9 Best Laptops for Tattoo Artists in 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Finding the best laptops for tattoo artists is tricky because it’s not just about a powerful processor or sleek design; we must consider several factors. That’s why we have thoroughly researched how tattoo artists use their laptops, their requirements, and which features are more important.

Undoubtedly, with the help of a laptop, you can fuel your creative process and take your art to the next level. However, it’s a bit confusing which types of laptops we should choose and what about the tablets? Are they suitable for tattoo artists? So, let’s understand which device should we choose and why?

If you’re in a hurry, check out our top choices:

• Apple iPad Pro (for )
• HP Spectre X360 14T (for )

So, what options do we have?

There are mainly three options if you want to work digitally to make your tattoo designs.

1. Android and iOS Tablets

Going with an Android tablet or iPad might be tempting because they are ultra-lightweight and handy. Remember, they don’t support all the applications you can usually run on a computer.

However, nowadays, many great apps are available on the Play Store and Apple Store for digital artists. Usually, many professionals prefer Windows or macOS to take advantage of fully featured programs.

2. Graphics Tablets

Graphics tablets are available in different types and usually require a computer or laptop. These are specially designed for artists and professionals. They come with a pen and with/without a screen but need an additional Windows, macOS, or Android device to make them work.

Graphics tablets offer advanced features like high-pressure sensitivity, tilt recognition, customizable express keys, and lag-free tracking; most professional artists prefer them. A drawing tablet allows you to draw just like a pen and paper.

Here are two scenarios where you can use a graphics tablet for your tattoo design.

A. Standard laptop + graphics tablet

With this option, you can even use your existing non-touch laptop; you have to purchase a graphics tablet. It’s still an efficient method for drawings and graphics designing. Also, it’s an affordable choice as well.

You have to connect the graphics tablet to your laptop or computer and start drawing on your pad which will reflect on your computer screen. A budget drawing tablet can deliver far better accuracy and a smoother drawing experience than most Android tablets.

B. Standalone graphics tablet

Some standalone graphics tablets offer the full functionality of a laptop and drawing tablet under the same roof, which is the ultimate combination. These devices are the most expensive and loved by professional artists.

3. Convertible Laptops

Convertible laptops, also called 2-in-1, are very popular nowadays. They offer a powerful computing experience with a touch display, making them ideal for tattoo artists. However, you have to consider some important points before choosing one. We have discussed it thoroughly below.

Best Laptops for Tattoo Artists in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

Display quality

It’s undoubtedly an essential feature that you should look for in your designing laptop. The best laptop for tattoo artists must have an IPS display with at least 100% sRGB wide color gamut. If you have a decent budget, you can also go with OLED displays; they provide more precise and punchy picture quality.

Yes, the touchscreen is mandatory if you’re not going with an additional graphics tablet. With the touchscreen, you can work directly on the screen a lot faster. Remember to pay attention to the laptop form factor – the touchscreen is only useful with a convertible or detachable design. Think how you can work with a laptop in the “L” shape with your stylus, no way!

The next thing for consideration in the laptop display is the resolution. The screen resolution defines how detailed or sharp images it can deliver and will also affect your work quality. Therefore, you should shoot at least a full-HD display. If you work with intricate designs with minute details, consider an even higher-resolution laptop, such as 2K or 4K.

Design

As I partially discussed above, the laptop design also matters. A touchscreen laptop without a 180 or 360-degree convertible design doesn’t make much sense for artists. You’ll ultimately need a graphics tablet to make them worthwhile.

I recommend a laptop with a detachable design for tattoo artists because it allows connecting or disconnecting the keyboard, which makes them super handy.

On the other hand, laptops with convertible designs have their keyboard always connected, which makes them a bit heavier. However, it has changed over a few years because the latest devices are thinner and lighter. That’s why choosing a convertible or 2-in-1 laptop is also viable.

Battery life

Whether you’re portraying the latest tattoo design in lazy mode on the couch or pouring a quick idea on the screen during traveling, you’ll need longer battery life to ensure interruption-free working. The best laptop for tattoo artists must have at least 8 hours of backup.

Battery life depends on screen quality, performance, and several other factors. Usually, laptops with a dedicated GPU, robust performance, and high-resolution screens suffer from low battery life. Don’t worry; we have listed only laptops that offer sufficient juice to last longer for your whole day.

