BEST LAPTOP FOR CAMEO 3

Cameo 3 is great for creating custom-designed projects, vinyl cutting enthusiasts, home decorators, small business owners, and anyone who has a little creativity in their soul.

You don’t have to be an elite professional to use Cameo 3. With its easy to use software and simple setup, the Cameo 3 is straightforward and uncomplicated to dive into. Your first goal should be to have the best laptop for Cameo 3 possible. I learned this the hard way. Let me tell you how my journey went.

It took me ten minutes to set up the Cameo 3 on my old laptop. Since it came with complimentary cutting paper, I was able to load the paper, set the auto cutting tool, and connect the Cameo 3 to my laptop. Inbuilt on the Cameo 3 is an input touch screen that guides you along the setup process that makes it much easier.

I then downloaded Silhouette Studio, which is a bundled software required to run Cameo 3 and helps you to design projects and send it to the Cameo plotter and cutter. It includes the silhouette cameo drivers for Mac OS 10.7 or higher and Windows 7 or higher.

When given a choice between the Cricut and Cameo 3, I chose the Cameo 3. Both machines are almost identical in price, speed, and functionality. The main difference was that Cricut needed a mat to cut on, whereas the Cameo 3 didn’t. Another factor for choosing the Cameo 3 was that Cricut is very good for just downloading an image file and getting it printed. However, the Silhouette Cameo has fantastic software that gives you freedom over designing your images. Above all else, it made me choose Cameo 3 because I like designing my own files, and the Silhouette Cameo gives me the freedom to do so.

The Silhouette Studio is a pretty powerful software that requires the correct hardware to run. Let’s take a look at the minimum and preferred hardware needed to choose the best laptop for Cameo 3.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SILHOUETTE CAMEO 3 IN 2021

Operating System:	Windows 7 or higher, preferably Windows 10 or Mac OS 10.7 or higher. Cameo 3 will not run on Linux or Ubuntu. Silhouette Studio is only designed for a Mac or Windows machine.
RAM:	Minimum 2 GB preferred 8 GB. The more RAM you have, the smoother
Processor:	Core i3, 2 GHz or faster, preferably i5 or an i7.
Storage:	Minimum 2 GB of storage, but depending on the complexity of your designs, this could go up.
USB Port:	Minimum USB Port 1.1 but preferably 3.0, if your hardware has a Type C port, you will need an adapter or hub. Otherwise you can connect by Bluetooth if available. Cameo 3 does support Bluetooth connections.

So, even though this sounded pretty basic, once I started using Cameo, I realized that this was fine for minimal and simple designs. However, the more intricate and complex your designs become, the possibility that you might need a more powerful machine will arise.

Let’s take a look at the different models out there that fulfill Cameo’s requirements and other programs, games, or applications you may need to run. Let’s see what is the best laptop for Cameo 3.

---

TOP 10 BEST LAPTOP FOR CAMEO 3 IN 2021

1. APPLE MACBOOK PRO 15″ – BEST LAPTOP FOR CAMEO 3

Undoubtedly, perched on the top of the laptop chain is the MacBook Pro. For designers and creative developers, the MacBook Pro is simply the new high. Its sleek wafer-thin size and matte finish exterior is breathtakingly beautiful. Apple always does aesthetics very well, and they have outdone themselves with the MacBook Pro 2020. The tech immersed in this machine is impressive as well. The 16” immersive ultra-clear retina display far outshines any other laptop in the market. The battery capacity is the best amongst all apple products and boasts up to 10 hours of working time. The new butterfly mechanism keyboard and customizable touch bar may have its critics. Still, I found it quieter and more comfortable to work on. In recent years Apple has faced criticism on various fronts, but the MacBook Pro 2020 is a work of art. A bit pricey but if you need a sleek, portable, high end machine that is easy on the eye, powerful enough to carry out graphic and design work and offers guaranteed customer and technical support then look no further.

