Thanks to the fierce competition, Apple is under more pressure to design the best Macs ever. As a result, we’re getting better and more powerful machines like the Mac Pro 2019, which is coming later in 2019 possibly alongside the rumored 16-inch MacBook Pro.
So, what are the best laptops for photographers? Apple might be the go-to manufacturer for many professional photographers, but Windows machines can use many editing apps that you can download. Apple MacBook (2017) Less is more with this MacBook With updated components and a couple design tweaks, the 12-inch MacBook is a great choice for an everyday laptop. The Dell Inspiron 7000 i7559 15.6″ UHD (3840×2160) 4K TouchScreen Gaming Laptop. The Dell Inspiron 7000 i7559 is a 15.6″ laptop with high resolution (UHD) display.For someone who is a professional photo editor, being able to edit stills on a high-resolution display is great to have, and that means s/he is going to enjoy working with the Dell. The 9 Best External Hard Drives to Buy in 2018 Back up your songs, photos and files with these external hard drives. Best for Apple. Here are the Best Laptops to Buy in 2018. When Only Top Shelf Will Do: The Best 4K and 1080P Projectors.
In fact, if you’d rather not wait and want to get your hands on one of the best Macs now, there’s already quite a few excellent options to choose from, especially with Apple recently giving its MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and 15-inch MacBook Pro much-needed refresh.
To expand your choices further, the Apple computers are incredibly diverse. The best Macs cover everything from thin and light notebooks like the 12-inch MacBook, which is still on hand at third-party sites despite being discontinued, to professional workhorses like the iMac Pro.
Taking all these into consideration, it can be tricky choosing the perfect Mac for you. We put together a list of the best Macs we’ve tested ourselves – from iMacs to MacBooks – to help you with that important decision. Let’s dive in to all the best Macs you can buy right now, no matter your budget and use.
1. Mac Mini 2018
CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i3 – Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 8GB – 32GB | Storage: 128GB – 2TB PCIe-based SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6cm
Hugely improved specs
Expensive
Mac Mini fans, rejoice! The Mac Mini has finally been upgraded with modern hardware, ushering Apple’s smallest Mac to the modern age and naturally warranting it the top spot in our best Macs list. This tiny thing is packed with 8th-generation desktop processors, a ton of RAM and some of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen – all while keeping the same adored form factor. It’s a tad pricier this time around, but with the raw speed on offer, you’ll find that it’s worth the price increase.
Read the full review: Mac Mini 2018
2. MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
Apple’s productivity machine gets the latest Intel tech
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i7 – i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 555X – 560X, Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 16GB – 32GB | Screen: 15.4-inch, 2,880 x 1,800 Retina display | Storage: 512GB – 4TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 34.93 x 24.07 x 1.55cm
Powerful
Screen remains gorgeous
Lack of ports
If you want the most performance you can get in a MacBook without needing to pull off a heist, you’ll want to look into the MacBook Pro 15-inch. Now refreshed with hexa-core 9th-generation processors and up to 32GB of RAM, you won’t be held back by anything you throw at it – especially now that you can get Radeon Pro Vega 20 graphics. With that kind of performance, the MacBook Pro takes a lofty spot on our best Macs list without breaking a sweat.
Read the full review:MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2019)
3. Apple iMac (27-inch, 2019)
Apple’s most affordable all-in-one
CPU: up to 3.6GHz 8-core Intel Core i9 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 570X – Radeon Pro Vega 48 | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Screen: 27-inch (diagonal) Retina 5K display 5120 x 2880 | Storage: 1TB Fusion Drive – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 51.6 x 65.0 x 20.3 cm
Stunning 5K display
SSD upgrades are expensive
The iMac has long been one of the cheaper ways to get into the macOS ecosystem, and we’re glad that hasn’t changed. Though what has changed, we also appreciate. The new iMac is packing with 8th- and 9th-generation desktop-class processors, letting this stylish all-in-one reach that fabled 8-core performance. If you’re looking for an all-in-one Mac, the new 27-inch iMac might just be the best Mac for you, at least if you’re on a budget.
Read the full review:iMac (27-inch, 2019)
4. MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2018)
CPU: 7th-generation Intel Core i5 – 8th-generation Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 – 655 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2,560 x 1,600 | Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.49cm
Much more powerful
Keyboard learning curve
The biggest issue with the older MacBook Pro was that it was still packing Kaby Lake processors while its rivals had moved ahead. Luckily, the MacBook Pro 2018 changes everything, making it more powerful than ever. It still has the controversial Butterfly keyboard, but that’s also been improved so that its quieter and more reliable. It’s not hard to recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro 2018 to anyone looking for the best Macs.