Processing power

Mainly four factors affect a computer’s performance: processor, memory, graphics memory, and storage.

For graphics work or tattoo designing, you should choose at least an Intel Core i5 10+Gen or equivalent AMD Ryzen 5 processor; it will allow multitasking as well. You can also go with an Intel Core i7 or equal AMD Ryzen 7 processor, providing an even more effortless working experience.

I suggest at least 8GB of memory for tattoo artists. However, memory isn’t costly nowadays; that’s why going with 16GB is the best if you use your laptop for heavy multitasking.

As you will work with graphic applications for tattoo designing, you should opt for a laptop with dedicated graphics. Indeed, you don’t need the most high-end workstation card; a budget range chip can do that. There is no wonder that even some latest processors’ integrated memory can handle this workload, but investing in a discrete GPU would be more helpful if you’re into 3D work.

Now let’s talk about storage. Nowadays, SSDs are famous as they provide faster data transfer speed. Moreover, they are durable, lightweight, and consume less energy. If you’re choosing a thin laptop, there are higher chances; it has a solid-state drive. The latest PCIe SSDs are even faster than SATA-based solid-state drives, and selecting a computer with them is a much more sensible choice nowadays.

Operating system

When it comes to choosing any operating system, it boils down to your preferences and requirements. For example, if you’re familiar with the macOS, you’ll likely select MacBook. When switching to another OS, ensure it supports your favorite designing and sketching application.

Here are some popular OS you’ll stumble upon when looking for the best laptop for tattoo artists. Let’s break down this section into two parts according to the device.

Laptops

Windows: Windows is compatible with a wide range of software, and it’s affordable as well. Windows machines are available in different sizes, configurations, and prices. Even some tablets also feature this powerful Windows OS. It is the most popular choice for many tattoo artists.

macOS: MacBooks are renowned for their higher-quality hardware and user-friendly interface. The software availability for artists is also sufficient; even many professional artists only prefer MacBook. The only issue with the MacBooks is they still lack touchscreen features. But Apple has its different iPad series to fill this gap which runs on iPadOS.

Chrome OS: Developed by Google, Chrome OS is another option when it comes to choosing a laptop for tattoo artists. Chromebooks are designed for online working, so they don’t support the desktop version of applications and aren’t recommended for professionals. However, Chrome OS is compatible with the Google Play Store, and tons of Android apps are available for tattoo artists.

Linux: Linux is an open-source operating system for laptops, but it’s less popular. Also, its software compatibility area is confined, so most tattoo artists don’t even consider it.

Tablets

If we talk about tablets, then we’ll have two choices.

Android: Android is primarily available on smartphones and tablets and offers tons of practical applications for digital art and design. Android may not provide the same level of compatibility with professional-grade design software as other OS.

iPadOS: iPadOS is available on the Apple iPad and is also a popular choice among tattoo artists. It offers robust hardware and compatibility with various drawing and designing apps. However, it may not provide the same flexibility as a laptop.

General FAQs

Is it better to choose a laptop or a tablet for my tattooing work?

Laptops usually have more power, versatility, and higher software compatibility. On the other hand, tablets are more portable and offer more tactile interaction with design software.

What software do I need to run on my laptop or tablet for tattooing work?

You will need design software such as Adobe Illustrator Draw and Procreate and stencil software such as Tattoo Smart Stencil Pro.

Should I choose a Windows, Mac, or Linux operating system for my laptop or tablet?

Windows and Mac are the most common operating systems for tattoo artists because they support most applications, while Linux is less commonly used.

How important is the processing power of my laptop or tablet for tattooing work?

A higher-end processor will provide faster performance and better multitasking without lags. That’s why it’s essential to have powerful hardware for working with designing software.

Can I use a laptop or tablet with a stylus for tattooing designs?

Yes, a stylus can provide a more natural and precise experience for designing tattoo artwork.

What is the best display size for a laptop or tablet for tattooing work?

Usually, a laptop or tablet with 12-15-inch considered an ideal choice for tattoo artists because this range provides higher portability without compromising the working area.

Is choosing a laptop or tablet with a high-resolution display important for tattooing work?