The key features of the Apple MacBook Pro that make it stand out:

• Intel Ultra HD Graphics 630 and Brilliant Retina Display with True Tone technology
• 32 GB DDR4 Memory for faster and smoother performance
• 8th generation i7 or i9 processor at 2.4 to 2.7GHz
• Multi-function intuitive Touch bar

The MacBook Pro fits all the system requirements for Cameo 3. The only issue you will face here is the Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports that will require a converter to connect the Cameo 3 to the new MacBook Pro by wire, though you could connect through the Bluetooth option.

Pros

• Fast touch ID
• Sleek. Thin and light. Truly breathtaking
• Customizable touch bar
• Long battery life

Cons

• Very expensive for those looking at price
• Needs a Hub for all connections other than Type C
• Not upgradable

2. ACER PREDATOR HELIOS 300 GAMING LAPTOP 15.6

As far as fully loaded gaming laptops go, the Acer Predator heads the list. Packed with 16 GB of DDR4 memory, an 8th Gen i7 Intel Core processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Overclockable Graphics with 6 GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM, this baby can withstand almost anything thrown at it and probably hit it out of the park. It’s robust, durable, and heavy sporting a full metal chassis. Most laptops cost more for the lightweight qualities. If you are going to use the laptop mainly at a desk, and weight is not an issue, then the Acer Helios 300 gives you a really powerful laptop at a much lesser price. I was amazed at the ease at which it handled a few big games and video editing software. Multi-tasking is not an issue for this machine. In my opinion, the Acer Predator Helios comes as close to a desktop replacement than another laptop. The battery life is average and will have to be kept on a charge if used extensively. However, at this price, a few trades have to be made. If portability and battery life are not issues, then the Acer is a definite recommendation.

The Acer comes packed with:

• 15.6” inch full HD IPS screen, which ensures perfect color viewing from all angles
• VR ready technology
• A Dual All-Metal Aero Blade 3D Fan Cooling system
• 2 USB 2.0 and 3.0 Ports
• Optimized Dolby Audio Premium sound enhancement with Acer True Harmony Plus Technology for extreme sound

The Acer Predator fulfills all of Cameo 3’s system requirements. The i7 processor and Nvidia Graphic card will run Silhouette with ease. Its 16 GB RAM is way above Cameo’s requirement.

Pros

• The price falls in mid-range and is cheaper than most laptops with the same specifications
• A lot of connectivity options
• Sturdy build

Cons

• Heavy, as far as laptops go
• Low battery life

3. ACER ASPIRE E 15 – BEST COMPUTER FOR SILHOUETTE CAMEO IN BUDGET

A throwback to the modular designed laptops, the Acer Aspire is probably the cheapest option on this list to run Cameo 3. It comes with a choice of the i3, i5, or i7 processor. The i3 is more than enough to run Cameo 3. You might want to upgrade the processor if you’re going to run other heavier editing software. The inbuilt 8 GB RAM handles it without interruption. The GeForce graphic card might not handle the latest high-powered games but far surpasses Cameo’s requirement. 15-hour battery life is excellent if you commute or forget to charge your laptop like I sometimes do.

Altogether the Acer Aspire is a pretty nifty machinery for its price. I would suggest buying the simplest model and upgrading it later. Yes, it has an easily accessible compartment at the back to exchange memory and hard drives. So, later on, if you need more power, you can always change it yourself with a bit of know-how.

Because of the lower price range on the Acer Aspire, you wouldn’t expect any significant features. The Acer is a reliable mid-range laptop with great battery life.

• Full HD 15.6” Display
• Dual Hard Disk
• The last models with an 8x DVD RW

Pros

• Budget friendly
• Easily upgradable
• Long battery life

Cons

• A bit on the heavier and thicker side
• Basic functionality

4. MICROSOFT SURFACE BOOK 13.5″

In the large ever-expanding world of laptop owners, there is a small but outspoken corner carved out by the Surface users. These die-hard fans of the Microsoft Surface Book will swear by it and only upgrade their Surface for a newer Surface. Nothing else compares. Let’s take a look at why the Surface commands some much loyalty, shall we?