Read the full review: MacBook Pro with Touch Bar (13-inch, mid-2018)
5. iMac Pro
CPU: 8 to 18-core Intel Xeon W | Graphics: Radeon Pro Vega 56 - Radeon Pro Vega 64 | RAM: 32GB – 256GB DDR4 ECC | Screen: 27-inch 5K (5,120 x 2,880) Retina display (P3 wide color) | Storage: 1TB – 4TB PCIe 3.0 SSD | Dimensions (H x W x D): 65 x 20.3 x 51.6cm
Most powerful Mac you can buy
Very expensive
Professionals and creatives need something that can handle any workload they can possibly throw at it. If you’re one such user, the iMac Pro isn’t just one of the best Macs for you; it’s the only Mac to consider. Not only does it have a vibrant 27-inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, but it also boasts the most powerful hardware Apple could get its hands on. It’s extremely expensive though, so it’s really only meant for folks who have deep pockets and need that unbridled power to get through their daily workloads.
Read the full review:iMac Pro
6. Apple MacBook Air (2019)
CPU: 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 617 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 13.3-inch (diagonal) 2,560 x 1,600 LED-backlit display with IPS technology | Storage: 128GB – 1TB SSD | Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 inches (30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56cm; W x D x H)
Lovely design
Fantastic battery life
Underpowered
Apple takes the MacBook Air (2018) and gives it a bit of refresh, adding True Tone technology to its display and an even more reliable keyboard. Unfortunately, it hasn’t upgraded the specs – which actually leads us to think that there might be a bigger update by early 2020. However, to be fair to this refresh, the 2018 version has already made our list, so this improved version is just as deserving or more so. But the best part is yet to come: this refresh is even cheaper, so you’re definitely getting more value for less.
Read the full review: MacBook Air (2019)
7. MacBook (2017)
Small and stylish
CPU: Dual-core Intel Core m3 – Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Screen: 12-inch Retina (2,304 x 1,440) IPS | Storage: 256GB – 512GB PCIe SSD | Dimensions (W x D x H): 11.04 x 7.74 x 0.14~0.52in
Incredibly portable
Too expensive
While Apple has officially taken the MacBook out of its MacBook lineup, many third parties are still carry it. And because the 12-inch MacBook has found its niche as an ultraportable and lightweight laptop, it’s still deserving of a spot on our best Macs list… that is, until stock runs out. It’s low on ports, but that’s hardly a surprise in a laptop this thin. It can support basically everything under the sun with its Thunderbolt 3 port, anyway. It’s not as powerful as the MacBook Pro, but if you’re looking for a MacBook that’s easy to take with you wherever you go, look no further.
Read the full review: Apple MacBook (2017)
Michelle Rae Uy, Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundown
Our Top PicksMost Popular: Acer Aspire E 15
4.5
Another computer offering an excellent balance of modern hardware, performance headroom, features, and price is the Acer Aspire E 15 (E5-576-392H). Though hitting its budget price means there’s a lot of plastic to be found, some of it has been given a metallic appearance for a classier look.
Inside, the machine delivers an Intel Core i3-8130U processor. Given its low price, it’s nice to see such a modern CPU. That processor is paired with 6GB of dual-channel DDR4 memory and a 1TB hard drive. Both the memory and hard drive are stored inside an easily accessible compartment, so if you want to upgrade them, you can. There’s even a DVD-RW drive included.
Continuing to surprise us at this price point is the Acer Aspire's 15.6' display (hitting Full HD resolution) and the inclusion of 802.11ac Wi-Fi along with an all-day battery, a USB 3.1 Type-C, two USB 3.0 ports, and an SD card reader.
Best Overall: ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 11.6'
3.7
https://supernalbot906.weebly.com/best-external-hard-drive-for-backing-up-mac.html. Dropping hundreds of dollars on a laptop that’s bound to be dropped itself might seem a bit stressful, but a rugged laptop like this ASUS Chromebook will surely put your nightmares to rest. It houses an Intel Celeron N3060 Processor with 2M Cache, up to 2.48 GHz, plus 16GB of flash storage. (You’ll also get 100GB of free Google Drive storage for the first two years.) Its 11.6-inch, 1,366 x 768 anti-glare display tilts back 180 degrees for viewing at all angles.