A high-resolution display can be crucial for accurately viewing and creating intricate designs. A resolution of at least 1920×1080 is recommended for a laptop or tablet.

What is the minimum RAM requirement for a laptop or tablet for tattooing work?

A minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended to run design and stencil software smoothly. However, going with 16GB would be the best.

Should I choose a laptop or tablet with an SSD or an HDD for tattooing work?

An SSD is recommended for faster boot and load times of software and design files. I recommend a laptop with the latest PCIe SSDs they are even quicker.

Do I need a laptop or tablet with a dedicated graphics card for tattooing work?

If you work primarily in 2D, an integrated graphics card may be sufficient. However, a dedicated GPU can improve performance with larger designs and complex 3D graphics.

QUICK OVERVIEW:

Best tattoo-designing laptops at a glance

ACER CHROMEBOOK SPIN 513 BUDGET CHROMEBOOK	Qualcomm Kryo 468 @2.4GHz Adreno 618 8GB, 128GB PCIe SSD 13.3-inch touch, 1920 x 1080 10-hours Chrome OS	View at Amazon
LENOVO FLEX 5 CHEAPEST WINDOWS	Ryzen 5 5500U @4.0GHz AMD Radeon 16 GB, 512GB PCle SSD 14-inch touch, 1920 x 1080 10-hours Windows 11 Home	View at Amazon
LENOVO YOGA 7I	i5-1240P @4.4GHz Intel Iris Xe 8GB, 1TB PCIe SSD 16-inch touch, 2560 x 1600 14-hours Windows 11 Home	View at Amazon
LG GRAM 14 BEST IN BUDGET	i7-1260P @4.7GHz Intel Iris Xe 16GB, 512GB – 2TB PCIe SSD 14-inch touch, 1920 x 1200 17-hours Windows 11 Pro	View at Amazon
APPLE IPAD PRO BEST TABLET	Apple M2 8 /16GB, 128GB – 2TB 12.9-inch touch, 2732×2048 10-hours iPadOS 16	View at Amazon
HP SPECTRE X360 RECOMMENDED	i7-1165G7 @ 4.7GHz Intel Iris Xe 16GB, 1TB PCIe SSD 13.5-inch touch, 1920 x 1280 10-hours Windows 11 Pro	View at Amazon
MICROSOFT SURFACE PRO 9 BEST WINDOWS TABLET	i7-1235U @4.4Ghz Intel Iris Xe 32GB, 1TB PCIe SSD 13-inch touch, 2880 x 1920 12-hours Windows 11 Home	View at Amazon
MICROSOFT SURFACE LAPTOP STUDIO ULTIMATE LAPTOP	i7-11370H @4.8 GHz RTX 3050 Ti 4GB 16 /32 GB, 512GB – 2TB PCIe SSD 14.4-inch touch, 2400 x 1600 10.5-hours Windows 11	View at Amazon
WACOM MOBILE STUDIO PRO 16 BEST GRAPHICS TABLET	i7- 8559U @4.5GHz NVIDIA Quadro P1000 16 GB, 512GB PCle SSD 15.6-inch touch, 3840 x 2160 6-hours Windows 10	View at Amazon

 

Best Laptops for Tattoo Artists in 2023 – Reviews

1. Acer Chromebook Spin 513 (Budget-Friendly Laptop for Tattoo Artists)

Weight: 2.65 lbs | Processor: Qualcomm Kryo 468 @2.4GHz | GPU: Adreno 618 | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 128GB PCIe SSD | Screen: 13.3-inch touch , 1920 x 1080  | Battery Life: 10-hours   | OS: Chrome OS

If you’re watching your wallet while looking for a laptop for your tattoo designing needs, a Chromebook may be a good option. However, you won’t be able to take advantage of robust programs such as Photoshop or CorelDraw, but there are still plenty of opportunities.

Chromebooks are specially designed for working with online applications, and you can draw with some programs such as Google Canvas or PixlrEditor. Also, Chromebooks support Play Store so that you can use any Android app.

The Acer Chromebook Spin 513 Plus is packed with robust hardware configuration and a high-quality convertible design; therefore, it could be a solid choice for tattoo designers.

