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12 Best Laptops for Cricut Maker & Design Space (Artist Guide)

12 Best Laptops for Cricut Maker & Design Space (Artist Guide)

If you are in search of the best laptop for Cricut design space, then you’re likely using it for the sole purpose of launching the Cricut software, uploading designs, and then cutting them via a Cricut maker.

I personally know a lot of mothers that make baby clothes and utilize designs from their Cricut maker via a laptop and a drawing tablet.

Be sure to understand whether or not you need the extra processing power or not. This means knowing which apps you plan to run alongside of Cricut Design Space and how much RAM they require.

In this post I will cover the best laptops for Cricut and go into further detail on the benefits and drawbacks of each laptop we tested. To help you choose the right laptop for your project, these laptops have been thoroughly tested with Cricut and compared to previous models.

At a glance – Top Picks

Below are our top picks for the best laptops for Cricut:

  1. MacBook Air: Best Overall Laptop for Cricut Maker, Design Space, & Explore
  2. SamSung Galaxy Book 2: Best Samsung laptop for Cricut
  3. Acer Aspire 5: Best Budget laptop to use Cricut Maker on
  4. Lenovo Yoga 940: Best Lenovo laptop for Cricut Design Space
  5. Surface Pro 8: Best Overall windows based laptop for Cricut Explore & Maker
  6. HP Pavilion 15: Best Beginner friendly laptop for Cricut users
  7. Asus ZenBook 13: Top Asus laptop for Cricut Design Space

But, which operating system on a laptop is best for Cricut? MacOS or Windows? And if it’s Windows, which is the best laptop brand for Cricut?

Well, for starters both Macbooks and Windows laptops are compatible with Cricut Design Space. After testing both the Mac and Windows version of the Cricut software we can safely say that Macbooks are slightly better when it comes to editing precision and overall drawing experience. 

The reason is simple, Apple devices have been considered to be the best when it comes to high-end graphic design software and Cricut is no exception. 

The latest Macbooks don’t have any issues running the Cricut app and the Macbook displays are by far the best in aspects like color accuracy and brightness.

Note: You can also use a computer tablet to run Cricut if you aren’t customizing designs with a pen, see the best computer tablets for Cricut Design Space.

On the flip side, Windows laptops are usually cheaper. And, all the Windows laptops we included in this list can easily handle the Cricut app without any lags. So, it all comes down to your personal needs, preferences and budget. One thing is certain; you have plenty of top-tier options. 

Best Laptops for Cricut Maker, Design Space, and Cricut Explore

Best Laptops for Cricut Maker Design Space 1

If you are looking for the best computers for Cricut Maker & Design Space, a mid-tier laptop will probably cover your needs. Cricut compatible laptops have a Windows or Mac operating system with an Intel i3 or better CPU, at least 4GB of RAM and 3GB of free space. 

Related: 10 Best Drawing Tablets for Cricut Design Space

Yet if you want to have a pleasant Cricut experience without any lags or issues, then we recommend the following specs:

  • OS: Windows 10 or MacOS
  • CPU: Intel i5 or better 
  • RAM: 8GB or better
  • SSD: 256GB or better
  • Battery: 6 hours autonomy or better

1. MacBook Air: Best Overall Laptop for Cricut Maker, Design Space, & Explore

1. MacBook Air Best Overall Laptop for Cricut Maker Design Space Explore

The brand new Macbook Air is the best choice for Cricut enthusiasts and professionals who want to have a precise, lag-free editing experience. This device has one of the most accurate displays on the market, a powerful hardware kit and a long lasting battery. In other words, the whole Cricut package. 

To be precise, Apple includes a powerful M1 chip and 8GB of RAM which, combined with the latest MacOS, are perfect for multitasking and demanding apps like Cricut.

MacBooks also work well with other similar apps, such as photoshop.

But where the Macbook actually outshines all of its competitors is the display. The 13.3” Retina is the sharpest and most accurate display on the list. 

Finally, the 256GB of internal storage is more than enough to store your Cricut designs and Apple claims that the Macbook’s battery lasts up to 18 hours.

Also see: How Long Does A MacBook Air Last (The Truth)

The only downside is the price as the new Air is more expensive than most of the laptops in our list. Yet if you want the best possible Cricut experience this is the laptop for you. 

