Are you looking for the best laptop for Cricut Makers, Explore Air, Explore Air 2, and Cricut Joy? We will help ease your choices between the numerous options that offer compatibility with the machines and the Cricut Design Space software.
After all, the features and basic requirements of working with the tool mean you will cast a wide net when finding a suitable laptop. But can you settle for any laptop if the Cricut system requirements are so low?
According to the official Cricut website, although you can get the software to work and the machine to connect with basic hardware, your user experience may be capped by your setup. A faster, more capable computer running newer operating systems offer more to Cricut users.
Our review of reliable laptops for Cricut Maker machines covers ideal options that ensure you can access your machine's features and functionality. In addition, we will break down our recommendations to cater to the available Cricut tools. Plus, you can check out which Cricut machine is best for your specific needs.
Best Laptops for Cricut Makers, Explore Air, Explore Air 2, and Cricut Joy
1. NIMO 15.6 FHD Laptop
It has been rather refreshing to use the NIMO 15.6 FHD laptop. Many aspects remain evident, but the display quality excels in terms of brightness and quality, an aspect that brings great details to our crafting events. They have come up with an anti-glare screen which minimizes the tiredness of the eyes during a long session of designing. The touch backlit keyboard is perfect, especially for the late hours.
In this aspect, the Intel Alder Lake-N100 CPU is not disappointing as it meets our requirements in terms of performance. Regardless of whether it is compiling a design program or multitasking by opening several browser windows, this laptop performs functions well. The sufficient 16 GB RAM lets us run a lot of programs at the same time without any slowness, which makes it ideal for our Cricut needs.
However, it is important to note that there are some disadvantages associated with the process. The actual laptop is sleek and slim, however, the sound is quite poor.
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2. HP 14" HD Laptop
We have used the HP 14” HD Laptop for some time now and we like its portability due to its light weight. The added Dale Pink color is prominent and the customization appears to be engaging, which we like. It runs Windows 11 smoothly; the OS supports all the needed software for our Cricut activities.
In terms of performance, the Intel Celeron processor along with 4 GB of RAM is quite capable of handling basic graphic designing operations. For most of the Cricut applications, it is useful. However, we realized that giving our designs a more detailed structure might slow it down a bit. For simple cutting and other projects, this laptop is good.
Durability of battery life has been felt by enabling long crafting without necessarily lagging. Still, the 64GB SSD is not without its drawbacks, for instance, it has limited storage capacity. You may require an additional external drive for storage depending on the number of design files you maintain.
For anyone in the market seeking a durable and elegant laptop at an affordable price, this HP laptop is one to look at.
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3. ASUS Chromebook CM14 Flip
When it comes to the operation of the ASUS Chromebook CM14 Flip, its usage is going to be quite simple and clear. The 360° hinge provides continuity between laptop and tablet functions and is great for jotting down design ideas for our Cricut creations or browsing for inspiration with minimal twists and turns. The touch, display, is an extra layer of interaction that it is quite useful especially while working on detailed designs.
As for the performance, it was pretty good for various routine operations. For browsing and typical applications the MediaTek processor is more than adequate and it also should be noted that complex software could slow it down. While most Cricut users will find this laptop to be adequate, offering enough power to design, upload, and print projects with minimal lag.
Battery life seems to be impressive and will usually last a whole day of work before one has to charge it. This is especially beneficial when one is doing a number of crafts or executing projects in school. The spill-resistant keyboard is also another appealing feature and is surely welcome for individuals who might find themselves typing away in unsavory environments. In summary, the ASUS Chromebook CM14 Flip will be useful for anyone using a device for creative purposes that need to be portable and reliable.
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4. ApoloMedia 15.6'' Laptop
So far, we have determined that this ApoloMedia laptop is rather handy for using Cricut Maker software. Computing design applications is easy through the Intel processor thus making design work a breeze.
The larger 15.6” full HD screen is another noteworthy feature; colors and details are clear, and, therefore, it is easy to envision our concepts. It can be quite beneficial when making those detailed adjustments to small, complex features or on layout creations.
In its performance, many aspects have been greatly covered but one notable downside we discovered during testing was low battery optimization.
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5. NIMO 15.6 FHD Laptop
The laptop is an NIMO 15.6 inch and it features an FHD display that produces bright clear and vivid visuals. It was relatively useful while designing complex patterns for Cricut, as it allowed us to see details that could be relevant. Anti glare is very good more so when you are working for long hours without needing to rest your eyes.
