Table of Contents
1. Introduction: Why the Right Laptop Matters for Design Students
Embarking on a design degree is an exciting journey filled with creativity, experimentation, and technical learning. Your laptop is your primary tool — it must keep pace with evolving software demands, complex visuals, and multitasking needs. Picking the right laptop isn’t just about specs; it’s about future-proofing your education and creative potential over the next four years.
2. Understanding Design Workloads and Software Needs
Design is diverse. Fashion designers sketch and simulate garments; interior designers visualize spaces in 3D; communication designers juggle typography and video editing; while animation and game design students push GPUs to render immersive worlds. Here’s a snapshot of typical software you’ll encounter:
- 2D & Vector Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Sketch
- 3D Modeling & CAD: Blender, Rhino, Autodesk Fusion 360, SketchUp
- Rendering & Animation: KeyShot, Maya, Unreal Engine, CLO 3D, Marvelous Designer
- Video & Motion Graphics: Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects
Each requires a mix of strong CPU performance, plenty of RAM, fast storage, and crucially, GPU acceleration for smooth rendering and previews.
3. Why GPU Acceleration is a Game-Changer in Design
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) accelerates visual computations, freeing your CPU to manage other tasks. For design students, GPU power impacts:
- Real-time 3D viewport interaction — no lag, fluid navigation
- Faster rendering and preview of high-resolution visuals
- Accelerated AI-powered features like content-aware fills, style transfers, or generative design
- Smooth multitasking with GPU-accelerated video editing and animation
As software integrates more AI and ray-tracing, having a capable GPU is no longer optional but a must-have.
4. Emerging Role of AI in Design Workflows
AI is reshaping design workflows — from automating repetitive tasks to inspiring creative ideation. Tools embedded with AI help:
- Generate design variations quickly
- Enhance image resolution and color correction automatically
- Predict user behavior for UX/UI projects
- Simulate fabric drape or lighting effects realistically
Choosing a laptop with hardware supporting AI accelerators and GPU compute capabilities prepares you for this fast-evolving landscape.
5. Setting Your Budget: How to Decide What to Spend
Budgeting your laptop purchase requires balancing your academic needs with financial planning. Consider:
- Course requirements: Does your program demand heavy 3D or animation software?
- Future growth: Will you explore advanced projects or freelancing during studies?
- Portability vs performance: Are you commuting daily, or working mostly at a studio?
- Upgradeability: Can you expand RAM or storage later?
Starting with a clear understanding of your software needs and budget constraints will guide you to the right tier.
6. Laptop Tiers Explained: Optimal, Medium, and Advanced
- Optimal: Suitable for beginners focusing on 2D design, light 3D, and general academic work. Balances cost with performance for smooth learning.
- Medium: Ideal for most students expanding into moderate 3D modeling, rendering, and video workflows. Offers future-proof specs and better multitasking.
- Advanced: For power users tackling high-poly 3D, animation, game design, VR, and AI-powered simulations. High-end CPUs, GPUs, and displays ensure no bottlenecks.
7. Recommendations: Best Laptops for Different Design Disciplines
Below are curated laptop options for two broad pools of design disciplines. Each pool has recommended laptops classified by tier for your convenience.
