Choosing the best laptop for Affinity Publisher 2 can be a challenging task, especially when considering the unique requirements and preferences of users working in digital publishing and graphic design. As an avid user of Affinity applications myself, I understand the importance of selecting the right hardware to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. In this guide, I'll share my insights on how to find the perfect laptop tailored for Affinity Publisher 2 users.
In my quest to find the best laptop for this specific topic, I have meticulously reviewed an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs, user-generated reviews, and professional critiques. By narrowing down the top options based on the requirements unique to Affinity Publisher 2 and considering various price ranges, I aim to provide valuable recommendations for users in search of their ideal laptop.
When it comes to Affinity Publisher 2, certain features and specifications take precedence over others. For instance, a high-quality display is essential for accurate color representation, while a powerful processor and sufficient RAM will ensure smooth performance when working with large documents and intricate designs. Additionally, users may also value portability, build quality, and a comfortable keyboard for extended work sessions. With these factors in mind, this guide will help you navigate the sea of options and find the best laptop for your Affinity Publisher 2 needs, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience in the world of digital publishing.
Processing Power: The Heart of Affinity Publisher 2 Laptop
Choosing the right processor is crucial when it comes to working with Affinity Publisher 2 on your laptop. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know.
What's new in the world of CPUs
Apple has released MacBooks with ARM-based M1, M2, M2 Pro, and M2 Max system-on-chip modules, offering exceptional single-core performance and battery life. AMD has also captured 20% of the laptop CPU market, and its latest 7th-generation Ryzen processors are being shipped in the first batches of laptops. Intel's 13th-generation Core processors have already been released, but the 12th-generation Core CPUs can still provide value.
How much money do you have to spend on a laptop?
The amount of money you have to spend on a laptop is a critical factor to consider when choosing a processor. If you're on a tight budget, an i3-1115G4 processor will get the job done, but you won't get the best performance. If you have more money to spend, an i5-1135G7 processor is a better option.
Are you a video editor or a 3D artist?
If you're a video editor or a 3D artist, you need a workstation-level CPU. These processors provide the power you need to handle demanding creative workflows without any lag or stuttering.
How do I rank processors by performance?
When comparing processors, I recommend using Cinebench R23 and PassMark (or PassMark Advanced) scores as they're more relevant than single-core benchmarks like PassMark. These scores will give you a good idea of how each processor performs when handling demanding tasks.
Table of recommended processors and their expected price tags
Here's a table of recommended processors for working with Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop:
| Processor | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| i3-1115G4 | $300-$500 |
| i5-1135G7 | $600-$800 |
| i7-11370H | $1000-$1500 |
If you're on a tight budget, the i3-1115G4 processor will do the job, but you'll sacrifice performance. The i5-1135G7 is the sweet spot in terms of price and performance. If you need the best performance, the i7-11370H is the way to go. Keep in mind that these price ranges are estimates, and actual prices may vary depending on the laptop's other specs and brand.
Powering Your Affinity Experience: A Look at Graphics Cards
When it comes to selecting the right graphics card for Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop, there are a few things to keep in mind. While Nvidia continues to dominate the laptop GPU market, the first round of their newly released RTX 40 series cards is just starting to hit the shelves. However, the RTX 30 series cards still make up the majority of the current notebook GPU market.
It's important to note that if you're looking for a laptop for Affinity Publisher, a dedicated graphics card may not be necessary. The software is designed to work well with integrated graphics cards found in most modern CPUs. However, if you plan on using other graphics-intensive applications or want to future-proof your laptop, a dedicated graphics card might be worth considering.
When it comes to using a laptop GPU for graphics rendering, it's possible, but it's not ideal. Desktop GPUs are still the preferred choice for rendering due to their higher power limits and ability to handle heavy workloads for extended periods. However, if you're on a budget or need the portability of a laptop, a dedicated GPU can still get the job done.
To determine which GPUs are best suited for gaming, there are several ways to compare them. I prefer using 3DMark because it's an industry-standard benchmark that measures the entire graphics pipeline from the GPU to the display panel. If you're looking for a gaming laptop with a high refresh rate display, keep in mind that you might have to make some sacrifices in other areas such as battery life or portability.
Here are my recommendations for laptop GPUs based on their performance and price range:
| Minimum | Recommended | High-End |
|---|---|---|
| GeForce GTX 1650 | GeForce RTX 3050 | GeForce RTX 2060 |
| Avg. Price: $600-$800 | Avg. Price: $1000-$1300 | Avg. Price: $1500-$1800 |
It's important to note that laptop prices can vary depending on the manufacturer, screen size, and other specifications. However, these GPUs offer a good starting point for selecting a laptop that can handle graphics-intensive tasks such as Affinity Publisher.
Boost Your Affinity Publisher 2 Experience with the Right RAM
If you're looking for a laptop to run Affinity Publisher 2, RAM is one of the most important components to consider. In recent years, mid-range laptops come with at least 16 GB of RAM, and high-end laptops can have 32 GB or more.
When it comes to editing photos, 32 GB of RAM is sufficient for most users. However, if you regularly work with large files or use multiple applications at once, 64 GB of RAM is ideal to keep your machine running fast.
RAM speed is not as important as it used to be, but it's still a nice bonus if you can get it within your budget. If you're using your laptop for video editing, faster RAM might help with rendering times, but it's not a significant factor in most cases.
DDR5 is the latest RAM technology, and while it is faster and more power-efficient than DDR4, it's still relatively new and expensive. For most users, DDR4 RAM is still more than enough for their needs.
Here are my recommendations for what to look for in various price ranges:
| Price Range | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|
| Budget | 16 GB |
| Mid-range | 32 GB |
| High-end | 64 GB |
In conclusion, the amount of RAM you need for Affinity Publisher 2 depends on your specific use case. 32 GB is enough for most users, but if you regularly work with large files or use multiple applications at once, 64 GB is ideal. DDR5 is not yet necessary for most users, and DDR4 is still more than enough for most needs.