In terms of performance, it offers a perfect run owing to the Intel Alder Lake N100 processor. We got great response rates for applications such as Cricut Design Space and it was not affected by having other applications running in the background. The 16 GB RAM guarantees smooth operation in terms of browsing and design applications.
It is the same with portability, which is also considered one of this instrument’s major pros. We loved how portable it is, and how effortless it was to move it from one session of crafting to the next. The keyboard is backlit for use in low light situations and the integrated fingerprint reader provides security. Nevertheless, we saw that the battery does not really last long, and so it should be charged frequently in case one is to craft for long.
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Top Considerations When Buying the Best Laptop for Cricut Maker Machines
a) Processor
The right processor, the brain powering a computer, is critical to ensure the smooth running of the Cricut software. At a minimum, you need a 1.83GHz chip if you are running macOS, a Dual-Core Intel processor, or its equivalent in the AMD series.
Fortunately, these requirements are pretty basic, and even a flagship chip from 7 years ago can deliver the power required for the Cricut Design Space software. Nevertheless, going for the cheapest laptop may suffice, but you will hamper the usefulness of the computer beyond working with Cricut machines.
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For instance, a powerful processor can support multiple tasks where you can run a browser, use supplementary editing software, or even manage your shirt-making business. After all, it is more reasonable to go for a budget laptop that can do more than operate the Design Space software.
b) System Memory and Storage Space
Think of the RAM as a stage where programs jostle for position and space to run effectively. By that analogy, a smaller stage means all software running will need more time to execute a single task.
You need about 4 GB of RAM, according to the minimum requirements of operating a Cricut cutting machine from a computer. However, this detail does not mean the cutting software will use up the entire allocation when running. After all, some supplementary programs, core to the functionality of your computer, must run in the background.
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As long as you are not running resource-intensive programs, 4 GB will suffice to ensure the Design Space software does not slow down to a crawl when creating. Still, you can choose more RAM to allow for multitasking while maintaining quick communication between the computer and the Cricut machine.
You need 2 GB of memory on your laptop or computer to download and install the Design Space program. However, if you intend to work online, this space will suffice as all your designs and projects will be stored on the cloud platform of Cricut.
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On the other hand, saving projects offline requires more storage space on your laptop or computer. On the upside, you can work without an internet connection if you are willing to allocate sufficient space on your hard drive.
A traditional hard drive will work well with Design Space since it is not demanding software. Alternatively, upgrading to an SSD will help boost the speed of accessing different projects and saving them.
c) Operating Systems
If the processor is the brain and the RAM the stage, the operating system is a platform with the supporting programs and features that enable the software to run. So, unfortunately, you have two options for computers and two for mobile devices.
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The Cricut Design Space software does not run on Linux or Unix systems. Although these two are pretty popular with programmers, they lack the support required to interface with a Cricut machine. Additionally, you cannot use Chromebooks as the operating system is not applicable for any Cricut Maker machine.
1. Windows
Windows 10 is the minimum platform for interfacing with Cricut machines regarding a Windows laptop. In addition, you will need a 64-bit operating system variant to access the full range of features and functionality of Cricut Makers.
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Unfortunately, you cannot use your old Windows laptop for Cricut as Windows 7 is no longer supported by the interfacing software. Plus, the S-mode version of Windows will not work either.
2. macOS
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If you are a proponent of the Apple ecosystem, ensure your laptop is running macOS 11 or later to support the Design Space software. Unfortunately, relying on the bare minimum will lock you out of some features of your Cricut machine. Hence, newer is better if you want to do more or get fast and quality performance.
3. Mobile Devices
You can create intricate designs on your mobile device and cut them out using the Cricut Joy machine. Nevertheless, you need to consider the requirements necessary to perform the operations.
After all, you might be inspired on your way to work and implement your thoughts on your phone. In addition, you may not have the money to buy a laptop for Cricut, so mobile devices are an awesome alternative.
a) iOS
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You need iOS 14.5 or higher to interface with the Cricut Joy machine. Fortunately, Apple provides sufficient support in software upgrades for many of its products.
For starters, you can use the first generation of iPhone SE to the new iPhone 13 without hiccups. In addition, the iPad mini 4 through to the fifth generation of the iPad Pro offers support.
b) Android Devices
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As mentioned above, Chromebooks running any version of the Android operating system will not work with any Cricut Maker. In addition, a set list of qualified devices will run the Cricut Design Space for Android.
