For smooth photo and video editing, the best laptops are those with powerful processors (Intel i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 7/9, or Apple M-series), a dedicated GPU for rendering (like NVIDIA RTX 3060 or higher), at least 16–32 GB of RAM, and fast SSD storage for handling large files. A high-quality, color-accurate display (100% sRGB or better, ideally 4K) is also essential for editing precision. Top picks include the Apple MacBook Pro (M-series) for seamless macOS workflows, the ASUS ProArt P16 for creators needing high color accuracy and strong GPU performance, and the MSI Creator series for a balanced Windows option with excellent editing power.