You cannot discuss the Surface without talking about its bewitching dual personality. Able to switch from a fully functioning laptop to an overpowered tablet in seconds is crazy. The detachable keyboard is backlit and slick. The i5 processor, along with 8 GB of RAM and Intel HD graphics will handle Cameo quickly enough. The battery life is pretty good, and its lightweight design makes portability a breeze. However, you will have to buy the Surface Pen and other accessories separately. 

Although the Surface Book is powerful enough to fulfill your Cameo needs, if you have extensive graphic work or high-powered software to use frequently, I would suggest thinking about buying the Surface Book 2. Although the price would seem on the higher side, the brilliant 3:2 aspect ratio PixelSense display that extends up to 3260 x 2160 pixels makes image editing and color-sensitive tasks a breeze. A dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 discrete GPU with 6GB GDDR5 graphics memory provides some serious gaming opportunities. The main distinction between the Surface Book and Surface Book 2 however, as far as Cameo needs are concerned, is that the latter would require a Type C hub or a Surface dock to plug in the Cameo 3 USB wire. In contrast, the Surface book has its Type-A port. Both have Bluetooth capabilities, so maybe wireless is the way to go if you consider the Surface Book.

A few points to consider before buying the Surface Book:

• Four different versatile modes to choose from – Laptop, Tablet, Studio, and Viewer
• Easily configurable as far as memory, graphics, RAM, and hard disk space is concerned.
• A 360-degree rotating keyboard that can be detached
• A lot of cool accessories like the Surface Dial, Surface Dock, and the Surface Pen to choose from.

Pros

• Excellent display
• Up to 7 hours of video playing battery life
• Ultra-lightweight
• Real replacement for notebook and tablet

Cons

• Accessories have to be purchased separately.
• More powerful models are slightly pricier

5. HP PAVILION 15 15.6″

The only HP laptop to make its way into this list is the HP Pavilion 15. Commonly known for its gaming support, this laptop caught my eye for its simplicity and pricing. Relatively cheap, the HP pavilion boasts of all the requirements you would look for in a gaming laptop. An 8th Gen core i5 processor coupled with 8 GB of RAM and its own dedicated NVIDIA graphic card should satisfy all your business or gaming needs. I feel that considering price and performance. This laptop would meet your mid-range needs quite easily. What I especially found attractive in the HP Pavilion was its dull black matte finish and the contracting green keyboard. Very futuristic outlook on the whole package. Also, the touchscreen is a nice bonus from HP. Overall it wasn’t as heavy as I thought it would be. The battery life is alright. Not anything to boast home about but not shabby either. The only issue I had was the lid felt unstable to me. I checked online and realized a lot of reviews said the same thing. While the top cover does not fold more than 120 degrees, it isn’t stable enough to stop the laptop from vibrating slightly. However, it not only satisfies all of Cameo’s basic requirements but supersedes most of them.

Why I would buy the HP Pavilion 15:

• A fast NVMe SSD keeps the system running smoothly and quickly
• 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core i5-8250U
• 8 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM
• 1 TB 5400 rpm SATA HDD

Pros

• Mid-range price
• Relatively quiet fan and cooling system
• Lots of connectivity options

Cons

• Unstable lid
• Contrast ratio display wasn’t great
• Webcam image quality was absolutely basic

6. LENOVO FLEX 14 2 IN 1 CONVERTIBLE 14″

If you want an easily portable and touch-enabled laptop at a much lower price, then the Lenovo Flex is for you. Let’s be fair. This laptop might not run all the A-listed games or the heavy video editing software available, but it easily meets most of your business needs and runs Cameo 3. Still using AMD technology, the Ryzen 5 3500U Processor handles multitasking with speed and lag-free experience. Its solid-state hard drive has a 256 GB capacity, but you can always attach a secondary disk if need be.

