Electronic cutting machines, like vinyl cutters, have become increasingly popular because of their ease of use. These machines come equipped with sharp blades that can cut over 100 different materials. These machines can cut anything, whether it be for a home project, a school project, or a business project.
Moreover, vinyl cutting machines these days have even more advanced features such as embossing, etching, sketching, and stippling. Thanks to these advanced features and technologies, you can create immersive projects.
The machines come with specialized software which can be used to control them. They are available for both Windows and Mac OS. But since these software require so much power in order to run without any interruption, you will need a powerful device. So, you will now have to bid your old friend a fond farewell.
Not all laptops perform while operating these software. If you want to create intricate designs, you will need a powerful device. The device should come with enough memory, storage, and processing for working smoothly. You will also need to consider a few other factors before purchasing a laptop for running vinyl cutting software.
In order to assist you with the buying process, our team has compiled a list of the best laptops for vinyl cutting software easily. Each of the laptops on the list is designed to run these programs effortlessly.
So, without further ado, let’s go through each of them.
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| ASUS VivoBook K571 | Check Price |
| HP Pavilion 15 Laptop | Check Price |
| Acer Aspire E 15 | Check Price |
| ASUS ZenBook 15 | Check Price |
| Apple MacBook Air | Check Price |
| LG Gram Laptop - 14" | Check Price |
| Microsoft Surface Book 2 | Check Price |
| Lenovo Ideapad L340 | Check Price |
| MSI Prestige 14 A10SC | Check Price |
| Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop | Check Price |
1. ASUS VivoBook K571
Specification
- Brand: ASUS
- Processor: Core i7-9750H
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- Screen: 15.6 inches
- Weight: 3.97 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.1 x 9.3 x 0.7 inches
Aside from being an ideal option for running vinyl cutting machine software, the ASUS VivoBook K571 won’t burn a hole in your pocket. In terms of performance and features, there is no absolute compromise. So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option then you should check this out.
The laptop is powered by a 6-core Intel Core i7-9750H processor, which is efficient and powerful enough to run any power-consuming software smoothly. Also, it comes with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card to support multitasking and provide high-quality images. As a result, you won’t have any interruptions while editing.
Furthermore, the laptop comes with 16GB of RAM and 4GB of graphics memory, which is an excellent combination for performing hardware demanding tasks smoothly. Plus, thanks to its 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD, you won’t face any space shortage problems while working with the vinyl cutter’s software.
Moving on, the VivoBook K571 features a 15.6-inch full HD display, offering a thin bezel with an 80% screen-to-body ratio. The display has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is enough for our work. Additionally, the body is quite slim and portable, so you won’t face any trouble while carrying it in your backpack.
Overall, the ASUS VivoBook K571 has all the features that you will require. However, you should note that the battery performance of this laptop is not so good. It comes with a 3-cell 42 Wh battery which can last up to 8 hours with reduced brightness. The battery life may vary based on your usage.
PROS
- Excellent connectivity options
- Great graphics power
- Multiple display modes
- Features round speakers
CONS
- Average battery life
2. HP Pavilion 15
Specification
- Brand: HP
- Processor: Core i7-1165G7
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: N/A
- Screen: 15.6 inches
- Weight: 3.86 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.18 x 9.21 x 0.7 inches
If you are looking for a slim and powerful laptop option for handling vinyl cutting software without any interruption then you should definitely check the HP Pavilion 15 laptop out. A pavilion is a recognized symbol that identifies the performance effectiveness of HP laptops. Besides vinyl cutting machine software, any application you throw at it will be able to run smoothly on the laptop.
In addition, the laptop is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 4-core processor which can handle hardware-demanding tasks and multitasking efficiently. Its base speed of 2.8GHz is accompanied by a turbo speed of 4.7GHz, thus providing instant responsiveness. The processor also features Intel Iris Xe graphics memory which is able to handle medium graphics-demanding software very easily.
Additionally, the combination of 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD gives you extremely fast access to your data regardless of how heavy a task is. Performance-wise, even the most critical processing won’t give you a problem. Plus, the laptop comes with the Windows-10 Pro version preinstalled which comes with several security features.
Moreover, the build quality of HP Pavilion 15 is durable enough to withstand extreme use cases. It includes a 15.6-inch display with 1920×1080 pixels. The thin bezels improve the viewing experience. In addition, the laptop features a full-size keyboard with a numeric keypad.
When it comes to battery life, it can easily last for about 8 hours. However, you can extend the battery life by reducing the graphics settings and brightness. So, if you are looking for an all-in-one laptop then I advise you to get this one.
