1. Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch

The newest version of the Apple MacBook Pro elevates performance with Apple's M2 Chip. This chip contains a zippy 8-core CPU, allowing you to get more work done without sacrificing in other areas. For designers, it provides enhanced graphics performance. And best of all, with Unified Memory, you can run and toggle between multiple apps without a reduction in performance -- a must for designers working on multiple projects concurrently.

 

The ZBook is HP's mobile workstation range, but there are several models within the range that are specifically designed for particular tasks and applications. The ZBook Fury -- recently updated with this 8th generation (G8) model -- is a top-of-the-range option, suitable for 3D graphics and visualization, game development, and 4K video editing.

 

Dell made quite an impact with its 17-inch Precision 5750 last year, combining impressive workstation levels of performance with a slim and (relatively) lightweight design that can go head-to-head with Apple's revamped 16-inch MacBook Pro. As you might expect, the new Precision 5760 is this year's follow-up, bringing new CPU and GPU upgrades, while still retaining the slimline profile of its predecessor -- just 13.2mm thick.

 

Lenovo's updated ThinkPad P15 Gen 2 isn't as light as previous models in the range, but it provides an affordable mobile workstation for students and professional users in fields such as engineering and CAD. The P15 Gen 2 measures 31mm at its thickest point and is probably more suited for indoor use on the desktop rather than outdoors. However, the low price and Lenovo's wide range of customization options will still appeal to many users.

 

The Surface Book was Microsoft's first attempt to lure creative users away from Apple, but the new Surface Laptop Studio for Business goes all-out to focus on graphics and design work. Like other Surface models, the Laptop Studio has a convertible, 2-in-1 design that allows you to fold the screen flat so that you can use it either as a tablet or a conventional laptop.

 

Like Apple's MacBook range, the Creator Z17 has a 'unibody' design carved out of metal. It measures just 19mm thick, and its 'lunar grey' coloring is also designed to shimmer and change hue as the ambient light around it changes during the day. However, its 3.0Kg weight reminds you that this is a mobile workstation, rather than a stylish ultrabook.