The RAM configuration on the Lenovo Flex confused me for a bit. It has two 4 GB DDR4 sticks. The first problem is that the graphic card eats up 2 GB, leaving you with just 6 GB. The second issue I faced when upgrading the RAM was that one chip was soldered, and only one was removable. So, I swapped the removable 4 GB for a 16 GB stick, which improved performance by a huge margin. For those of you that want just to run Cameo, this machine is excellent as it is. In case you want to use it for graphic editing, I would suggest upgrading the RAM, and you should be good to go.

What caught my attention?

• Digital Pen was included with the laptop
• Two-watt speakers with Dolby Audio DAX3 sound enhancement software
• Fingerprint ID for ease of access
• Impressive 14” FHD bright display screen

Pros

• Mid-range price
• Relatively long battery life
• Highly responsive touch screen especially with the provided pen
• Webcam has an automatic security shutoff

Cons

• Only one RAM could be removed
• Dual fans make quite a noise when running extensive software

7. ASUS VIVOBOOK S512 THIN AND LIGHT 15.6″

So, my understanding was that mid-ranged to low priced laptops generally mean a compromise on speed or performance. I was pleasantly surprised to be contradicted in the case of Asus. In the last couple of years, Asus has been coveting its market share by introducing high-spec laptops at a moderate price. The ASUS VivoBook S512 is the latest example. What first caught my eye was the design. With an 88% screen ratio, sleek and thin, even with the ultra-slim NanoEdge bezel, there was still room for the HD camera to be located at the top. The silver metal body with a well-backlit keyboard gives it a space-age vibe.

Surprisingly light enough for a 15” screen, it comes with a variety of connectivity options from USB-C to 2.0 and 3.0 ports and display ports.

The ASUS Vivobook comes crammed with all the tech you need to run Cameo and then some.

An Intel Core i7 processor, 8 Gb RAM, Intel UHD Graphics, Dual SSD and SATA hard drives all boast of a fantastic performance that delivers speed and functionality.

What caught my attention!

• The new frameless four-sided NanoEdge display
• Travel-friendly dimensions and weight
• The fingerprint sensor on the keyboard
• Ergonomic backlit adjustable keyboard
• Powerful audio with a resounding bass

Pros

• Mid-range price
• Ergolift hinge that keeps the laptop secure at any angle
• Sleek design
• Long battery life

Cons

• RAM can only be extended up to 12 GB
• Keypad print is not easy to decipher

8. LENOVO YOGA 730 2 IN 1 15.6″

The main reason I would choose the Lenovo Yoga 730 is the Full HD 10-point multi-touch screen feature on a 15.6” display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

I love touchscreens, especially for the Cameo Silhouette software. A lot of features and commands are more comfortable to use with the touchscreen. If you use Cameo for everyday home printing, then most of your designing can be accomplished on the Lenovo Yoga 730’s touchscreen making intensive tasks like large editing designs pretty simple.

An integrated Intel UHD graphic card with an i5 Intel core processor and 8 GB RAM takes care of the performance capabilities.

Points to consider when buying the Lenovo Yoga 730

• It has a 360o flip-and-fold design, which enables four modes to choose from – Laptop, Tablet, Tent, and stand, which means that unlike the Surface, you cannot detach the keyboard. You will have to fold it completely for a tablet experience.
• It’s a little on the heavier side for a tablet.
• Battery life is not great, maybe 3-4 hours of usage time at most

Pros

• Amazing display (can’t say it enough)
• Reasonable price range
• Good value for money

Cons

• Battery life is average
• Keyboard isn’t detachable

9. LG GRAM THIN AND LIGHT 13.3″

If I were going to buy the LG Gram, I would buy it for three reasons. One is the best battery life that stretches to 24 hours, depending on what software you’re running. Two, ultra-lightweight and thin. Three, a military-grade, premium Nanocarbon magnesium full metal body that is much tougher than the shell of conventional laptops.