PROS
- Reasonable price range
- Fast processing power
- Thin bezel and slim body
- Decent graphics performance
CONS
- No touch screen
3. Acer Aspire E 15
Specification
- Brand: Acer
Processor: Core i3-8130U
Memory: 6GB
Storage: 1TB HHD
Graphics: N/A
Screen: 15.6 inches
Weight: 5.27 lbs
Dimensions: 15.02 x 10.2 x 1.19 inches
Here we have the Acer Aspire E 15, another best laptop for vinyl cutting. One of the main reasons we have added this to our list is that it comes with all the necessary features without being heavy on the pocket. The Core-i3 variant of this model is surprisingly very cheap.
The laptop comes packed with 6GB of RAM, which is enough to run vinyl cutting software without facing any interruption. Plus, it includes a 1TB HDD where you can store your data. However, the downside of this laptop is that it doesn’t feature any SSD. But if you consider the low price then you should not expect an SSD.
Furthermore, the Acer Aspire E 15 is powered by dual-core Core i3-8130U processor which is enough powerful to resource-intensive programs smoothly. It even allows you to extend the clock speed up to 3.2GHz. However in any case, if you want to use heavy editing software, It is recommended to get the core-15 variant.
The laptop comes with a 15.6-inch full HD display which enables users to work with breathtakingly beautiful images. Besides, it includes a battery that can last up to 13.5 hours. So, if you are an on-the-go user then it can be an ideal option for you.
In simple words, the Acer Aspire E 15 is a complete budget deal. For vinyl cutting machines, it is an inexpensive and great option. However, some users may find the heavier weight and thicker body bothersome.
PROS
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Long-lasting battery
- Full HD display
- Many connectivity ports
CONS
- Thick and heavy body
4. ASUS ZenBook 15
Specification
- Brand: ASUS
- Processor: Core i7-10510U
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1650
- Screen: 15.6 inches
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
- Dimensions: 13.9 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
The Asus ZenBook 15 is an excellent choice if you need a laptop that can handle professional drawing and editing tasks. The slim and lightweight design of this laptop makes it stand among others. You can easily carry it anywhere you want without any issues. It also comes with plenty of necessary features.
First of all, ASUS ZenBook 15 comes with the latest 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, a reliable option for resource-demanding tasks. In comparison with the H series chipsets, it is slightly undervalued. However, thanks to the 4.9GHz turbo clock speed, this processor performs decent enough.
The best thing is, it comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 dedicated graphics card, so you will be able to run any graphics-dependent process more smoothly. In addition, the laptop includes 16GB of RAM and a 512GB PCIe compatible SSD, facilitating efficient multitasking. You won’t even face frequent lags or interruptions.
Moreover, the design and build quality of ASUS ZenBook 15 is simply amazing. With a 15.6-inch 4K NanoEdge display, you will get a better viewing experience. Plus, it is one of the lightweight laptops out there, so you will be able to carry it anywhere without any trouble. Also, it offers so many other features like Alexa compatible webcam, ergonomic keyboard, etc.
The ASUS ZenBook 15 is a perfect option for on-the-go users. The battery used in this laptop can last up to 9 hours when fully charged. I liked the cooling system of this device most because it won’t let the device overheat even when you are running resource-demanding programs.
PROS
- NanoEdge display looks awesome
- Longer battery backup
- Powerful processor
- Lightweight and durable build quality
CONS
- PowerCAD is incompatible
5. Apple MacBook Air
Specification
- Brand: Apple
- Processor: M1 Chip
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1650
- Screen: 13.3 inches
- Weight: 3.0 lbs
- Dimensions: 13.41 x 11.97 x 0.61 inches
If you want the best performance without investing a lot of money then I would suggest you get the Apple MacBook Air. With such a versatile notebook, you will not only get great value for the money, but you will also get the advantages of portability. The Air series has been updated by Apple, introducing a newer model with several exciting features.
The best thing about the newer model is that it comes with the latest Apple M1 chip. It is an 8-core processor which utilizes the hardware more efficiently and gives you a better working experience. Plus, it includes a 7-core GPU which makes the MacBook animations and transitions smoother.
The model includes 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD which is I think more than enough for your job. You won’t experience any lag during your work. However, if you want to use professional video editing or heavy resource-demanding software then I would recommend you to extend the RAM and SSD. It will cost you some extra money but you will get more improved performance.
With a weight of only 3-pound, the laptop is very portable and you can carry it anywhere very easily. Despite being lightweight and portable, the MacBook Air seems to be highly durable. Its full body is designed with aluminum, which makes it withstand extreme working conditions.
Moreover, the MacBook Air includes a battery that has 12 hours of web browsing battery. But if you perform resource-intensive tasks then you may get around 8 hours of battery backup. In addition, the security features of this model make it stand among others.