Pool 01: Fashion, Interior, Communication, Interaction Design
Optimal Tier (3 options)
- HP Victus fa1382TX
Link | ₹68,990
Intel i7-12650H, RTX 3050 4GB, 16GB DDR4, 512GB SSD, 15.6″ FHD 144Hz - Lenovo LOQ 2024 AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS (83DX005KIN)
Link | ₹89,990
Ryzen 7 7845HS, RTX 4050 6GB, 16GB DDR5, 512GB SSD, 15.6″ FHD+ 165Hz - ASUS ROG Strix G16 (G614JU-N3200WS)
Link | ₹1,13,500
Intel i7-13650HX, RTX 4050 6GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16″ FHD+ 165Hz
Medium Tier (3 options)
- Lenovo LOQ 2024 AMD Ryzen 7 (83JC00EHIN)
Link | ₹90,151
Ryzen 7 7435HS, RTX 4060 8GB, 24GB DDR5, 512GB SSD, 15.6″ FHD 144Hz, 100% sRGB - HP OMEN Gaming Laptop (xf0060ax)
Link | ₹1,05,990
Ryzen 7 7840HS, RTX 4060 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16.1″ FHD 165Hz - HP OMEN Gaming Laptop (wd0012TX)
Link | ₹1,15,000
Intel i7-13620H, RTX 4060 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16.1″ FHD 144Hz
Advanced Tier (3 options)
- Lenovo Legion Pro 5 AMD Ryzen (82WM00FFIN)
Link | ₹1,98,656
Ryzen 9 7945HX, RTX 4070 8GB, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16″ WQXGA 240Hz - Lenovo Legion Pro 5 Intel (83DF003NIN)
Link | ₹1,55,999
Intel i7-14650HX, RTX 4060 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16″ WQXGA 240Hz - MSI Vector 16 HX (A14VGG-279IN)
Link | ₹1,79,990
Intel i7-14700HX, RTX 4070 8GB, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16″ QHD+ 240Hz
Pool 02: Product, Animation, Transportation, Industrial Design
Optimal Tier (2 options)
- HP Victus Gaming Laptop (fb3025AX) (Steal Deal : The price may change very soon)
Link | ₹1,01,990
Ryzen 9 8945HS, RTX 4060 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 15.6″ FHD 144Hz - Lenovo LOQ 2024 AMD Ryzen 7 (83JC00EHIN)
Link | ₹90,151
Ryzen 7 7435HS, RTX 4060 8GB, 24GB DDR5, 512GB SSD, 15.6″ FHD 144Hz
Medium Tier (2 options)
- HP OMEN Gaming Laptop (xf0060ax)
Link | ₹1,05,990
Ryzen 7 7840HS, RTX 4060 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16.1″ FHD 165Hz - HP OMEN Gaming Laptop (wd0012TX)
Link | ₹1,15,000
Intel i7-13620H, RTX 4060 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16.1″ FHD 144Hz
Advanced Tier (3 options)
- MSI Raider GE68 HX (14VIG-469IN)
Link | ₹2,83,990
Intel i9-14900HX, RTX 4090 16GB, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16″ UHD+ MiniLED 120Hz - Acer Predator Helios 16 (PH16-71)
Link | ₹1,56,990
Intel i9-13900HX, RTX 4070 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16″ WQXGA 240Hz - Lenovo Legion 5 Intel (83DG009DIN)
Link | ₹1,65,999
Intel i7-14650HX, RTX 4070 8GB, 16GB DDR5, 1TB SSD, 16″ WQXGA 165Hz
8. Final Thoughts and How to Reach Out
Choosing a laptop for design studies is an investment in your creative future. Whether you’re sketching fashion ideas or building immersive VR worlds, the right hardware unlocks your full potential.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect machine tailored to your discipline, workflow, and budget.
* we do not endorse any brand and the prices mentioned are indicated and may change.
Have questions or want advice on a specific use case? Drop your thoughts and queries in the comments below — we’re here to help!
What about choosing MacBook Air m4 for animation ?
Macbook should not ideally be preferred. Since the GPU intensive tasks and some of the open source software may not work. It would be suggested to go with Windows laptop.
Can I get a MacBook Air m4…I will be pursuing product design.
Thanks
Macbook should not ideally be preferred. Since the GPU intensive tasks and some of the open source software may not work. It would be suggested to go with Windows laptop.
Can apple macbook be used
Macbook should not ideally be preferred. Since the GPU intensive tasks and some of the open source software may not work. It would be suggested to go with Windows laptop.
