Looking for the best laptop for Cricut makers? If you cut a lot of material for any kind of crafts, a Cricut Maker is likely to be an essential part of your process. It’s natural that you’d want to ensure you have the best laptop to pair with the machine.
The majority of modern laptops are able to work with the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker machines. However, compatibility doesn’t always mean that you are going to get the best possible performance.
Cricuts are a brilliant tool for crafters as it provides them with a variety of functions that help cut different shapes and designs with expert precision. Having a laptop that can work well with the Cricut devices and software will give you the tools that you need to create professional results.
There are so many different laptops available on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one to choose. When it comes to the best laptops, it is the inside that counts. They all have different specifications and features that make them great for various functions.
The good news is that you don’t need the very latest and most expensive laptops to use a Cricut maker, however newer devices can allow you to get more out of your machine. Meet the Cricut Maker, which uses software and connects to your laptops to make your creative Art best. We are here today, going to introduce theCricut Maker Cricut Explore.
Have a Look to our top picking Laptops:
- Microsoft Surface Book 2 15″ (Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512 GB), Silver
- Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop, Intel i7-10750H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6GB, 15.6″ Full HD 144Hz 3ms IPS Display, 16GB Dual-Channel DDR4, 512GB NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, RGB Keyboard, PH315-53-72XD
- ASUS VivoBook S Thin & Light Laptop, 14″ FHD, Intel Core i7-8550U, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, GeForce MX150, NanoEdge Display, Backlit Kbd, FP Sensor – S410UN-NS74
- Apple 13″ MacBook Air Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM (2017 Model 128GB)
- Dell Inspiron 15 5000, 2019 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen Laptop, Intel 4-Core i5-8265U, 12GB RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD by 16GB Optane, 1TB HDD, Backlit KB Fingerprint Reader MaxxAudio Win 10/Accessories Bundle
Best 5 Laptops for Cricut Maker Cricut Explore
1. Microsoft Surface Book 2
I won’t recommend an expensive and premium laptop just for working with the Cricut cutting machine. However, if you are an advanced user and do heavy multitasking, work with graphics-heavy programs or dozens of chrome tabs and still want a lightweight notebook; You can consider the Microsoft Surface Book 2.
The best thing about the Surface Book 2 is, it’s available with several configurations, if you don’t have any rigorous requirements you can opt for its 13.5-inch model with Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB memory, and 256GB SSD, it would be ample for working your designing and cutting work. The flagship model of Book 2 is offering a 15”screen with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB memory, and 1TB SSD storage. Moreover, it’s packed with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 dedicated graphics with 6GB VRAM.
Key Features
- Four versatile modes of use and new USB-C port
- The fastest Surface Book yet, with 4x more power
- Microsoft Surface Book 2 Features a 8th generation Intel Quad Core i7 Processor, 512 GB of storage, 16 GB RAM, and up to 17 hours of video playback
- Enhanced Graphics performance with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 discrete GPU w/6GB GDDR5 Graphics Memory
- Vibrant PixelSense Display: now available with a new 15″ touchscreen. Weight : Starting at 4.2 pounds including keyboard
Technical Specifications
| Display Size | 15 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 3260×2160 Pixels |
| Processor | 1.9 GHz Core_i7_860 |
| RAM | 16 GB LPDDR3 |
| Memory Speed | 1866 MHz |
| Hard Drive | 512 GB flash memory solid state |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 6 GB |
| Wireless Type | 802.11abg |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 13.5 Hours |
Pros
- Longer battery life
- Detachable design for versatile use
- Available with several configurations
- Best performance with potent hardware
- Premium quality PixelSense display ensures top-notch image quality
Cons
- Very expensive
- A limited number of ports, and need a converter for connecting other devices
Recommendations
It’s offering a USB Type-C port and a Surface Connect port along with a headphone jack; therefore, you have to purchase an adapter for connecting some other devices. Whether we talk about the performance, display quality, portability, durability, or battery life, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 won’t disappoint you, but you have to pay a premium price for it.
2. Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop
Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop comes with this high-level specification if we talk about multitasking programmers, Acer Predator Helios can handle it effortlessly. The Acer 300 offers the USB Type-C, USB Type-C, LAN port, headphone jack, and SD card reader.
The predator beast is coming with the Intel Core i7-7700HQ Hexa-Core processor, 16GB memory, and 256GB SSD storage. The Asus Predator 300 has a full HD 15.6” display, which can deliver decent quality pictures. If you are attending a desktop replacement machine, then the Asus Predator 300 would be the best.