PROS
- Durable build quality
- Includes full HD retina display
- High-security features
- Great multitasking performance
CONS
- Comes with only thunderbolt ports
6. LG Gram Laptop
Specification
- Brand: LG
- Processor: Intel Core i5-1065G7
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Graphics: N/A
- Screen: 14 inches
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Dimensions: 12.7 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
If you are looking for a stylish but powerful laptop that can run a vinyl cutter, you should check the LG Gram out. Its lightweight body and slim, elegant design make it a travel-friendly option. The laptop is also very popular among official persons and students due to its super-long battery life of about 18.5 hours.
Furthermore, the best thing is that the LG Gram laptop is available in a variety of configurations, from the core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and 128GB SSD to core i7, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD. I think the model with a Core i5 processor, 8GB memory, and 1TB SSD would be enough for running vinyl cutting machine software smoothly. But if you are going to run resource-demanding software and want better performance then go with the i7 variant.
This variant includes a 14-inch full HD display with a screen resolution of 1080P. The display is decently bright and offers a better viewing experience. Thanks to its anti-glare protection, you won’t suffer from eye strain even after working for hours.
The laptop doesn’t feature any dedicated graphics card. It uses the CPU Iris Plus graphics. We don’t need to worry about the LG Gram’s lack of a dedicated graphics card unless you run any graphics demanding software like video game or video editing software, since the vinyl cutting software doesn’t require it.
Considering all the features mentioned above, the LG Gram Laptop can be an ideal option for you.
PROS
- Outstanding processing power
- Long-lasting battery
- Lightweight and compact
- Includes backlit keyboard
CONS
- The speakers could be better
7. Microsoft Surface Book 2
Specification
- Brand: Microsoft
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- Memory: Up to 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1060
- Screen: 15.6 inches
- Weight: 4.2 lbs
- Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.14 x 0.9 inches
The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is a great laptop and recommended for those who have some money to invest. It is a versatile laptop model and includes so many additional features that we will be discussing below.
First of all, the Surface Book 2 comes in different variants. You have the option to choose from a 13.5-inch screen, Core i5 processor, 8GB memory, and 128GB SSD to 15-inch display, core i7 processor, 16GB memory, and 1TB SSD. However, for running a vinyl cutting machine, the Core i5 variant is more than enough for you. Plus, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage are pretty sufficient.
As far as performance is concerned, the laptop is capable of providing uninterrupted multitasking and intense processing. While the core i7 variant comes with a GeForce GTX 1060 dedicated graphics card, the core i5 variant utilizes the Intel HD graphics 620. Unless you are going to perform graphics-demanding software on the laptop, I won’t recommend picking up the i7 model for this minor workload.
Moving on, Microsoft Surface Book 2 includes up to 15.6-inch PiexelSense display which delivers sharp and accurate visuals. You can use it for color-sensitive tasks like video or photo editing. It is a touch screen display.
The thing I liked the most about this laptop is that you can easily transform it into a tablet, studio, and view mode. In addition, it uses a li-ion battery which can last up to 17 hours of video playback.
PROS
- Versatile and elegant design
- Extended battery life
- Lightweight and slim
- Amazing display quality
CONS
- Bit pricey
8. Lenovo Ideapad L340
Specification
- Brand: Lenovo
- Processor: Intel Core i5-9300H
- Memory: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1650
- Screen: 15.6 inches
- Weight: 4.84 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.29 x 10.02 x 0.94 inches
Here comes the Lenovo Ideapad L340, another affordable laptop for vinyl cutting experts. It can easily handle heavy resource-intensive vinyl cutting software without letting you experience any lag or interruption. This laptop model is extremely popular among budget gamers but you can also use it for your job.
It comes with a 4-core Intel Core i5-9300H processor which can extend the turbo clock speed up to 4.1GHz. The processor is sufficient enough to handle resource-intensive editing processes without any worry. Plus thanks to the dedicated GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card combined with 4GB VRAM, video editing and graphics designing become a lot easier.
Moreover, the Lenovo Ideapad L340 is backed by 8GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD, allowing to process of images much faster and multitask efficiently. Additionally, the laptop has Windows 10 preinstalled which offers great security features.
The Lenovo Ideapad L340 has a standard 15.6-inch display which delivers sharp and vivid image quality. It also features an “eye care” mode which prevents your eyes from hurting even after long working sessions. It has an extremely powerful battery, capable of running for nine hours.
In the end, if your goal is to get a reasonably priced laptop that can efficiently hand the vinyl cutting software, the Lenovo Ideapad L340 can be a considerable option for you. It includes all the features required for your job.