Hi, I’m currently using a MacBook Air (M3, 2024) with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. I noticed it doesn’t fully match the recommended specs, especially in terms of RAM and graphics. I wanted to ask if it would still be suitable for the initial foundation courses in Fashion Design (Apparel), or if there are any possible adjustments or alternatives I can consider to make it work, rather than getting a new laptop right away. Thank you!
You can use the one you have for now. After first year you may take a decision based on your usage profile.
Hi! Thank you so much for your reply. I just had one more question- do you think I’ll definitely need to get a more powerful laptop after the first year for the Apparel Design courses? If that’s the case, would it be better to consider changing my laptop now itself, rather than investing in one later? Just trying to plan ahead. Thanks again!
It would be a good idea to change sooner since there are many high software will be introduced along with GEN AI. If possible consider getting one.
Does an apple ipad or ios devices accepted for a fashion design course?
Every device is acceptable. You may use IPAD for sure however in higher semesters working with more specialized software would require windows laptop.
Software landscapes(softwares) like Rhino 3d, Solidworks, Autodesk alias,Fusion 360, Catio and many more software for product and industrial design. Will they be provided by UID on the students laptops once they come or do we have to download these on our own? I didn’t get the ‘software landscapes for your UID design journey’ topic. Please if you can kindly explain it.
Some of the software are mandatory to be purchased such as Adobe Suite. Many comes under students version which can be freely used during academic tenure and a lot of open source software are also explored. Based on discipline you will be exposed to various software and platforms.
I’m for product. So I only have to download Adobe correct? The other softwares will be provided by UID?
I have ipad pro m4 Is it necessary to buy a laptop or my ipad is sufficient?
I am going to pursue B.Des animation and game design
Yes Ananya. It would suggested that you consider getting a windows laptop. Especially in Animation we will be using a lot of third party software and also would require GPU acceleration for graphic intensive tasks.
I have a Dell Vostro 3501 with an i3 processor. What difference will the i7 and i3 make in my working ?
Hi Gati,
i3 is entry level where in i7 is second best intel family has offered below i9 series of processors. either i7 or Ryzen 8000 series would be good choice to start with. Please explore the links in the blog post find out more.
Hello. I have hp laptop with i5 and is 11 generation. Can it work? Also if I’m looking to invest in a new laptop can an iPad work instead? If yes, which one?
Check if laptop has a rtx 3050 or higher GPU. if yes then you can use it for an year, later you may choose the one most suitable. But if its not the case then consider getting a laptop now instead of an I PAD.
It does not have an RTX (NVIDIA GeForce RTX) graphics card or a higher GPU
For the first year it is fine to use an existing laptop. Later based on use cases decide which one to buy.
Hello sir ! Gaurang Manerikar here. I have selected industrial design so just wanted to know that I will work for 4 years then which laptop should I buy ? The optimal tier or the medium tier category ?
It is based on the budget you have access to and also the vision about use case. If you wish to explore more 3D and AI related experiments then you should go for the medium or higher.
Greetings ,
Just wanted to confirm will Lenovo LOQ 2024 AMD Ryzen 7 (83JC00EHIN) from the medium tier be good enough for my bachelor of communication design
Yes sure.
Can I use a MacBook for product design? If yes please share the specifications?
Macbook should not ideally be preferred. Since the GPU intensive tasks and some of the open source software may not work. It would be suggested to go with Windows laptop.
I have not yet decided which specialization i want to opt
So how should I choose my hardware.
use your general inclination form past towards how you approach digital interactions
if you find working on screen comfortable and engaging
and wish to explore high end 3d software
Pick medium tear if not sure
please tell the apple mac details
Macbook should not ideally be preferred. Since the GPU intensive tasks and some of the open source software may not work. It would be suggested to go with Windows laptop.
I would like to discuss the laptop requirements with the concerned person at UID. Need to know the requirement of a laptop in the first year Foundation course and other important details.
Hi Adya,
This blog is created for the same purpose. you may share your quires here. i usually answer in a day. or you can get in touch with admission dept to connect. Thanks
Hi Harshini here, I had emailed regarding the subject and their syllabus details, could those be shared as well
Please get in touch with Counseller.