2. SamSung Galaxy Book Flex 2: Best Samsung laptop for Cricut

2. SamSung Galaxy Book 2 Best Samsung laptop for Cricut

What if you need the high-end specs of the latest Macbook Air but you feel more comfortable using a Windows laptop. If that’s the case, the new Galaxy Book Flex 2 by Samsung is a great solution for you as a Cricut professional. 

When we first tested this Samsung device on Cricut, we couldn’t believe how brilliant the AMOLED screen looks during the editing workflow. Compared to the Macbook screen, the Samsung display is larger (15.6”) and has a similar performance when it comes to brightness and color accuracy. 

While not preferred, Cricut also works on computer tablets. See our comparison between the Amazon Fire HD Vs Samsung Tablet Models (A8, A7, & S8).

So, if you are a fan of large laptop screens and you prefer editing on a large canvas, this laptop is for you. Apart from that, the new Samsung Galaxy Book 2 comes with a solid i5 CPU, 8GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. This kit offered a top-notch Cricut experience during our testing. 

As with the Macbook Air, this device’s only disadvantage is the price as it is not one of the most affordable Windows laptops out there.

Yet, the Galaxy Book 2 is one of the lightest 15.6” laptops on the market and has a solid battery that lasts up to 10 hours. If you are looking for the best Windows all-rounder this one’s for you. 

3. Acer Aspire 5: Best Budget laptop to use Cricut Maker on

3. Acer Aspire 5 Best Budget laptop to use Cricut Maker on

For you to have a lag free Cricut experience, you don’t have to spend a fortune. And the new Acer Aspire 5 is here to prove us right. This is a budget friendly, yet powerful, Windows laptop for both beginner artists and Cricut professionals. 

For a price that’s lower than $600, Acer provides a laptop that has a powerful hardware kit, a large display (15.6” FHD) and a good battery life. Of course, the display isn’t as crisp or bright as the Macbook’s or the Galaxy Book’s. Yet it has the size and quality you need to edit details on Cricut. 

At the same time, the Aspire 5 includes the latest Intel i3 (11th Gen), 12GB RAM and a super-fast 512GB SSD. So, if you want to experiment with Cricut drawing for the first time, this device won’t have any issues handling the software.

Its battery offers an autonomy of up to 8 hours, but you should expect to last around 5 when it comes to editing on Cricut. Finally, Acer has included all the USB and HDMI ports you need to connect external accessories. 

4. Lenovo Yoga 940: Best Lenovo laptop for Cricut Design Space

4. Lenovo Yoga 940 Best Lenovo laptop for Cricut Design Space

Lenovo’s brand new Yoga C940 is an affordable flagship made for professionals. Let us explain; This is a touch screen laptop with top-notch hardware and a high-quality display that’s actually cheaper than the Macbook and the Samsung Galaxy Book 2 reviewed above.  This is why this is a great choice for professionals on a budget.  

The best thing about the new Lenovo Yoga is the touchscreen. Compared to the previous model, the screen has the same size (14”) but a much better, 4K UHD quality (3840 x 2160).

This means that you can actually use an active pen to draw directly on the screen of your laptop. And that’s a spec that is missing in most laptops on our list. See the 7 Best Stylus Pens For Lenovo Yoga, ThinkPad, And IdeaPad; which could help you design in Cricut.

Although the battery isn’t the best on the list, the new Yoga will easily provide 6 hours of continuous editing on Cricut. 

Apart from that, the i7 CPU, the 16GB RAM and the 512GB SSD, make this one of the most powerful touchscreen laptops on the market. So, this is the best option for those of you who prefer drawing on the Cricut Design Space app with an active pen and need a super-powerful yet affordable laptop.

The Flex also works with Cricut, see: Lenovo Flex Vs Yoga: Which Is Better? (Comparison)

5. Surface Pro 8: Best Overall windows based laptop for Cricut Explore & Maker

5. Surface Pro 8 Best Overall windows based laptop for Cricut Explore Maker

The Microsoft Surface 2-in-1 laptops need no introduction. Yet, Microsoft has recently designed the best Surface Pro ever created: Surface Pro 8. If you are a professional or student that spends a lot of hours on graphic design software like Photoshop, Krita or Cricut, this laptop has everything you need. 