PROS
- Lightweight and durable build quality
- Efficient processor performance
- Features anti-glare screen
- Flash memory module
CONS
- Includes only two USB ports
9. MSI Prestige 14 A10SC-230
Specification
- Brand: MSI
- Processor: Intel Core i7-10510U
- Memory: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 1650
- Screen: 14 inches
- Weight: 4.84 lbs
- Dimensions: 19 x 12 x 4 inches
The MSI Prestige 14 A10SC-230 laptop is another sleek and elegant style laptop that works extremely well when performing resource-intensive tasks. Primarily it is a gaming laptop but looks normal. The white color theme easily gets matched with the working environment, so you can even take it to your office meetings.
The device is backed by a 10th gen core-i7 processor which is able to deliver enough power for operating any complex process. It comes with 4 cores and can reach a speed of up to 4.9GHz. In addition, the laptop comes with an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card to handle graphics-intensive tasks efficiently. It allows you to run any drawing or editing software without experiencing any lag or interruption.
When it comes to memory, the Prestige 14 A10SC-230 offers 16GB DDR4 RAM which is enough to deliver a smooth working experience. You won’t face any lag while running heavy software like vinyl cutting machine software. Plus, it also includes 512GB of SSD, improving your productivity and working efficiency.
Apart from the storage, the laptop even features a 14-inch screen that delivers sharp and bright images. It is an anti-glare screen which means you won’t feel any strain in your eyes even after long working sessions.
The overall performance of this is enough for running any resource-intensive task. Besides, it is very lightweight and portable, so you will be able to carry it anywhere. The battery used in this model can run up to 10 hours. If you are a frequent traveler then I recommend you to check this one out.
PROS
- Lightweight and compact design
- Comfortable typing experience
- Decent battery backup
- Good webcam video quality
CONS
- Overheating issues
10. Acer Aspire 5
Specification
- Brand: Acer
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3200U
- Memory: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Graphics: Vega 3 graphics
- Screen: 15.6 inches
- Weight: 3.97 lbs
- Dimensions: 14.31 x 9.74 x 0.71 inches
The last laptop on the list is another budget-friendly option for those who are short on budget. If your budget is less than $500 then you should check this out. The Acer Aspire 5 can easily handle almost all professional tasks. Surprisingly, you can even use it for normal photo and video editing purposes.
The Acer Aspire 5 comes with AMD Ryzen 3 3200U dual-core processor which can fulfill the processing requirements very easily. The processor features Vega 3 graphics which is strictly optimized for running normal graphics-intensive tasks quite efficiently.
Moving on, the laptop has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD. This combination is enough for running normal vinyl cutting software. However, if you want to perform heavy tasks then it won’t be sufficient for you.
Moreover, the Acer Aspire 5 laptop is extremely popular for its portability. The laptop weighs only 3.9 pounds and is so compact that you can easily carry it inside your laptop backpack. Also, the long-lasting battery performance of this laptop makes it an ideal option for traveling.
Furthermore, it features a bright and sharp 15.6-inch widescreen display which delivers enhanced visual clarity and a better viewing experience. So, if you are looking for something which offers almost all the features at a reasonable price then you should definitely check this out.
PROS
- Highly portable
- Affordable price point
- Travel friendly
- Decent storage capacity
CONS
- Not suitable for advanced tasks
Things to consider while buying a laptop for vinyl cutting:
Here are a few factors that you should consider, especially when you are buying a laptop for vinyl cutting software.
1. Processor
A laptop’s overall performance depends on the processor, a tiny component of the motherboard. Therefore it is quite necessary to check the processor while buying a laptop for a vinyl cutting machine. You should at least get a 6th Gen Intel Core i3 processor. However, if you are planning to perform more advanced tasks then it is recommended to go for an i5 or i7 processor.
2. Memory
The RAM of a laptop is responsible for running multiple complex tasks at once. It allows the processor to access instructions and data at the fastest possible rate. A laptop with 4GB of RAM is able to run most of the vinyl cutting software but I would recommend you to go for 8GB of RAM at least.
3. Storage
Vinyl cutting software requires sufficient storage space for storing files or data. Also, if you want to save all the data and files on your laptop, you should consider picking a laptop with enough storage space. I would suggest you go for an SSD since it executes resource-intensive tasks much faster than HDD.
4. Battery Life
Considering the battery life is very important because nobody wants their laptop to die when working. Also, there are so many people who travel with their laptops. If you are one of them then make sure you consider the battery life before making a decision.
Conclusion
Vinyl cutting software puts heavy workloads on the laptop and most laptops are not able to handle that load. That is why professionals never use old laptops for running vinyl cutting software. If you want to run a vinyl cutting machine smoothly then you should go for a laptop capable of performing intensive tasks.
Therefore, in this article, we have put together some of the most powerful laptops for vinyl cutting . Each of the laptops mentioned above comes with decent processing power, graphics support, and other memory-intensive features to handle complex tasks more efficiently.
Hopefully, you will find the best one that matches your requirements. Thanks for being with us 🙂