Key Features
- 10th Generation Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core Processor (Up to 5.0 GHz) with Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
- Overclockable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM
- 4-Zone RGB Backlit Keyboard | Wireless: Killer Double Shot Pro Wireless-AX 1650i 802. 11ax Wi-Fi 6; LAN: Killer Ethernet E2600 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN; DTS X: Ultra-Audio; 4th Gen All-Metal AeroBlade 3D Fan
- Connectivity technology: Bluetooth
- 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080) Widescreen LED-backlit IPS display (144Hz Refresh Rate, 3ms Overdrive Response Time, 300nit Brightness & 72% NTSC)
- 16 GB DDR4 2933MHz Dual-Channel Memory, 512GB NVMe SSD (2 x M.2 slots; 1 slot open for easy upgrades) & 1 – Available Hard Drive Bay
Technical Specifications
| Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 5 GHz corei7_10750h |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 2933 MHz |
| Hard Drive | Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Card Description | RTX 2060 |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 6 GB |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ax |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 3 |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 6 Hours |
Pros
- Backlit keyboard with RGB lights
- Latest 10th Gen Intel Core i7
- Great Price For the Features
- Can buy on EMI with Amazon Interest-Free Option
- Excellent Display Quality with Full IPS Screen
- CPU can afford 6-Core and Up to 5.0 GHz Speed
Cons
- Inferior battery life
- Little heavy and wide
Recommendations
According to performance. The 8th Generation powers this laptop. It is a gaming notebook. Therefore, you cannot expect a good battery life.
3. ASUS VivoBook S Thin & Light Laptop
Asus Vivo is backed with a powerful Intel Core i5-8250U processor, along with 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage. The Asus VivoBook is also offering a fingerprint sensor with a backlit keyboard. They also come in handy sometimes.
If you are looking for a compact and lightweight laptop with a full HD screen, the Asus VivoBook is perfect for you. Although this laptop has hybrid storage, Asus Vivo’s book is light in weight and very thin in size.
Key Features
- 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD
- 14 inches Full HD Wide view display with up to 178 degrees wide view and Asus NanoEdge bezel for a stunning 77% screen to body ratio
- Slim 12.8 inches Wide, 0.7 inches Thin and portable footprint with metal cover and backlit keyboard with fingerprint sensor
- 8th Generation Intel Core i7 8550U (Turbo up to 4.0GHz) Quad Core processor and dedicated NVIDIA GeForce MX150 graphics 2GB
- Comprehensive connections including USB 3.1 Type C (Gen1), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI, & headphone/mic combo port (*usb transfer speed may vary. Learn more at Asus website)
Technical Specifications
| Display Size | 14 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 4 GHz apple_ci7 |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce MX150 |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 2 GB |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 2 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Pros
- Backlit keyboard
- Stunning full HD Display
- Headphone/Mic Combo Port
- Latest USB Type-C port available
- Hybrid storage provides more Storage with speed
Cons
- The display does not look brighter outdoor but in the indoor
Recommendations
The Asus VivoBook is the reliable and portable laptop for the Cricut Explore or Maker machine
4. Apple 13″ MacBook Air
Apple is a well-known brand, and MacBook air is the series that has the best laptop for vinyl cutting. The 13-Inch MacBook Air features 8GB of memory and 128 GB SSD. With the best graphics performance and storage capacity, this laptop delivers the best in every task. However, the 13-inch MacBook Air is more lightweight than the HP 15 and HP Elitebook 840 G2.
This device is thin and also lightweight. However, This laptop provides the fingerprint sensor facility, offering a soft keyboard that is magnificent to use, the processor with double speed, and it is available at a very affordable price. This laptop has 3 USB ports. It is more compatible and easy to use.
Key Features
- 8GB memory
- Two USB 3 ports
- Thunderbolt 2 port
- SDXC port
- Fast SSD Storage
- Intel HD Graphics 6000
- 1.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 Processor
Technical Specifications
| Display | 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display,1440-by-900 resolution with support for millions of colors, 16:10 aspect ratio |
| Processor | 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 2.9GHz, with 3MB shared L3 cache |
| Graphics and Video Support | Intel HD Graphics 6000 |
| Charging and Expansion | Two USB 3 ports (up to 5 Gbps), Thunderbolt 2 port (up to 20 Gbps), MagSafe 2 power port, SDXC card slot |
| Wireless | 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking; IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible. Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology |
| In the Box | MacBook Air, Power adapter, AC wall plug, Power cord |
Pros
- Fast SSD storage
- Different colors
- High-speed processing
- Best value for money
- Intel HD Graphics 6000
- Long Battery life up to 12 hours
Cons
- There are very few USB ports
Recommendations
Whenever we talk about durability, it is durable enough to take everywhere you go and powerful enough to do everything once you get there. When we talk about the connectivity options, this laptop has dual thunderbolts with three ports, while one is used for charging purposes.