The Acer Spin 513  features a 13.3-inch full HD display with a 360-degree convertible design; it can be used in tablet and laptop mode. Unfortunately, the stylus isn’t included; you must purchase it separately.

Aesthetically, this Chromebook is crafted from an aluminum body that looks gorgeous and entrusts higher durability. The rounded corner design with a sleek finish and thin bezel look so premium.

In the performance department, it’s combined with a Qualcomm Kryo 468 Octa-core processor with 8GB memory and 128GB eMMC storage which is just enough for all the casual works such as reading mail, browsing the internet, watching movies, and sketching.

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PROS

• Reasonable quality touchscreen
• Durable and gorgeous metal design
• Ample battery life
• Convertible design

CONS

• Average performance
• Limited ChromeOS functionality

 

2. Lenovo Flex 5 (Budget Windows Notebook for Tattoo Design)

Weight: 3.41 lbs | Processor: Ryzen 5 5500U @4.0GHz | GPU: AMD Radeon | Memory: 16 GB | Storage: 512GB PCle SSD | Screen: 14-inch touch , 1920 x 1080  | Battery Life: 10-hours   | OS: Windows 11 Home

I always recommend a Windows laptop over a Chromebook. Windows OS supports many applications, making it a solid choice for tattoo artists.

The Lenovo Flex 5 is a 14-inch convertible touch notebook with a full HD resolution, 45% NTSC color gamut, and TUV certification. If we talk about color accuracy, it could be more impressive, but it’s ideal for entertainment, work, and content creation. The provided digital pen allows sketching and drawing, which is helpful for tattoo work.

In Windows, there is no lack of designing programs – whether you are an Adobe fan or habitual with Corel Draw, all are waiting for you.

Lenovo has provided the AMD Ryzen 5500U processor, 16GB memory, and 256/512GB SSD; that’s a fantastic combination for a budget price. You can even do mild to moderate multitasking; this Ryzen processor can give tough competition to the Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor.

Besides the high performance, Flex 14 offers a fingerprint reader, private webcam, and backlit keyboard, making it more captivating. While considering the touchscreen and AMD processor, 10 hours of battery life is appreciable.

Lenovo Flex 5 is the best portable laptop for tattoo artists on a budget, which offers almost all the latest features.

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PROS

• Decent touch display
• Excellent performance for a budget
• Sleek and convertible design
• Ample battery life
• Ideal for carrying
• Backlit keyboard
• Fingerprint sensor

CONS

• Low color gamut

3. Lenovo Yoga 7i (Another Budget Laptop for Tattoo Artists)

Weight: 4.19 lbs | Processor: i5-1240P @4.4GHz | GPU: Intel Iris Xe | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD | Screen: 16-inch touch , 2560 x 1600 | Battery Life: 14-hours | OS: Windows 11 Home

Lenovo Yoga 7i is an excellent laptop that can fulfill tattoo artists’ requirements without being heavy on the pocket.

The Yoga 7i is a large 2-in-1 laptop with a 16-inch touch display supported by 2.5K pixels of resolution, 100% sRGB, and 400 nits. It can deliver fantastic color quality, sharpness, and outdoor visibility; artists will love it.

The larger screen provides ample room for working, which is perfect for intricate designs. The only problem, you have to purchase the Stylus Pen separately, but it’s compatible with the Wacom EMR stylus.

Under the hood, this machine is powered by an Intel Core i5-1240P processor, 8GB memory, and 1TB PCIe SSD; therefore, it can smoothly handle all the graphics-related work and is sufficient for a tattoo artist. Don’t worry; the memory is upgradeable.

The Lenovo Yoga 7i is a gorgeous laptop designed with unibody chassis, sharp details, and curvy edges which look seductive. It features all the modern features, such as a fingerprint reader, a backlit keyboard, and Thunderbolt 4. Also, the sound quality is fantastic as it is equipped with a Dolby Atmos four-speaker system.