Would macbook work?
Macbook should not ideally be preferred. Since the GPU intensive tasks and some of the open source software may not work. It would be suggested to go with Windows laptop.
Would it be acceptable to use a laptop that’s not on the list, as long as it has the same configuration.
Yes.
The welcome letter mentione that such laptops are best suited for an “undergraduate student”, so is it compulsory for a postgraduate to have one such mentioned laptop as well?
It is same for UG and PG both.
Will iPAD suitable for Aparel Design course
IPAD in addition with a laptop would be great. Just I PAD will limit and not align with your program’s use cases.
As per my understanding from reading the details, if I am required to be future ready, I should purchase a laptop with the specification mentioned against “Medium Tier (2 Options)”. Hope this is correct.
My daughter will be undergoing her course for Product Design.
With this in mind I found “HP Omen AMD Ryzen 7 Octa Core 7840HS” to be a better option.
Could someone from your side please let me know the following:
# How does it compare with “Lenovo LOQ 2024 12th Gen Core i7-13650HX, 83DV00X8IN” ,i.e. which of these would be a better choice# If “HP Omen AMD Ryzen 7 Octa Core 7840HS” is a better choice then could someone tell me the difference between “xf0060ax”, “Xd0020Ax” & “16-xf0059AX”. The reason for my query is that all these seem the same except that probably different variants are sold on different sites with a difference in SSD configuration.
Dear Staya,
Your understanding is spot-on—the Medium-Tier spec is exactly what we advise for a four-year Product-Design course. Between the two laptops, HP’s Omen 16 (Ryzen 7 7840HS + RTX 4060) usually feels more balanced day-to-day: its 16-inch 165 Hz IPS panel covers 100 % sRGB and the chassis runs cooler and quieter, so battery life is a little better.
Lenovo’s LOQ 2024 (i7-13650HX + RTX 4060) gives you about 15 % more raw CPU throughput in long renders, but it ships with a smaller battery and—while the 83DV00X8IN datasheet also lists a 100 % sRGB screen—some retail batches still carry lower-gamut panels, so it’s wise to double-check that spec before you buy. As for the Omen variants, all three share the same core hardware; the xf0060AX and xd0020AX include a 1 TB SSD, whereas the xf0059AX drops to 512 GB but leaves an empty M.2 slot if you’d prefer to add a larger drive later. Hope that clarifies things—happy to help further if needed!
Please find the comparison.
Dear Rajeev,
The URL for Lenovo is https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0DPQJNQJ6/?coliid=I36PO6I7MYM1CN&colid=ZC1KI0XN075F&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_ys_dp_it
Could you please check this and let me know if the colour output of this is acceptable
Dear Rajeev,
As for the varients of Omen, is my understanding correct that all are the same so I should go with either of these based on whichever is cheaper or would should I send the link of these for you to check and give a feedback
Dear Satya,
Please consider the link below
If you wish to go with Ryzen : ( Energy efficient and a silent multitasker) value for money
https://amzn.to/4e4s9R0
If you wish to go with Intel : ( focused power for High performance ) slightly expensive but improved performance in focused operations
https://amzn.to/40dr7fR
My choice would be the first one.
Dear Rajeev,
Could you please comment on https://www.amazon.in/dp/B0DPQJNQJ6/?coliid=I36PO6I7MYM1CN&colid=ZC1KI0XN075F&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_ys_dp_it
Is the sRGB acceptable for this
If in your considered opinion HP Omen is better then could you please revert if the below laptop is same as the one given in your recommendation above
https://www.croma.com/hp-omen-16-xd0020ax-amd-ryzen-7-gaming-laptop-16gb-1tb-ssd-windows-11-home-8gb-graphics-16-1-inch-165-hz-fhd-display-nvidia-geforce-rtx-4060-ms-office-2021-shadow-black-2-37-kg-/p/307123
As discussed over the call.