5. Dell Inspiron 15
Packed with the latest Intel Core i5-8265U
processor, 12GB memory, and 256GB faster PCIe SSD + 1TB HDD storage, the newest Dell Inspiron 15 5000 laptop is one of the powerful and reliable laptops that comes at a very aggressive price. It doesn’t matter which Cricut machine you’re working with, Explore or Maker, this laptop can provide trusted performance. Not only the performance but aesthetically, this buddy is very well-designed; credit goes to its thin bezel and sleek design. However, it’s not a lightweight laptop if you’re expecting.
The Inspiron 5000 is offering a full HD 15.6-inch touchscreen, and can deliver superb picture quality. However, the touchscreen might not be much beneficial here as it’s not offering a convertible design. On the left side, this laptop is equipped with two USB ports along with a headphone jack, LAN, and HDMI ports. Moreover, there is another USB Port on the right side. Overall, you won’t run out of connectivity options, even if you have multiple USB devices.
Key Features
- Expanded Enough Storage : 12GB DDR4 SDRAM, 256GB PCIe Solid State Drive Accelerated by 16GB Optane, 1TB Hard Disk Drive; can easily reach your daily, school and business expectations.
- Dell Inspiron i5 8th gen: The Latest Powerful 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core i5-8265U(>i5-8250U) Processor, 1. 60GHz Base Frequency, up to 3. 90GHz, 6 MB SmartCache, 8 Treads
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64 bit, Stereo Speakers with MaxxAudio Pro, 802. 11 Dual Band Wireless-AC WLAN + Bluetooth 4. 1, Backlit Keyboard, Fingerprint Reader
- Dell Inspiron 15. 6 inch: 15. 6 inch Full HD ( 1920 x 1080 ) Touchscreen Widescreen LED Display, Integrated Widescreen 720p HD Webcam with Dual Digital Microphone Array. With Intel Integrated UHD 620 Graphics
- External Ports and Slots: 2 x USB 3. 1, 1 x USB 2. 0, 1 x HDMI, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x Combo Headphone / Microphone Jack, 1 x Media Card Reader
Technical Specifications
| Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Max Screen Resolution | Full HD ( 1920 x 1080 ) Touchscreen |
| Processor | 1.6 GHz apple_ci5 |
| RAM | 12 GB DDR |
| Memory Speed | 3.9 GHz |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB Hybrid |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel Integrated UHD 620 Graphics |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 1 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Pros
- Ample connectivity options
- Affordable notebook for Cricut
- Beautiful design with full HD touchscreen
- Comes with backlit keyboard, and fingerprint sensor
- Hybrid SSD and HDD combination for speed and storage
Cons
- Slightly heavy compared to rivals
Recommendations
If you have noticed, along with a robust processor, this laptop is offering hybrid SSD and HDD storage; so it ensures the performance along with ample storage. If you don’t carry your laptop, this notebook could be a considerable choice for working with Cricut cutting machines at an affordable price.
Final Words
Laptops have become an important part of our lives. Laptops are equally beneficial and necessary for students, workers, and artists. When we have to run Cricut Explore Air or Air 2, we need to find a reliable laptop that can run it smoothly without hanging issues.
As I have mentioned above finding a high quality that can run Cricut Explore Air or Air 2 is not that easy. It requires a lot of research. It becomes even more difficult when you are on a budget. To make things easier for you we have provided you with a list of laptops that you can consider if you want to run Cricut Explore Air or Air 2 and want to upgrade your monitor.
All these monitors have cool features to offer you that are necessary for running Cricut Explore Air or Air 2. You can consider any of them. Hope so this article will prove helpful for you. If you are still confused about choosing the right one just keep in mind your needs, budget, and kind of work you want to do on this monitor, then it will be easier for you to make a choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What laptops are not compatible with Cricut design space?
Cricut Design Space needs a Windows or Mac operating system to function when used on a laptop. Chromebooks run on Google’s own operating system, which is not compatible with the program that you need to use for your Cricut.
2. Can I use an iPad with a Cricut?
With a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore machine, you can use both Windows and Mac computers as well as Android or iOS devices. Both machines use Cricut Design Space to create designs your machine can use.
3. Does Cricut work with Linux?
Cricut has locked any open source OS from it’s design space. The web-app won’t even open for Linux users using Chrome with the latest drivers. The parent company of Cricut has also sued the open software Make the Cut that would work with Cricut machines to kill that software as well for any Linux based OS.
4. Does a Cricut need a computer?
A computer is not required to use a Cricut Explore Air , Cricut Maker, or Cricut Joy. Alternatively, Cricut machines can be used with ios and Android Devices . The Cricut Design Space App is available in the Apple App Store for IOS devices. Cricut Design Space is available in the Google Play Store for Android Devices.
5. Do I need an iPad for a Cricut?
Laptops, tablets, and smartphones are all compatible with the Cricut design space. To use the program on a laptop, you will have to download the software from the Cricut website. Whereas in tablets and smartphones, simply download the Cricut design space app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
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