Being a Chromebook, it’s not as powerful as other machines on this list, but what it lacks in brains it makes up for in brawn. It has 3 millimeters of reinforced rubber around its edges, which passes the 3.9 feet drop test, and a spill-resistant keyboard that can endure about a quarter-cup spill. On top of that, its durable and modular design makes it easy to swap in and out parts, should it need repair.
Check out our other reviews of the best ASUS laptops available on the market today.
Best 2-in-1: Microsoft Surface Go
3.3
It’s hard to argue against the success of Microsoft’s Surface lineup, and the Go is no exception. When in tablet mode, the 10-inch PixelSense touchscreen display is ideal for reading, writing, and games. With 1800 x 1200 resolution, text is crisp and clear. Add one of the available Microsoft Type Covers and the Go instantly becomes a highly capable desktop-like computer. Running Windows 10 S, the Go has complete access to Microsoft’s Marketplace for downloading thousands of applications. For business users, Microsoft’s entire suite of Office products runs superbly.
Weighing a mere 1.3 pounds, the Go is easily the most portable Surface yet. Its diminutive size doesn’t mean scant battery life either as it provides up to nine hours of daily use. Whether it’s a business or personal device, the Go has plenty of protection built in. Microsoft Defender protects against malware attacks while parental controls offer parents peace of mind. With Microsoft stores popping up in malls all over the country, you also have the option of bringing the Go right into a brick-and-mortar location for tech support.
Best for College Students: 2018 Lenovo ideapad 320 15.6'
3.1
Lenovo delivers an excellent everyday laptop at a value price point, combining the latest generation of Intel processing with a high-definition 15.6-inch screen. The computer is powered by an Intel Celeron N3350 dual-core processor with 4GB RAM and a 1TB hard drive. The computer also includes a DVD drive, a 4-in-1 memory card reader for easy transfer of files, as well as Bluetooth 4.1 and USB 3.0 port. Expect fast streaming, thanks to the latest 802.11ac wireless internet. The computer is also great for college students looking to watch movies in their dorm room, with a 15-inch anti-glare screen that looks great from every angle.
Interested in reading more reviews? Take a look at our selection of the best Lenovo laptops.
Best Touchscreen: HP 15-BS013DX
3.6
If you are a tactile learner, a touchscreen computer can come in handy. This entry-level touchscreen from HP is an amazing value at just under $500. It has an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 1 TB hard drive. The BrightView glossy 15.6-inch screen is powered by WLED backlight and shows movies and photos in 1366 x 768 HD. The 2 SuperSpeed USB 3.1 ports make transferring media a breeze, while built-in Bluetooth makes it easy to sync with mobile devices. Finally, an Intel HD Graphics 620 card can handle photo editing and even some basic gaming.
Check out our guide to the best touchscreen laptops you can buy today.
Best Budget: HP Notebook 15
3.1
The latest edition of the HP Notebook 15 is a surprising Windows 10 laptop that packs a lot of features into a sub-$300 machine. This laptop may not impress power-hungry users, but it will do the job for casual users that need to accomplish basic tasks in a timely fashion.
The Notebook 15 has a 15.6-inch screen with 1366-by-768 resolution, a 500 GB hard drive, an SD media card reader, a DVD/CD burner, as well as a VGA webcam with a digital microphone. For ports, there’s one Ethernet, one HDMI, two USB 2.0, one USB 3.0 and a headphone/microphone combo jack. One of the standout features of this model is its 4GB of RAM, which is incredibly important for keeping your machine running smoothly and not something we often see on models in this price range. (Usually, you’ll see models with a paltry 2GB of RAM, which is often not enough to keep things running at a fast clip.)
This machine measures 10 x 15.1 x .9 inches and is a little heavy at 4.74 pounds, so it’s probably not one you’ll want to carry around everywhere. It would make sense as a home or work laptop that’s mostly used in one place. Thankfully, it does offer 5.5-hour battery life, so if you do need to take it anywhere, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Best Value: HP Pavilion 15z
4
If you're looking for speed, capacity, design, features, and price, HP’s Pavilion 15z Touch pretty much delivers on all counts. The design is sleek, with a simple yet polished look complemented by an all-metal finish. Plus, at it's regular price point, there's enough wiggle room in your under-$500 budget to fit in a few upgrades where needed.