However, the performance experience will not be uniform across them since the device manufacturer, processor speed, and chipset affect the metric. Also, it would be best to have Android Pie 9.0 or higher for the connection to work.
d) Connectivity
You require a reliable connection to the internet, Bluetooth or USB ports to interface with your Cricut Maker from your laptop, computer or mobile device. Let us look at how connectivity determines the usability of your cutting machine.
1. Bluetooth Connectivity
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Any Cricut cutting machine supports a Bluetooth connection. Fortunately, the connectivity is a standard whether you are running the Design Space program from your laptop or mobile device. So, your computer, phone, or tablet can interface with the machine if you do not want to use wires.
Do not get stuck on the Bluetooth version, as the simple A2DP will suffice to connect. Afterward, you can send your designs to the machine and cut them out.
2. USB Ports
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Using a USB port is an alternative to establishing a Bluetooth connection. The medium allows your computer or laptop to recognize the Cricut machine, and you can send designs and prompt it to cut them out.
Modern laptops compatible with the cutting program may have a USB Type-C port for connecting to the cutter. Ensure you have the necessary dongle, adapter or a cable that caters to a Type-A to Type-C connection.
3. Internet Connectivity
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A broadband or internet connection serves numerous functions. For starters, it grants you access to the Design Space cloud platform, where you can save any project you are working on and sync your progress across devices. In addition, consecutively, 2-3 Mbps and 1-2 Mbps for download and upload speeds are the minimum requirements for a computer or mobile connections.
This internet connection is crucial if you want to do your designs away from your workstation but do not want the hassle of copying them between one computer and another. In addition, you need to keep the cutting software up-to-date to ensure you are running the latest one.
Furthermore, you must sign in to the Design Space program via your broadband connectivity. Once subscribed to Cricut Access, you can download different images, fonts, and patterns through the internet. You cannot complete cuts containing subscription-only content without a reliable connection.
Nevertheless, you can choose to work offline after you download the necessary design aspects for your projects. The storage space available on your computer will determine the quantity of downloaded content you can work with without an internet connection.
e) Display Resolution
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A HD display of 1280px by 720px is suitable for running the Design Space program since it requires 1024px by 768px to run. Since your screen resolution determines the number of details you can see, higher is better.
More screen real estate, in this case, the resolution, can help you create intricate designs more accurately. However, do not confuse this aspect with the size of the screen. You can find the size from the number of inches from one opposite corner to the other.
f) Versatility
When combing through the best laptops for Cricut machines, settling on a versatile option is advisable. Although the minimum requirements are simple to find, it helps if you can do more with your computer than design and cut.
Whether running a business or taking a precise approach to your hobbies, versatility can make the purchase worthwhile. For instance, a gaming laptop has plenty of horsepower underneath the chassis to double as a console. On the other hand, you can take a premium laptop to the office and use it for your projects on Cricut.
Working with the Cricut Joy App on Mobile Devices
Cricut Joy only connects to devices via Bluetooth and not a USB port. In addition, the cutter allows you to use the Cricut Joy app on a mobile device without sacrificing the features and functionality of the machine. The model is more compact than other cutters, but it retains the tools and accessories in a portable package.
a) Android
The Android version of the Cricut Joy app does not support offline uses. Consequently, you need an internet connection to set up the machine whenever you want to work with it.
The functionality on Android devices is pretty limited as you cannot see the difference between free and subscription-only content. Still, you can do your designs and work with your cutter worry-free since the app works seamlessly on the listed Android devices.
b) iOS
The iOS version of the Cricut Joy app allows you to work without an internet connection, but you need to download the necessary files beforehand. Navigation through the app is also much cleaner and more detailed than on Android devices. After all, you can view the purchased, free, and subscriber-only content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Best Laptops for Cricut Makers
1. What kind of computer do I need for my Cricut Maker?
Ensure your computer is running Windows 10 +, macOS 11+ on your computer. If your computer does not have Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports are the alternative. Check out the minimum specs we outlined to determine how your computer should match up with the Cricut Maker.
2. What laptops work well with Cricut design space?
Although you do not need the most powerful laptop to work with the Cricut Design Space, better specs mean faster results with access to more features. A dual-core processor with at least 1.83 GHz speed, 2 GB of RAM, and 4 GB storage space will be enough. In addition, ensure you are running Windows 10 or higher or macOS 11 or later as Linux, Unix and Chromebook operating systems are not supported.
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