Don’t worry about running Cameo 3 at all. Its 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and DDR4 dual-channel memory and a 256 SSD Hard disk surpass Cameo’s requirements. Weighing less than two pounds, you can carry the LG Gram with two fingers. It has a backlit keyboard and a lot of connectivity ports to choose from. 

Points to ponder when considering the LG Gram:

• Can run graphics-intensive software
• Doesn’t have a touchscreen or fingerprint sensor
• Specifications can be easily upgraded

Pros

• Twenty four hour battery life
• Alloy lightweight body
• Lots of connectivity options

Cons

• Lack of fingerprint sensor
• Battery is built in and not replaceable

10. DELL INSPIRON 15 15.6″

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, easy on the pocket, simple solution to using Cameo 3, then the Dell Inspiron is for you. An ideal laptop for small business owners and students, the Dell Inspiron comes with a 10th Gen i3 processor. Ideally, an i5 or i7 would run Cameo 3 smoothly, but the i3 gets the job done. Enhancing its capabilities is 8 GB of DDR4 RAM and 128 GB SSD + 1 TB SATA drive.

The battery life or screen resolution is nothing to write home about, but it isn’t bad either. Like I said before, Dell gets the job done without extra bells or whistles. It is a reliable, robust, simple laptop that is pocket friendly and has a lot of connectivity options. For those on a budget, I recommend this laptop if you need to use Cameo 3 and are looking at your pocket.

Key features of the Dell Inspiron:

• Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.
• Dual hard drives, The SATA hard drive provides ample storage, while the SSD delivers faster start-up times and data access.
• 15.6’’ screen for better viewing

Pros

• Low price range for touchscreen
• Lots of connectivity ports
• Can be easily upgraded

Cons

• Lacks a powerful Graphic Card
• Lack of backlit keyboard

Considerations When Buying The Best Laptop For Silhouette Cameo 3

So after reviewing ten laptops, it’s pretty conclusive that we need a robust eco-structure system. I spent a lot of time reviewing three critical components on each laptop. The Processor, RAM, and Graphics. Why? Because these three combine to provide a boost for your Silhouette Software to send instructions to your Cameo machine and for the Cameo to give it viable feedback. This is what I would consider when choosing the best laptop for Cameo 3.

To make it simple, there will be a lot of constant data flow from your system to Cameo and back. The faster your processor is, the easier it would be to send the data out. Your RAM stores data while the CPU processes it. More RAM storage amounts to faster processing and quicker data flow, savvy? 

The Graphics Card is responsible for rendering an image to your monitor. It does this by converting data into a signal your monitor can understand. The better your graphics card, the better, and smoother an image can be produced.

Since you are probably not going to be using your laptop just for Cameo, keep in mind your other work requirements.

The following are a few points that I would give importance to:

1. Do you need a video or graphic editor?

Some of the laptops are heavy-duty models that enable and enhance video and graphics editing. They are mainly the more expensive models. If your work isn’t that demanding, then you probably don’t need that much RAM or processor speed.

---

2. Are you into gaming? 

Is the latest Witcher 3, Doom: Eternal or Red Dead Redemption your cup of tea? If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then you probably don’t need the latest NVIDIA graphic card. However, if you’re a serious gamer, go for a laptop with a lot of RAM, an 8th generation I7 processor, and a dedicated graphics card.

3. Do you commute for an extended period? 

This is the biggest issue faced when traveling to and from work by either train or subway. If your journey takes over an hour and you use that time to get some additional work out of the way, then I suggest getting a laptop with long battery life. However, if you use your laptop only at home or the office, then charging it shouldn’t be an issue, and I wouldn’t put too much emphasis on battery life. (For tips to extend battery life, check this video here)

4. Is my choice of laptop easily upgradeable? 

Sometimes components are soldered permanently to the motherboard of a laptop, making it impossible to upgrade. If you are someone who likes tinkering with the specs of your laptop then check to see if your parts can be easily removed or not.

