9+ Best Chromebooks for Artists | Unrivaled Guide 2023

For at least a couple of years you have surely heard of Chromebooks, revolutionary laptops that at an affordable price offer interesting performance, overseas are enjoyin  g great success while in our country they are not taken into much consideration, which is why they are not they know a lot of details about these devices.

In this article we will try to help you in the buying guide of the best Chromebooks for artist, briefly explaining what they are and listing some of the reasons that could lead you to choose them over other notebooks.

What is Chromebook?

In conceptual terms, the Chromebook is basically nothing more than a notebook with a Chrome OS operating system , while on an aesthetic level it has no differences with other laptops that are on the market.

In fact, a Chromebook is structured exactly like any notebook, the form factor is typical of laptops but obviously the presence of a different and proprietary operating system makes a big difference in terms of performance and usability.

To deepen the discussion and get to know Chromebooks more closely, we invite you to read our article on how a chromebook works, you will find the answers to your doubts about features and operation.

Best Chromebooks for Artists | Comparison Table 2023

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Why buy a Chromebook?

Before discovering which are the best Chromebooks, we give you some good reasons to buy one: first of all, at the same cost, these are more performing than other competitors , thanks to the concept behind their design.

Using a light and fast operating system made the difference, especially if supported by a good level of hardware with high-performance processors, low power consumption and fast memories.

Chrome OS is very fast, especially when you turn it on you can see the difference, very lightning fast, free of lag or blocks , excellent autonomy on almost all Chromebook models up to 10 hours of use.

Best Chromebooks for Artists – Buying Guide

As an artist, you probably already know a few things you should look for in your Chromebook … a high-resolution display, for example.

But computers are deep devices with a lot of co-dependent features, so it’s easy to forget or underestimate some of them, which is why I’ve composed this buyer’s guide.

Screen

Let’s start with the obvious. Digital graphics require clarity, and clarity is determined by the number of pixels (or resolution) of a display. As a rule, you should never settle for a resolution lower than 1080p.

You’ll also need something that practically exudes deep, rich, and accurate colors, so keep an eye out for 99% sRGB color space coverage and maximum Adobe RGB space coverage possible. Some sort of built-in color calibration software will also be a huge plus.

Warehousing

Your Chromebook’s storage facilities are where all the important and permanent things go: we’re talking program files, music files, visual files … anything you have saved on your computer to remember later Data.

Since you’ll be churning out masterpiece after masterpiece, you’ll need a Chromebook with a decent enough capacity. 512GB – 1TB will be perfect, but 256GB isn’t exactly a headache. It’s just that you may eventually have to invest in an external hard drive.

Portability

One of the best things about Chromebooks is their compact and lightweight design. You can take it on the road with you and take it out whenever inspiration strikes.

However, you’ll also need a large display, so finding a balance between display size and portability is key.

Dimensions .

The screen size of a laptop PC is strictly related to the total volume of the device and to the weight, but also to consumption: which is why I advise you to carefully evaluate this value. You can find displays starting from 10-12 inches , typical of convertibles and 2-in-1s. The most popular are certainly those between 13 and 15 inches , as they represent a fair mediation between portability and visibility. Finally, if you have particular display needs, you can opt for a 17/18 inch display , but you will have to deal with a considerable weight.

Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels developed in columns and rows on the display surface: the higher this value, the more defined the image. The most popular are HD (1280 x 720 pixels) Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) and 4K (3840 x 2180 pixels). The most suitable for a Chromebook is certainly Full HD, which represents a fair compromise for the standard use typical of this model.

Finishing

 I recommend that you also pay attention to the finish of the display, in relation to the use you need to make of your new Chromebook. The matte finish , also called non-glare, is anti-reflective, therefore suitable for environments characterized by the presence of different light sources. The glossy finish , or glare, certainly gives more clarity and vividness to the colors, but involves greater difficulty in adapting to particularly bright situations.

