In 2026, creative professionals and students alike seek the best laptops for running Adobe InDesign efficiently. Two popular choices are the Dell XPS 17 and the MacBook Air M2. This article compares their performance benchmarks to help users make informed decisions.

Overview of the Dell XPS 17 and MacBook Air M2

The Dell XPS 17 is renowned for its powerful hardware, large 17-inch display, and customizable configurations. It features the latest Intel processors and dedicated graphics options, making it a favorite among designers.

The MacBook Air M2, introduced in 2022, has become popular for its lightweight design, impressive battery life, and the efficiency of the Apple Silicon chip. Its M2 processor offers significant performance improvements over previous models.

Performance Benchmarks in 2026

By 2026, both laptops have undergone hardware updates, optimizing their performance for demanding applications like Adobe InDesign. Benchmark tests focus on processing speed, graphics rendering, and multitasking capabilities.

Processing Speed

  • Dell XPS 17: Equipped with Intel's latest Core i9 processors, the XPS 17 achieves high scores in CPU-intensive tasks, with an average of 1500 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core tests.
  • MacBook Air M2: Powered by the M2 chip, it scores approximately 1300 points in Cinebench R23, demonstrating excellent efficiency and speed for most creative workflows.

Graphics Rendering

The Dell XPS 17 offers optional dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics, significantly boosting rendering times in InDesign and related Adobe applications.

The MacBook Air M2 relies on integrated Apple GPU cores, which have improved substantially, but still lag slightly behind dedicated GPUs in raw rendering performance.

Real-World Performance in 2026

In practical use, both laptops handle large InDesign files smoothly. However, the Dell XPS 17's dedicated GPU and higher RAM options give it an edge in complex, multi-layered projects.

The MacBook Air M2 excels in portability and battery life, with users reporting over 12 hours of continuous InDesign use, making it ideal for on-the-go professionals.

Conclusion

In 2026, both the Dell XPS 17 and MacBook Air M2 are capable machines for Adobe InDesign. The choice depends on user priorities: power and expandability favor the Dell XPS 17, while portability and battery life favor the MacBook Air M2.

Professionals working on complex projects may prefer the Dell XPS 17 for its superior processing and graphics capabilities. Students and mobile users might opt for the MacBook Air M2 for its lightweight design and impressive battery performance.