5. Do I need to upgrade it later or not?

Depending on your budget, you could maybe buy a laptop with lighter specifications and upgrade it when you have some spare cash.

6. Would it fall less expensive to exchange it for a better model, a few years down the line?

Apart from the Apple MacBook, most laptops would give you half the amount you have paid initially or much less. If you are planning to invest in a laptop and want to exchange it later, then look into the manufacturer’s exchange or refund policies.

I would ask myself questions before splurging on a laptop, and I suggest you do that too. There is no point in buying a laptop in haste and then trying to return it or exchange it for a model that fits your needs later, is there?

Remember that no matter how new and cutting edge your laptop may seem now, it probably will be obsolete in a year or so. This is the speed at which technology now travels. 

I understand that buying a new laptop can be quite confusing and mentally draining. With all the models out there, the biggest fear you might have is picking the wrong model or paying too much for the technology you may not need. 

Then there are those of you who are on a budget or like to bargain shop or get the best value for your money. I see nothing wrong with taking this point of view when investing in anything: a laptop, a house, or a car. 

Lastly, every manufacturer will have different packages for after-sales service and replacement warranties. Take out a little time and go through their service list and see what best suits your needs. 

As far as Cameo 3 is concerned, anyone of the above-mentioned laptops should suit your productivity needs.

Read Also:

• BEST LAPTOP FOR ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONALS
• HOW MANY WATTS DOES A LAPTOP USE WHEN CHARGING?

Frequently Asked Questions

These are the common questions I run into when discussing Cameo 3. Maybe some of them have crossed your mind.

1. Do I need a high-powered laptop to run Cameo smoothly?

No. As long as your laptop meets the minimum requirements given above, Cameo will run smoothly and efficiently. Click here for detailed information about Cameo’s requirements. 

2. Does Cameo run faster with a MacBook than with a Windows laptop?

Cameo works according to the complexity of the job received and its internal hardware. It does not make a difference where those instructions come from, be it iOS or Windows. Join a discussion on:

Silhouette Studio on Mac or Windows: Pros and Cons

3. Is the software for Cameo difficult to learn?

If you are slightly knowledgeable about Microsoft Office, I think you wouldn’t have a problem with Cameo. There are a lot of instructional videos for you to go through.

4. Can you use Silhouette without a computer?

Though Cameo has an Android and an Apple app, I wouldn’t recommend it at all. There are very few functions available for the phone. For the complete experience and ease of using Cameo I would highly recommend a laptop.

5. My laptop does not meet the required specifications you listed. Can I upgrade it?

Yes, you can. It depends on a lot of factors however. Are your specs close to the requirements or will it be able to sustain the additions? My advice would be to replace your old laptop with a newer one. If money is an issue, I have listed a few cheaper options that run Cameo smoothly.

6. I have a MacBook Air. Will that work or do I need a Pro?

Yes, it will work, provided it’s a later model. Anything after 2015 should support the Silhouette software.

Conclusion

When choosing the best laptop for Cameo 3, keep in mind your other needs besides Cameo 3. Connectivity, battery life, and performance should play an important factor. If money is not an object, then you cannot go wrong buying the laptop with the best features. I personally would either go for the Asus S512 or the LG Gram not just based on its exterior look and design, but also because they come loaded with high-end processors and graphic cards, which would be perfect for running Cameo Silhouette. The price range is just about right for me, and I can easily upgrade them later if I need more power or speed. It would be best if you chose whichever feature suits you the most, keeping processor speed, graphic power, and battery life in mind. The MacBook and Surface Book are ideal all-round choices for those who have money to spare. For those looking at a tight budget, the Acer Aspire or Dell Inspiron seem like good picks.

Good luck with your choice. I am always here to answer any questions you may have. Just comment in the box below.