Dear Rajeev,
In the blog above the link provided for HP Omen Ryzen is
In your response above you have given the link of
https://amzn.to/4e4s9R0
Could you please let me know which of these is better
I hope after our discussion you were able to make a decision.
Dear Rajeev,
As for the varients of Omen, is my understanding correct that all are the same so I should go with either of these based on whichever is cheaper or would should I send the link of these for you to check and give a feedback
Hi….any idea on which MacBook laptop is recommended if we don’t want to go for windows gaming laptops…….
Macbook should not ideally be preferred. Since the GPU intensive tasks and some of the open source software may not work. It would be suggested to go with Windows laptop.
I have LAPTOP-TCTBTHII (IdeaPad Slim 5 14IMH9)
Device name-LAPTOP-TCTBTHII
Processor :- Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 5 125H 1.20 GHz
Installed RAM – 16.0 GB (15.6 GB usable)
Device ID – 1AEA4AEA-AB62-46A5-8A0E-F822352C381A
Product ID – 00342-42687-48810-AAOEM
System type – 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
It’s basically for graphics only (Intel arc Graphics)
Do I need a new laptop?
Hi, I see that your device does not have a dedicated GPU. You can use the laptop for some time but eventually you shall consider upgrading to one with Recommended GPU.
i have a LAPTOP-TCTBTHII (IdeaPad Slim 5 14IMH9)
Device name – LAPTOP-TCTBTHII
Processor – Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra 5 125H 1.20 GHz
Installed RAM – 16.0 GB (15.6 GB usable)
Device ID – 1AEA4AEA-AB62-46A5-8A0E-F822352C381A
Product ID – 00342-42687-48810-AAOEM
System type – 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
It’s basically a graphic laptop (Intel ARC Graphic)
Do i need a new laptop? or i have to install new applications in the laptop?
My HP has a 128mb graphics card. Will that be okay, for communication design?
Hi Dia, it seems that you have mentioned an onboard graphic memory and your device does not have a dedicated GPU. Please consider upgrading.
My laptop specifications are as shown in the attached file, please guide me whether the specification will suffice for Master of Design (Visual Experiential Design) requirement.
This will not suffice. Kindly consider getting a new one from the recommended configs.
is ipad necessary for designing career? even tho u hve a laptop
Also, Ryzen 7 is better or Intel i7
which one should I go for? designing career
Hi Siddhi,
Ipad isn’t necessary but a lot of designers prefer it due to portability and convenience. It may be considered as an accessory at a later stage or after college is done.
For your second question
Both have their own pros and cons.
To simplify it for you …
Consider Ryzen if you are somebody who likes to keep dozens of chrome tabs open and let a lot of applications run simultaneously.
Go with I7 if you prefer working on one graphic intensive application and are very organised when it comes to optimising resource usage.
I have an iPad Air do I need to purchase a laptop as I am doing fashion communication and styling.
Thanks
You shall consider buying one because all your computational requirements won’t be met only with an Ipad. But for now you can use the device and later buy a suitable laptop.
should i opt for a laptop from the optimal tier or medium tier for bachelors in communication design? can i keep using my current laptop if it has the same features?
Can macbook be used atleast for the first year?
Yes sure.
Which laptop and software would be best for communication design and graphic work?
Dear Maithili,
Please read through the blog post. It has the categories defined you may choose one suitable for you. Let me know if further help is needed.
Hi I am pursuing fashion designing can u suggest me a good laptop for my 4 yrs journey
Which laptop will be suitable for animation. The above recommended laptops have less than 32 GB RAM and it’s mentioned earlier that students need laptop of 32 GB.
16 Gb onwards is fine. You may choose models with higher RAM as well. Also usually most of the laptops have an additional slot to put more RAM even if it comes with stock 16 GB. Putting more RAM would certainly enhance performance and shall be considered.