The base model includes a 15.6' HD touch display, an AMD Ryzen 3 2200U processor with Vega 3 Graphics, 8GB of DDR4 memory, and 1TB of storage on a hard drive. For a budget computer, these specs are quite impressive. Just keep in mind that as such, the price of this laptop can fluctuate, so keep an eye out for sales to get the best price.
Starting with the base model, you could still stay under $500 while upgrading to a quad-core Ryzen 3 2300U, upgrading to a Full HD IPS display, or adding backlighting to the keyboard. There’s plenty of room for even greater upgrades to the storage, memory, and processor, but expect those to push it past the $500 mark, so choose wisely if you choose to go this route.
Runner-Up, Best Value: Dell Inspiron 15 3000
Dell’s Inspiron 15 3000 is a solid, dependable laptop with decent specs for a device under $500. Running with a 7th-gen Intel i3-7020U processor — Intel’s mid-range chip — and 8GB of RAM, you’ll definitely have enough power for multitasking and day-to-day computing tasks on Windows 10. There’s even enough capacity for 16GB of RAM.
It’s heavier than other budget laptops at 4.95 pounds, so it isn’t the most portable. But if you value a sturdy build, a touchscreen, plenty of ports, and a DVD drive, the extra weight is worth it. Ports include two USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port, an HDMI port, an SD card slot reader, and a headphone jack. The DVD drive is optional.
The downsides: a less-than-stellar display, mid-range processing power, and no backlit keyboard. But for a budget laptop, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000is more than suitable for basic everyday use.
Best for Business: ASUS X540UA-DB31
Business users can get good mileage out of the Asus X540UA-DB31, even if the model name isn’t so user-friendly. The machine offers an excellent balance of performance and price, and it's exceptionally easy to work with. That’s because it has a 15.6' display with a Full HD resolution and matte finish for reduced glare, which is to say your eyes shouldn't be too strained after a long day at work.
The Asus X540UA-DB31 has a modern Intel Core i3-8130U processor, so you don’t have to worry about the budget price meaning old components. It also comes with 4GB of DDR4 memory, which will get you started with no issue but may be worth upgrading later on. One component that really demonstrates the machine's perfect blend of price and performance is the FireCuda SSHD, which combines an 8GB SSD with a hard drive for expansive storage accelerated by SSD speed.
If you need a work machine, this is a good option. And, thanks to its size, it offers a full keyboard. This will be especially handy if you often work with numbers since the number row is not nearly as easy to use as the number pad.
Best Visuals: Lenovo IdeaPad 330s
The Lenovo IdeaPad 330s doesn’t come in at the bottom of the budget barrel, but it hits a sweet spot between price and solid specs. With this model, you’ll be getting a decently sized 15.6' display while the laptop itself stays slim thanks to reduced bezels around the screen. Plus, the display is a Full HD IPS panel, offering clear visuals and great viewing angles.
Inside, the IdeaPad 330s packs a modern Intel Core i3-8130U dual-core processor paired with 6GB of DDR4 memory and a large 1TB hard drive. You should expect decent performance out of this despite its budget price. As a bonus, this laptop will be good for interfacing with external hardware as well.
Best Mac Laptop For Photographers 2017
As for connectivity, 801.11ac Wi-Fi is a good, recent protocol for connecting to wireless networks, and you’ll get Bluetooth 4.1. For fast USB connections, the IdeaPad 330s offers USB 3.1 and USB-C ports. And, if you’re doing work with any media, the 4-in-1 media card reader will come in handy.
Tested byHow We Tested
Our writers spent ten hours researching the most popular laptops under $500. Before making their final recommendations, they considered 60 different laptops, screened options from 11 different brands and manufacturers, and read over 100 user reviews (both positive and negative).
We then bought seven of those laptops under $500 and our reviewers spent more than 100 hours testing them. We asked our testers to consider the most important factors when using these laptops, from their price to their special features. We've outlined the major takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Laptop Under $500
Form factor -Laptops have become so versatile that it’s almost hard to classify them. There are laptops, Chromebooks, netbooks, and 2-in-1s that convert into tablets. Laptops are standard clamshell computers, while Chromebooks are often a bit smaller and only run the Chrome OS and cloud-based apps. A netbook is even more portable, while a 2-in-1 is a laptop that transforms into a tablet. If you’re looking for a device to power your professional work, a laptop will probably do the trick. However, if you’re a student that will be taking a lot of notes, a detachable screen plus a tablet pen can double as a digital notepad.