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PROS

• Astounding touch screen
• Seductive and sleek convertible design
• Satisfying performance
• Exceptional battery life
• Thunderbolt 4
• Fingerprint
• Premium sound quality

CONS

• A bit heavy
• No dedicated GPU

4. LG Gram 14 (Best Laptop for Tattoo Artists in Budget)

Weight: 2.2 lbs | Processor: i7-1260P @4.7GHz | GPU: Intel Iris Xe | Memory: 16GB | Storage: 512GB – 2TB PCIe SSD | Screen: 14-inch touch , 1920 x 1200 | Battery Life: 17-hours | OS: Windows 11 Pro

The LG Gram 14 is a convertible notebook with a touchscreen, robust performance, and meaningful battery life, which makes it the best budget laptop for tattoo artists in 2023. LG Grams series is prevalent for its feather-like body and marathon battery life.

This compact notebook can deliver up to 17 hours of whooping battery life and falls under 2.5 lbs; it’s incredible. It’s enjoyable for working on the go and provides plenty of juice to ensure freedom.

The convertible design enables us to use it in tablet mode. It offers an exceptional quality touch screen with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, 350 nits, full HD resolution, and anti-glare coating. It can deliver brilliant quality images with crisp and vivid colors. However, LG has excluded the stylus from the package, which is disappointing.

Now, what about the performance? You don’t have to worry about it as well; it is packed with an Intel Core i7-1260P processor, which is a powerful 12-core chip and supports up to 4.70 GHz clock speed. Also, it has 16GB memory and 512GB PCIe high-speed SSD storage. It can deliver a streamlined performance even if you work with numerous programs simultaneously.

LG Gram doesn’t compromise on its features; it has a fingerprint sensor, HD camera, backlit keyboard, Thunderbolt 4, premium sound quality, and excellent battery life.

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PROS

• Premium touchscreen with 99% DCI-P3
• A sturdy and convertible body
• Ultra lightweight and handy
• Excellent performance
• Most extended battery life
• Comprehensive connectivity options
• Thunderbolt 4
• fingerprint sensor

CONS

• Slightly higher price
• No stylus included

5. Apple iPad Pro 6th Gen (Best Tablet Computer for Tattoo Artists)

Weight: 1.51 lbs | Processor: Apple M2 | GPU: integrated | Memory: 8 /16GB | Storage: 128GB – 2TB | Screen: 12.9-inch touch , 2732×2048 | Battery Life: 10-hours | OS: iPadOS 16

There is still no touch-enabled MacBook available from Apple; the reason is simple – iPad Series. The latest iPad Pro isn’t less than a powerful laptop as its M2 chip can deliver a pretty strong performance. It comprises up to 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU to ensure smoother workflow. Especially for tattoo designing or graphics editing, there is no better option than the latest iPad Pro.

The 12.9-inch edge-to-edge Liquid Retina XDR display can provide the most accurate and vivid colors because it’s backed with great qualities such as a 100% P4 color gamut, 2732×2048-pixel resolution, ProMotion technology, and anti-reflective coating.

This 6th Gen iPad Pro offers high-quality cameras with Ultra Wide and Wide lenses. The 5G connectivity is available, which provides seamless connectivity even if you’re away from your Wi-Fi.

The latest Apple Pencil 2nd Gen is miraculous because it offers industry-leading low latency and utmost precision, which is the best for sketching, drawing, taking notes, or coloring. It can be magnetically charged and paired with your iPad Pro. Moreover, you can switch between tools by just tapping. I think you’re already familiar; you must purchase accessories such as Pencil, Magic Keyboard, and Keyboard Folio separately.

iPad Pro supports USB Type-C/Thunderbolt ports, which makes it friendly to several latest gadgets and devices. Also, the Face ID is available, and you can log in more quickly.

The iPad Pro is a robust, versatile, and feature-rich tablet; that’s why many professional tattoo artists prefer it.

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PROS

• Top-notch Liquid Retina XDR display
• Superb performance
• Compatible with Apple Pencil 2nd Gen
• Supports USB Type-C/Thunderbolt
• Premium and solid build quality
• Wi-Fi 6E and 5G enabled
• Satisfying quality sound and cameras

CONS

• Highly expensive
• No 3.5mm headphone jack

6. HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T (Best Laptop for Tattoo Artists)

Weight: 3.06 lbs | Processor: i7-1165G7 @ 4.7GHz | GPU: Intel Iris Xe | Memory: 16GB | Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD | Screen: 13.5-inch touch , 1920 x 1280  | Battery Life: 10-hours   | OS: Windows 11 Pro

HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T is a premium range notebook, and it’s packed with all the features required for professional tattoo artists. It meets expectations whether we discuss portability, performance, design, or battery life.