Touch-screen

Chrome OS is suitable for touch-screen displays, a feature that you can find in convertible and 2-in-1 models or, in general, in all those that offer tablet-style functions. The convenience of this feature is high, especially in case of frequent movements.

CPU

The CPU (central processing unit) , more commonly called processor , is the “beating heart” of computers, thanks to which the instructions that allow the execution of a program are executed. Chromebooks do not require particular performance in this respect and are generally equipped with mid-level processors which, however, ensure extremely fast processing of operations. Intel and AMD are the major CPU makers, and Chromebooks make use of them as well. There are no particular reasons to prefer one or the other brand.

GPU

The video card , or GPU , is the element in charge of managing the graphics processing inside a computer. Chromebooks, being neither intended for professional use by photographers, video makers or architects, nor for gaming, have a video card integrated into the processor. It is undoubtedly an economical choice, but more than enough to manage the graphics needs of this type of PC. If you want to learn more, read my guide on the best video cards on the market.

RAM

The RAM is that part of the so-called volatile memory (i.e. the data is kept only for the time necessary to carry out the operations). It has the delicate task of communicating with the processor in order to balance the enormous amount of information that the latter must process, avoiding overloading it.

In Chromebooks, thanks to the presence of a very light operating system, these elements are free from a large amount of work, so even the RAM can have a limited sizing. In most cases, therefore, there are 4 GB of RAM , sufficient to manage the standard operations for which this type of computer is intended. If you’re planning on buying a more advanced Chromebook, consider getting 8GB of RAM as well .

Disk

The disk is that part of memory in which data is stored in a stable manner. Images, documents, but also the files of the operating system and installed programs are stored in this medium. There are three types: HDD , SDD and eMMC .

HDDs are the classic mechanical hard drives, now less and less used (especially in laptops), as they are very slow. SSDs are solid state memories, based on semiconductors and without mechanical parts; the result is a speed and physical resistance far superior to those of mechanical discs, but also a higher cost (constantly decreasing). EMMCs are the most popular within a Chromebook. They are incorporated directly into the motherboard of the computer and are generally cheaper and slower than SSDs, but still guarantee excellent performance and are to be considered superior to mechanical disks in terms of performance.

Other components

Keyboard

There are many other components to look out for when buying a Chromebook. Among these, the keyboard certainly plays a very important role, especially when your profession or main activity leads you to have to type a lot. Also pay attention to the layout , which is not always the classic Italian QWERTY one, if the notebooks are imported.

Battery

Also evaluate the battery capacity , if you find yourself working often disconnected from the electricity grid. Consider, however, that Chromebooks can boast a very high battery life compared to a “traditional” notebook, by virtue of the design choices aimed at considerable energy savings.

Frequent questions

I know you’re dying to digitize some artwork, but while you’re still here, let’s go over some pertinent FAQs.

Are Chromebooks good for artists?

Most Chromebooks are great for artists due to their convenient size, touchscreens, and extensive software support, but the ones on this list are especially excellent tools for the digital artist.

Do drawing tablets work on Chromebooks?

Yes, as long as the devices share compatible I / O ports, you can connect a drawing tablet to a Chromebook, but the tablet’s functionality will be limited as they are usually only made to support running Windows and Mac systems.

Can i use Adobe Illustrator on a Chromebook?

Unfortunately, Adobe Illustrator won’t work on Chrome OS, but there are some great alternatives like Gravit Designer and AutoDesk’s Sketchbook, which is widely regarded as the best drawing app for the professional creative industry.

Do Chromebooks come with a stylus?

A built-in stylus is becoming a popular design feature, but there are still plenty of Chromebooks out there that don’t have one yet.

What’s the difference between a Chromebook and any other laptop?

The key difference between Chromebooks and other laptops is that Chromebooks are powered by Google’s Chrome operating system, while laptops are powered by Windows or macOS systems.

FAQs

Can Chromebook Be Used For Graphic Design?