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Operating system -Some people are simply Apple people through and through and that’s perfectly fine. However, they’ll wind up paying a premium for all their products. If you’re not dead set on buying a Mac, and are happy with Windows, the price comes down while the number of your options goes up. Plus Windows has some amazing features for business users that will blow the Mac OS out of the water.
Screen quality -Whether you’re watching movies or just working in Excel, a high-quality screen still makes all the difference. The more pixels, the more content you can fit on-screen, and the sharper it will look. Many budget devices offer a standard 1366 x 768 screen, but if you can afford it, try to buy something with at least a 1920 x 1080 resolution, also known as Full HD.
Test Results: Acer Aspire E 15 (Most Popular)
4.5
What We Like
What We Don't Like
This laptop came highly recommended by our testers in terms of overall quality, processor capabilities, battery life, and price. Calling the speed “more than adequate,” one of our reviewers said, “I had no trouble browsing the internet, downloading average-sized files, and completing standard work/school tasks.” One of our testers mentioned that the laptop would disconnect from the internet periodically (“sometimes reconnecting on its own and sometimes requiring manual reconnection”) and also didn’t like all of the pre-loaded software. However, our reviewers felt the value outweighed the negatives. Bottom line: “It’s hard to compare this laptop to a powerful $2000 MacBook, but for such a fantastically low price, this laptop is an excellent choice,” declared one of our testers.
Test Results: ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 11.6' (Best Overall)
3.7
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
The ASUS Chromebook C202SA-YS02 11.6' received good ratings from our testers because it’s a no-nonsense laptop that you can depend on. “This is a great option for everything you need: online access, writing accessibility, and some extras,” one person said. Another tester described this model as “basic” but noted that she thought that was a good thing: “This is not a sleek, stylish Mac,” she said. “It’s no frills and gets the job done.” The battery also gets an A from our testers with one reviewer commenting, “For school, I'm positive this computer would last a full day and likely still have time for homework back at home.” Testers also say you’ll notice the laptop’s durability as soon as you hold it in your hands.
Test Results: Microsoft Surface Go (Best 2-in-1)
3.3
What We Don't Like
One of our reviewers loved traveling with this device: “There were times when I completely forgot it was in my bag,” she declared. “Even with the Keyboard Type Cover attached (which is sold separately), the Surface Go remains light and svelte.” Our testers also loved its long battery life, and one reviewer thought it “felt sturdy and strong” and that it “could survive some bumps and scrapes.” In terms of downsides, one of our reviewers said its performance was “sluggish,” even when performing more basic tasks. One tester also wished that it came with a keyboard included: “While you can totally use the Surface Go as a tablet, I believe the best experience is achieved when using it in conjunction with the keyboard,” she said.
Test Results: 2018 Lenovo ideapad 320 15.6' (Best for College Students)
3.1
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
“I think it's the perfect computer to use when curled in bed watching Netflix or a DVD,” one of our reviewers said about her experience with the Lenovo ideapad. “I could see my teenage cousin enjoying it — it's attractive, has a 'cool factor,' and his laptop needs are relatively limited.”
Test Results: HP 15-BS013DX (Best Touchscreen)
3.6
What We Like
What We Don’t LikeBest Laptop For Photographers
One Lifewire reviewer summed up his experience with the laptop by saying, “In its price range, it’s much better than the products I’ve used before.” He thought this model had great value for the price. Our testers also appreciated this laptop’s storage capacity — 1 TB. You can certainly store a lot of photos, videos, or music with that amount of space.
Test Results: HP Notebook 15 (Best Budget)
3.1
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
“It has a nice 15-inch display, the processor is decent, and it has a fair amount of RAM for an under-$500 laptop,” one of our testers said about the HP Notebook 15. Our reviewers thought this laptop performed well, but they deducted most of their points for the setup process. One person was irked that she had to sign up for an outlook.com email address during the process. Fortunately, she went on to say, “Once it was set up, it seems pretty responsive and browsing the Web is fine.” Another reviewer remarked on the physical feel of the laptop, describing it as “plastic-y” compared to other models. Overall, our testers noticed that laptops that fell into the budget category—like this one—had cheaper-feeling builds, but that it didn’t affect performance.
4
What We Like
What We Don't Like
This laptop was a winner with our tester for its design (including its two-tone metallic case) and its sturdy construction. While he liked its responsive touchscreen, he also thought that its display looked a bit faded. Overall, though, he thought it “was a very capable laptop” and that it “represents a massive leap forward from HP’s previous budget offerings.”
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