This buddy is designed with an Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, 16GB memory, and 1TB PCIe SSD storage. The performance is remarkable; it can handle any software you can throw at it. The Intel processor with G1-G7 offers newer integrated graphics technology; that’s why not having a dedicated GPU doesn’t matter much.

The HP Spectre x360 Luxury 14T looks very premium and expensive laptop. It features a curved metal body with precise craftsmanship and all the latest features. For example, it has adaptive color technology and in-bag detection, which adjusts the laptop’s behavior according to your lifestyle and situation.

The Spectre 14T has a full HD IPS touch panel supported by 100% sRGB and 1000 nits; the picture quality is mind-blowing. It can deliver industry-standard color accuracy, which is essential for professionals. The display has a micro-edge and is secured with the Corning Gorilla Glass NBT, making it portable and rugged.

You don’t need to purchase the stylus separately, as it comes with the HP Rechargeable MPP2.0 Tilt Pen, which provides freedom to unleash your creativity on the touchscreen.

The best thing about this machine is that it offers two robust Thunderbolt 4 ports, which support the fastest data transfer speed, high-definition display output, and charging.

Unlike other laptops, HP Spectre offers many sensors, including an Accelerometer, Color temperature light sensor, Gyroscope, IR Thermal sensor, E-compass, and Fingerprint. The camera quality is also excellent – the HP TrueVison HD IR vision sensor can deliver a rich video calling experience.

Despite having that many features and robust performance, this notebook still provides 10 hours of fuel which is enough for artists.

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PROS

• Captivating and vibrant display
• Portable and convertible
• Professional and tempting design
• Excellent battery backup
• Innovative features
• Thunderbolt 4
• Stylus is included

CONS

• Slightly over price

7. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Best Windows Tablet & Laptop for Tattoo Artists)

Weight: 1.94 lbs | Processor: i7-1235U @4.4Ghz | GPU: Intel Iris Xe | Memory: 32GB | Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD | Screen: 13-inch touch , 2880 x 1920 | Battery Life: 12-hours   | OS: Windows 11 Home

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 is the only device on this list offering a desktop operating system in a tablet body, becoming an ultimate combination for tattoo artists and designers. The hardware configuration is also solid, and you can efficiently run any designing or sketching application.

The Surface Pro 9 offers a 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display with 2736 x 1824 resolution, 120Hz, sRGB, Dolby Vision IQ, and Gorilla Glass 5. The picture quality is influential and highly color-accurate, equally suitable for graphics designing, reading, and gaming.

The best thing about Surface Pro 9 is it’s available with several configurations, and you can choose up to Intel Core i7 processor, 32GB memory, and 1TB SSD storage. However, the Intel Core i5 model with 8GB memory and 256GB SSD is sufficient and pocket-friendly for tattoo artists.

The Microsoft Surface Series will satisfy you, whether about performance, durability, or battery life. However, the Surface Pro 9 isn’t offering any dedicated GPU; therefore, if you’re into more intricate graphics work, such as 3D modeling or gaming, you should go with the Surface Laptop Studio, which is the ultimate choice.

The Surface Pro 9 has a solid metal unibody that offers supreme durability and looks astounding. Remember, you must purchase the accessories separately, which is disappointing.

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PROS

• Detachable keyboard design
• Available with several configurations
• Solid unibody metal design
• Most compact and handy
• Excellent battery life

CONS

• Expensive
• No accessories included 

8. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (The Supreme Choice for Tattoo Artists)

Weight: 4.0 lbs | Processor: i7-11370H @4.8 GHz | GPU: RTX 3050 Ti 4GB | Memory: 16 /32 GB | Storage: 512GB – 2TB PCIe SSD | Screen: 14.4-inch touch , 2400 x 1600 | Battery Life: 10.5-hours | OS: Windows 11

Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is the ultimate choice for creators and artists because of its superior performance and advanced features. It features a collapsible design which is very versatile; it allows it to be used in different modes, from a studio to a laptop. With the Surface Slim Pen 2 it becomes an ultimate drawing and sketching tool, but you have to purchase it separately.