Is MSI Sword 16 HX laptop good for a student pursuing bachelor’s in animation?
It has a good cofig. However the build quality of MSI laptops are not as good as Lenovo or HP. Ensure through check.
Okay, could you please recommend a Lenovo or HP laptop with a similar configuration to the MSI Sword 16 HX
Hello teacher
I want an optimal tier laptopt in interior and furniture design for ug and pg programme..which is best for that ?
https://amzn.to/3ZrnxhT
My laptop specifications are as shown in the attached file, please guide me whether the specification will suffice for Master of Design (Visual Experiential Design) requirement.
Hi!
I’m pursuing bachelor’s in animation. Is MSI Sword 16 HX laptop good for this program?
Is asus Vivobook 16 recommended for product design ? Which one will work better hp victus or asus vivobook?
Pls recommend as usually hp laptops hang and not work properly
Vivobook series is not recommended since it does not have a suitable GPU.
Hey
My daughter is pursuing bachelor’s in animation. Is MSI Sword 16 HX laptop good for this program?
You can go with that for sure. However MSI build quality is not up to mark. The hardware needs to be very carefully kept and managed.
Pls post my comment
I usually reply in 2 working days. Please be patient. Your comments first go in review and then answered. Yours has already been answered. Thanks
I apologize for submitting multiple comments — I was under the impression that my initial comment hadn’t gone through, which led me to try again using my parents’ device. I didn’t intend to appear impatient.
its all right !!
Hello there
My daughter is going to pursue bachelor’s in animation.
Is MSI Sword 16 HX laptop good for this program?
https://amzn.to/3HN0GYa
If this is the one you are talking about. The config wise it’s good.
However the build quality of MSI does not have a good track record.
Hi, my budget is very low. i will be doing PG in Fashion Designing, which laptop should i consider buying?
“Hi, I’m joining the Communication Design program. I’m considering buying the ASUS ProArt PX13 OLED laptop. Can you please confirm if it’s suitable for all 4 years of the course
Hi I am pursuing visual communication. So basically I want to buy a new device since my current device is not acc to the requirements sent by UID. So i wanted to ask will an iPad work instead of a laptop because I also wanna do sketching,drawing etc.So which iPad should I buy? And will an iPad be enough or will I also have to buy a laptop
An Ipad can be considered as a supplementary device. You would still require a suitable laptop to run various software. Please consider getting one.
Can I use a MacBook Air in my first year if visual communication and then buy a laptop in 2nd year? Currently I’m using HP i5
Yes you can.
If I buy Lenovo LOQ 2024 AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS (83DX005KIN) will it work for the 4 years all will I have to buy a new one in senior years?
That solely depends on your computational needs and ambition to explore advanced software. The config suggests shall generally work for all four years.
Hello, I have processor 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1135G7 @ 2.40GHz. I can expand my ram and other specifications according to the recommendation present on the welcome letter. But will my i5 processor be compatible? Please clarify this. My specialisation is Communication Design.
It’s the GPU which matters most. I5 is fine even if it’s 11th gen but it seems that your current laptop does not have a dedicated GPU. The RAM upgrade will give a slight boost in regular non GPU related tasks however the performance when needed while running heavy software would not be that great.
is asus vivobook 16 also a good option for communication design? can you tell which is better between Lenovo LOQ 2024 AMD Ryzen 7 (83JC00EHIN) and HP OMEN Gaming Laptop (wd0012TX)
Hi, I am currently using HP Pavilion with 12th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor, 16 GB Ram, 477 GB SSD and 128 MB Intel Iris xe Graphics card. I wanted to ask if this enough for interaction design for the first year. Thank you!
For first year it should work fine. Later consider getting one with dedicated GPU as recommended.
Hello, what laptop is most preferred for the Global Design Program?
You may choose from the first pool of laptops recommended for communication.
Hello, which laptop to use for global design programme
Choose from the pool of Communication Design. That is fairly balanced and can suffice for GDP requirements.