Can Chromebooks Run Adobe Illustrator?

As of now, Adobe Illustrator is not available on Chromebooks natively. Adobe offers a web-based version of Illustrator called Adobe Illustrator CC for Web, but it has limited functionality compared to the full-fledged desktop version.

However, Adobe has recently released a beta version of Creative Cloud for Chromebooks, which includes support for some of its desktop apps, including Photoshop and Lightroom. It’s unclear if and when Illustrator will be added to this list, but it’s a promising sign that Adobe is working to bring its creative suite to Chromebooks.

That being said, there are some alternative vector graphics software available on Chrome OS, such as Inkscape and Gravit Designer, which may be suitable for basic graphic design work. But for professional-grade graphic design work, it is recommended to use a traditional laptop or desktop with a more powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, and more memory.

Can I Use Paint On A Chromebook?

Chromebooks do not come with Microsoft Paint installed by default, as it is a Windows-only application. However, there are alternative paint programs available on the Chrome Web Store, such as PaintZ and SketchPad, which can be used to create simple drawings and sketches.

It is worth noting that these programs may have less functionality compared to Microsoft Paint, and may not be suitable for more advanced image editing tasks. If you need more powerful image editing software, you may want to consider using web-based options such as Pixlr or Gravit Designer, or installing Linux on your Chromebook and using GIMP, which is a free and open-source image editing software similar to Adobe Photoshop.

What Is The Most Reliable Brand Of Chromebook?

Is A Chromebook Good For Art?

Chromebooks can be a good option for art, depending on the type of art you want to create and your specific needs. Chromebooks generally come with basic drawing and painting apps, but there are also several web-based art apps and creative tools available in the Chrome Web Store. Some popular web-based art apps for Chromebooks include:

1. Sketchpad: a web-based drawing app that allows you to create digital art with a range of brushes, colors, and effects.
2. Gravit Designer: a vector graphics design app that allows you to create logos, illustrations, and other graphics.
3. ArtFlow: a web-based app that allows you to create digital art with a range of brushes, layers, and filters.
4. Inkscape: a vector graphics editor that allows you to create scalable graphics and illustrations.

However, it’s important to note that Chromebooks may not be the best choice for professional artists or those who require advanced features and capabilities. Chromebooks may also have limitations when it comes to running certain design software or handling large files. If you require advanced features or need to run specific software, you may want to consider a traditional laptop or desktop computer instead.

Is Photoshop Available For Chromebook?

Can Chromebooks Lightroom?

Why Won T Adobe Illustrator Download On My Chromebook?

What Art Programs Work On Chromebook?

There are several art programs that work on Chromebook. Here are some popular options:

1. Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe offers a suite of apps for creative professionals, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. These apps are available on Chromebook through the Creative Cloud web version or Android apps.
2. Autodesk Sketchbook: This is a popular drawing and painting app for artists. It’s available on Chromebook as a web app or Android app.
3. Krita: This is a free and open-source painting program that offers a range of features for digital artists. It’s available on Chromebook as a Linux app.
4. GIMP: GIMP is another free and open-source image editing program that offers a range of features for digital artists. It’s available on Chromebook as a Linux app.
5. Medibang Paint: This is a free digital painting and comic creation software. It’s available on Chromebook as a web app or Android app.
6. Inkscape: Inkscape is a vector graphics editor that is popular among graphic designers and artists. It’s available on Chromebook as a Linux app.

These are just a few examples of the many art programs that work on Chromebook.

Does Canva Work On Chromebook?

Is Sketchbook Free On Chromebook?

Yes, Autodesk Sketchbook is free to use on Chromebook. You can download it from the Google Play Store app on your Chromebook. However, the free version of Sketchbook comes with some limitations, such as a limited number of brushes and a smaller canvas size. If you need more features and options, you can upgrade to the paid version of Sketchbook.

Does Sketchbook Work On Chromebook?