Top 3 picks

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5i Ultra
Why we picked this
Best Overall: The strongest balanced choice under the required ceiling, combining 16GB of RAM, a larger Full HD display, and a 512GB SSD for more comfortable creative multitasking. Integrated graphics are suitable for light creative work but not demanding 3D or advanced video editing.
Key Specs
Where to buy
est. €449Prices change often — check the retailer for the current price.

Acer Aspire 14 AI
Why we picked this
Best Value: The lowest-cost option and a sensible entry point for creative work, with a modern Intel Core Ultra processor and fast SSD. Its 8GB of RAM is limiting for heavier photo, video, or illustration projects, so it is best suited to lighter workloads.
Key Specs
Where to buy
est. €399Prices change often — check the retailer for the current price.
ASUS Vivobook S14 (S3407QA)
Why we picked this
Premium Pick: The premium-priced option offers 16GB of RAM, an OLED display, and strong battery endurance in a compact design. It is within the permitted premium cap, but ARM software compatibility should be checked for specialist creative applications.
Key Specs
Where to buy
est. €518Prices change often — check the retailer for the current price.