title: Best Laptops Under $90 for Designers (2025)
date: 2025-01-15
excerpt: Discover the best laptops under $90 for designers in 2025, featuring budget-friendly options that don't compromise on quality. This guide includes in-depth reviews and expert insights to help you make an informed decision.
tags: ["tech"]
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Best Laptops Under $90 for Designers (2025)

As the design world continues to evolve, the demand for affordable technology that meets the needs of creatives increases. In 2025, we explore the best laptops under $90 specifically tailored for designers. These budget-friendly options provide the essential tools required for graphic design, illustration, and other artistic pursuits without breaking the bank.

Overview

Finding a powerful laptop under $90 can be challenging, especially when it comes to design tasks that require software like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. However, it's not impossible. This buying guide will help you navigate through the budget laptop market, focusing on key features, performance, and overall value for designers.

Key Considerations for Designers

1. Performance: Look for laptops with decent processors and RAM to handle design software.
2. Display Quality: A good display is critical for design work. Look for laptops with at least HD resolution.
3. Portability: Lightweight laptops are ideal for designers on the go.
4. Battery Life: Long battery life is essential for extended design sessions.
5. Storage: Opt for laptops with SSDs if possible for faster load times.

Top Picks

In-Depth Reviews

HP Chromebook 14

!HP Chromebook 14

Best For: Web Design

The HP Chromebook 14 is an excellent choice for web designers due to its large 14" HD display and lightweight design. With 4GB of RAM and 32GB of eMMC storage, it performs well for basic design tasks and runs Chrome OS efficiently.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Good display quality for web design
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Limited storage capacity
• Depends on internet connectivity for most design tools

Lenovo IdeaPad 1

!Lenovo IdeaPad 1

Best For: Basic Graphic Design

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a compact laptop that provides decent performance for basic graphic design tasks. It features an AMD A6 processor and 4GB of RAM, making it suitable for running lightweight design applications.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Compact and easy to carry
• Reliable performance for basic tasks

Cons:

• Limited RAM for more intensive design work
• Smaller display size

Acer Aspire 1

!Acer Aspire 1

Best For: Digital Illustration

Acer Aspire 1 is a great option for digital illustrators looking for a budget-friendly laptop. With a 14" Full HD display and Intel Celeron N4020 processor, it provides adequate performance for drawing and design software.

Pros:

• Full HD display for better visual clarity
• Reasonable performance for design tasks
• Sleek design

Cons:

• May struggle with more demanding software
• Limited upgrade options

Dell Inspiron 11 3000

!Dell Inspiron 11 3000

Best For: Photo Editing

The Dell Inspiron 11 3000 is ideal for photo editing thanks to its decent performance and portability. With an Intel Celeron N3350 processor and 4GB of RAM, it can handle basic photo editing tasks efficiently.

Pros:

• Good performance for photo editing
• Lightweight and portable
• Decent battery life

Cons:

• Limited processing power for advanced editing
• Smaller screen size may not suit everyone

ASUS VivoBook L203MA

!ASUS VivoBook L203MA

Best For: Animation

The ASUS VivoBook L203MA is perfect for budding animators. With an Intel Celeron N4000 processor and 4GB of RAM, it provides sufficient power to run animation software like Blender or After Effects, albeit at a basic level.

Pros:

• Good for entry-level animation projects
• Lightweight and easy to transport
• 64GB eMMC storage for files

Cons:

• Limited capabilities for advanced animation tasks
• Performance may lag with heavy software

How We Picked

In selecting the best laptops under $90 for designers, we focused on several criteria:

1. Performance Metrics: We evaluated CPU, RAM, and storage specifications to ensure they could handle basic design software.
2. User Reviews: Customer feedback was analyzed to gauge satisfaction and real-world performance.
3. Feature Set: Essential features like screen size, display quality, and battery life were taken into account.
4. Value for Money: We sought laptops that offered the best performance at the lowest price.
5. Availability: Ensured that all products listed are readily available for purchase.

Alternatives

If you're open to spending slightly more than $90, consider these alternatives that offer better performance:

• HP Stream 14 - $150
• Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 - $200
• Acer Chromebook Spin 311 - $180

These options provide enhanced performance and features that can significantly improve your design workflow.

FAQs

1. Can I run Adobe Creative Suite on laptops under $90?

Most laptops in this price range can run lighter design applications, but you may experience performance issues with heavier applications like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.

2. What is the minimum RAM I need for design work?

For basic design tasks, 4GB of RAM is usually sufficient. However, 8GB is recommended for smoother performance, especially when multitasking.

3. Are Chromebooks a good option for designers?

Yes, Chromebooks can be a good option for web-based design work. However, they may struggle with offline design software.

4. How important is display quality for design work?

Display quality is crucial for designers as it affects color accuracy and detail visibility. Look for at least a Full HD display if possible.

5. What software can I run on a budget laptop for design?

You can run web-based applications like Canva or Figma, as well as lightweight desktop applications like Paint.NET or GIMP.

6. How can I improve performance on a budget laptop?

Consider optimizing your laptop by disabling unnecessary startup programs, using lightweight software alternatives, and regularly clearing temporary files.

Final Verdict

Finding a laptop for designers under $90 may seem daunting, but there are viable options available that can help you accomplish your creative tasks. Whether you are into web design, basic graphic work, or digital illustration, the laptops listed in this guide provide a great balance of performance and affordability.

While they may not compete with higher-end models, these budget laptops can serve as a reliable tool for entry-level designers. Always consider your specific needs and software requirements before making a purchase to ensure you invest in a laptop that will support your creative journey.