Got questions? We've got answers!
Q: What are the minimum requirements for running Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop?
To run Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop, you will need at least an i3-1115G4 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.
Which laptops are best for Affinity Publisher 2?
For running Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop, we recommend the HP Victus 15t, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar, and the ASUS ROG Strix Scar G733CX-XS97, which have varying prices depending on their specs.
Is a graphics card necessary for running Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop?
Yes, a graphics card is necessary for running Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop. We recommend a GeForce GTX 1650, GeForce RTX 3050, or GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card, depending on your budget and needs.
How much RAM is required for Affinity Publisher 2 in a laptop?
To run Affinity Publisher 2 smoothly on a laptop, you will need at least 16 GB of RAM. For optimal performance, we recommend 32 GB or 64 GB of RAM.
What are the recommended specs for a laptop to run Affinity Publisher 2?
For running Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop, we recommend an i5-1135G7 or i7-11370H processor, 32 GB or 64 GB of RAM, and a GeForce RTX 3050 or GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card.
Is an i5 processor enough for running Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop?
Yes, an i5 processor is enough for running Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop. However, for optimal performance, we recommend an i7-11370H processor.
Can you run Affinity Publisher 2 on a budget laptop?
Yes, you can run Affinity Publisher 2 on a budget laptop, but you may experience slower performance or longer rendering times. We recommend the HP Victus 15t for a budget option.
What laptops are compatible with Affinity Publisher 2?
Most modern laptops are compatible with Affinity Publisher 2, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of an i3-1115G4 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.
How to choose a laptop for Affinity Publisher 2?
To choose a laptop for Affinity Publisher 2, consider the recommended specs of an i5-1135G7 or i7-11370H processor, 32 GB or 64 GB of RAM, and a GeForce RTX 3050 or GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card. Also, consider your budget and whether you need other features such as a touchscreen or a larger display.
Is a touchscreen necessary for running Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop?
No, a touchscreen is not necessary for running Affinity Publisher 2 on a laptop. However, it may improve your workflow and ease of use.
4 Best Laptops for Affinity Publisher 2
1.HP Victus 15
The HP Victus 15 is a decent budget laptop for casual gaming and work, but not for those needing long battery life or flashy design.- Excellent price
- Good performance for casual gaming
- Can double as a work laptop
- Three color choices
- Bad battery life
- Rather plain design
- Weak GPU yields unsatisfactory frame rates
- Screen only so-so despite 144Hz refresh rate
Summary
The HP Victus 15 is a budget gaming laptop that performs decently for casual gaming and can also function as a work laptop. It has a plain design and short battery life, but its low price makes it worth considering.
Alternatives
Lenovo Legion 5 17.3
- Decent gaming performance
- Sufficient amount of ports
- Short battery life
- Small touchpad
2.Lenovo Legion 5 Pro
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro offers impressive performance for Affinity Publisher 2 at a high price.- High-quality 165 Hz 16:10 IPS display
- Relatively easy serviceability
- Very fast charging
- Integrated numpad
- Low-resolution webcam with no IR or privacy shutter
- Very warm CPUGPU temperatures when gaming
- Moderate-heavy uneven backlight bleeding
- Only average battery life
Summary
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro comes with an upgraded AMD Zen 3+ CPU and 150 W TGP GeForce RTX 3070 Ti GPU, making it an excellent choice for Affinity Publisher 2. The laptop offers a high-quality 165 Hz 16:10 IPS display and is relatively easy to service.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74
- High TGP target for faster performance
- 300Hz IPS panel with full sRGB coverage
- Chassis base and lid exhibit some flexing
- No per-key RGB lighting
3.ASUS ROG Strix Scar
ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 G533 is a powerful gaming laptop with a few flaws.- Unhindered Core i9-12900H and RTX 3070 Ti performance
- Sturdy construction
- Fast Wi-Fi 6E
- Wide color gamut coverage with Dolby Vision support
- High heat and noise emissions under load
- Limited display angle
- No biometric login
- Heavy SSD throttling during continuous reads
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 G533 is a gaming powerhouse with upgraded Intel and Nvidia components, fast Wi-Fi 6E, and a wide color gamut display. However, it suffers from high heat and noise emissions, limited display angle, and a lack of biometric login.
Reviews
Alternatives
Acer Predator Triton 500
- High performance capabilities
- Excellent, bright 240-Hz display
- Soldered-in RAM
- Inaccessible SSD
4.ASUS ROG Strix Scar G733CX-XS97
ASUS ROG Strix Scar G733CX-XS97 is a powerful gaming laptop with a high-end hardware.- Good QHD panel with 240 Hz
- High and stable gaming performance
- Extensive case illumination
- TB4, Wi-Fi 6E, and PCIe 4.0
- Inconsistent SSD performance
- Additional premium for HX CPU isnt worth it
- No webcam
- Electronic noises.
Summary
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar G733CX-XS97 is a high-end gaming laptop with a powerful hardware including Core i9-12950HX and GeForce RTX 3080 Ti. The laptop features a good QHD panel with 240 Hz and stable gaming performance, but inconsistent SSD performance and lack of webcam are some of its cons.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Zephyrus Duo
- Impressively thin and elegant design with dual displays and top-end performance
- Refined two-screen layout
- Eye-watering cost, especially as configured
- Awkward keyboard and touchpad layout
Table of the Best Laptops for Affinity Publisher 2
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| HP Victus 15 | $880 |
| Lenovo Legion 5 Pro | $1,350 |
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar | $2,310 |
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar G733CX-XS97 | $3,800 |
