper, an inkwell, and a pen, but something tells me that this is not so efficient. Therefore, we regularly update our equipment so that it works better, faster, and can withstand crazy schedules and volumes (when a person can no longer stand it).

The laptop has firmly assumed the position of co-pilot and assistant, especially when it comes to creative work. Agree, it is better to search for references, images and synonyms of the word “experiment” in tabs than in hundreds of books. Editors and journalists can be discounted, because all we do is look at letters and put words into sentences. But what should designers do, whose entire work is literally concentrated on the computer? To answer this question, let’s give the floor to our art director Tanya, who decided to test the new Swift Edge 16 ultrabook from Acer.

I am one of those people who is happy to experiment and change the environment, so when I was offered to test a new product from Acer, after a little thought I said to myself: “This could be interesting.” I replaced my work computer with a laptop. Let’s see what comes of it. But looking ahead, there is a small spoiler: I almost kept it to myself.

I think that almost every designer is primarily a visual person and looks at the design and aesthetics of a new device before buying it. Business is business, but it all needs to be done with taste. The laptop has a beautiful graphite surface, a neat logo in the middle and looks very minimalist. Compared to mine, which was already battered by fate, it was pleasant to look at (and not only mine) to the eye. Separately, I can not help but thank the designers of the brand for making it black. Because no matter what anyone says: black is beautiful! And a black laptop is also very beautiful!

At first I thought that the laptop would be heavy due to its size, but surprisingly I was wrong. The Acer Swift Edge 16 is incredibly light (weighs just over a kilogram) and fits in any backpack. One day I was a little scared thinking that I had forgotten it at home, because the bag looked suspiciously light. I am still amazed at how the engineers managed to combine powerful hardware, a large screen and such weight. And I have something to compare it with – my previous computer can of course be upgraded, but according to my osteopath’s advice I do not do it, it is more expensive for myself. Therefore, a low bow to the developers from me and my back (as much as possible).

A designer has to work a lot with images every day, reviewing and editing photos, applying different textures in collages, and even aligning objects. And it was more enjoyable to do all this on the big screen because my job is like: “One mistake and you’re wrong”, attention to detail has to be appropriate. I had about 16 inches in my hand, which made my job much easier and helped my eyes rest.

We need beautiful covers for our materials every day. Having collected pictures to choose from and having looked at the materials on my big screen (I do not brag, but state the fact), I start working. In the process, I already understand that the colors are brighter. And all thanks to the built-in OLED matrix. In simple terms, such displays have higher image quality; they have brighter and deeper colors, details and high contrast. This plays a big role if you work with graphics. Also, such brightness worked for me on the street. Despite the sun, everything was clearly and smoothly visible on the laptop, but in other cases I had to work in the dark to see anything. In my humble opinion, only for this reason you can safely take it.

Sitting at the computer for eight hours a day is a task with an asterisk. At the end of the day, not only the person, but also the computer gets sick. But not in the case of the Swift Edge 16 ultrabook. Not only does it work perfectly and for a long time without recharging (I will never stop talking about its wonderful portability), but it also easily switches from collages to Photoshop (and even quickly saves heavy files) to the presentation and drawing of vector objects in Adobe Illustrator. And all this without “freezing”, “sticking” and in the “I have no time to explain, I’m saving the file” mode.

Now, everyone with kids, get ready! Never tell them about this laptop, or you’ll just end up fending off their endless desire to watch movies or play games instead of working. Okay, I won’t say that I’m the only one using it, because it ended up in my teen’s hands over the weekend, and by the way, he also raved about the speed, comfort, and graphics. Is it worth clarifying that this particular model is now on the New Year’s wish list?

Instead of jumping to conclusions, I would like to state that I was incredibly happy to test this laptop for two weeks. Its lightness, design, speed and content helped me solve my work problems, did not stop the process and even inspired me. Therefore, as a designer, I can safely recommend it to both beginners who are just starting their journey and experienced professionals.