The Surface Laptop Studio is equipped with a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow Display, which can deliver life-like sharpness and vivid picture quality. It’s perfect for all tasks, including gaming, designing, entertainment, and work.

In terms of performance, the Surface Laptop Studio Pro is available with Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 processors with up to 32GB memory and 2TB SSD storage. Remember, the Intel Core i7 model offers a dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU with 4GB of memory, which is recommended if you work with 3D models or play heavy games. Don’t worry; even If you choose the Core i5 model, it has enough muscle to handle your tattoo designing workload.

This laptop is built like a tank; it offers a solid aluminum body with an efficient cooling mechanism, ensuring stable performance even with a higher workload. It features a Windows Hello full HD camera, a Quad Omnisonic speaker system, and Dual Studio Mics, providing a comfortable user experience.

Surprisingly, with all the muscle and features, it can still deliver 10.5 hours of battery life which is outstanding. The only problem with this machine is that it is heavy compared to its 14-inch counterparts but still carryable.

If you’re looking for the best drawing and studio-like experience, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio could be the best choice.

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PROS

• Impressive PixelSense Flow Display
• Top-notch performance
• Available with dedicated GPU
• Configurable
• Paramount build quality
• Sweet battery life
• Fantastic camera and sound
• Highly responsive touchpad and keyboard

CONS

• Very costly

 

9. Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16 (Best Graphics Tablet for Tattoo Artists)

Weight: 4.70 lbs | Processor: i7- 8559U @4.5GHz | GPU: NVIDIA Quadro P1000 | Memory: 16 GB | Storage: 512GB PCle SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch touch , 3840 x 2160 | Battery Life: 6-hours | OS: Windows 10

Professional artists prefer the Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16 because it offers extraordinary precision and advanced features such as tilt response, lag-free tracking, etc.

Unlike other graphics tablets, it doesn’t require a laptop or computer to make it work; it comes with preinstalled Windows operating system. The hardware configuration is also remarkable; it’s packed with a dedicated GPU; therefore, it can handle your 3D designs and rigorous graphics work easily.

Wacom Studio Pro is available in 13 and 16-inch screens; the 16-inch model I have listed here offers 4K resolution with an 85% Adobe RGB color gamut. Also, there is a 3-angle adjustable stand included. Undoubtedly, you can work with the highly color-sensitive tasks on this buddy without any hesitation.

It accompanies a Wacom Pen Pro 2 supported by some latest features, such as 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support, no parallax, and instant input. It can deliver the most satisfying and accurate drawing and sketching experience because of the ultra-sharp display, precision stylus, and dedicated Express Keys.

This large and heavy model may not be ideal for carrying. Also, the battery life is average, and you have limited time to keep it away from the mains. However, you can choose its 13-inch variant if you prefer portability over performance.

Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16 is a noteworthy device for professional artists with all the recommended features. However, if you have a low budget, you can check out my other recommendations because it’s the most expensive device on this list.

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PROS

• Superior quality touch display
• Exceptional Wacom Pen Pro
• Robust performance
• Express Keys
• Rugged build and comes with a stand
• Available in a 13-inch screen as well

CONS

• Heavy and large
• Poor battery backup

Best Computer for Tattoo Artists in 2023

The market has countless options, which ultimately depend on your requirements and budget. Lenovo Flex 5 is the cheapest option which offers all the essential features for a beginner tattoo artist. However, if you can spend more, the LG Gram 14 is a much better choice with a great display, battery life, and performance.

In tablets, you have two options iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro 9. IPad Pro is undoubtedly the best choice, but make sure the application you use is available. Surface Pro 9 offers wider compatibility with software due to the Windows OS.

HP Spectre x360 is overall the best choice because it offers all the essential features, whether we talk about a great display, portability, performance, battery life, or even price.

For professionals, there are two options, Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio and Wacom Mobile Studio Pro 16. Both are heavy but packed with solid hardware; you can efficiently run any high-end designing or editing software. The Surface Laptop offers comparatively newer hardware. On the other hand, Wacom’s larger and ultra-sharp display with a highly precise Wacom Pen Pro Pen allows you to project your innovative ideas efficiently.

Hopefully, you have found the most suitable device according to your needs and budget. Thanks for reading!