The new Surface Pro has a 13” touchscreen that comes with an impressive color gamut (103% sRGB) and can be combined with the latest Surface pen 2 for an ultimately accurate editing experience. Also the device has 16GB memory, 256GB SSD and the latest EVO i7 CPU. 

It becomes obvious that the setup is similar to the Lenovo Yoga reviewed above. Still, the Pro 8 is noticeably more expensive, mainly due to its slick design, top-notch screen and the Microsoft brand name.

Related: Surface Pro 7 Vs IPad Pro For Drawing & Art (Compared)

So, should you spend the extra cash to buy this instead of the Lenovo flagship? 

In our opinion, the new Pro 8 combined with Surface pen offers the best drawing experience on a Microsoft laptop. If you need an ultimately precise and detailed Cricut workflow, the Pro 8 is probably the best way to go. 

6. HP Pavilion 15: Best Beginner friendly laptop for Cricut users

6. HP Pavilion 15 Best Beginner friendly laptop for Cricut users 1

HP is widely known for its reliable laptops that combine good specs with a reasonable price. And the new HP Pavilion 15 is no different. This is a perfect choice for Cricut beginners and digital art students who want to create serious artwork on the Cricut Design Space app for Windows. 

With a high-end i7 CPU, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, the Pavilion 15 has nothing to be ashamed of in terms of performance. Installing and running the Cricut app actually feels like a piece of cake. 

The same is true for the IPS 15.6” FHD display. Even though this isn’t the most accurate and crisp display on the list, it is still more than satisfying when it comes to drawing on apps like Cricut.

The device’s only shortcoming is the battery. Although the 8 hours autonomy isn’t bad, our tests prove that the new Pavilion handles around 5 hours in Cricut. This is less than most of the laptops in the list. 

Yet, the overall feel and performance of this laptop makes it up to you. If you don’t have a problem recharging your battery every 5 or 6 hours, this is the best budget HP computer for cricut. 

7. Asus ZenBook 13: Top Asus laptop for Cricut Design Space

7. Asus ZenBook 13 Top Asus laptop for Cricut Design Space

The Asus ZenBook 13 is one of the slimmest laptops we have ever tested. On top of that, it has a top-notch display and one of the best hardware kits on the market. This is why we consider this to be a perfect choice for Cricut professionals. 

Starting with the screen, the 13” OLED display (Wide View, NanoEdge bezel) of the ZenBook isn’t touchscreen, but has some of the best colors and blacks we’ve ever seen on a laptop screen. Asus is also known for its innovative touchpads. And let us say; the Asus Number Pad 2.0 has all the function keys unique to make multitasking easier. 

Performance wise, the ZenBook 13 is powered by an i7 CPU, 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. This kit is more than capable of handling any graphic design app including Cricut. 

Finally, the latest ZenBook is a top-notch device when it comes to connectivity and compatibility. It has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 port and a HDMI port and connects to any network via WiFi 6. Even though this is one of the most expensive laptops on the list it definitely proves why.  

8. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i: Good cheap laptop for Cricut

8. Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Good cheap laptop for Cricut

If you are a fan of Lenovo laptops but don’t want to spend a lot of money to buy its Yoga flagship, the IdeaPad 3i is the best choice for you. In short, the IdeaPad is the best laptop for new Cricut enthusiasts that want to stick on a budget. 

This is an ultimately cheap laptop that has all the specs needed to run Cricut without any issues. 

With an i3 CPU, 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD drive, the IdeaPad actually surpasses the minimum requirements for the Cricut app. During our testing we didn’t face any lags or failures of any kind while installing or using Cricut.

See: Lenovo Thinkpad Vs Ideapad: Which Is Better?

Lenovo also includes a solid 15.6” FHD, LSD display. Of course this isn’t the best screen on the list in terms of quality or color accuracy. Yet the display has the size needed to edit in Cricut especially if you are a beginner. 

9. MacBook Pro: Best Premium laptop for Cricut 

9. MacBook Pro Best Premium laptop for Cricut 1 2

If you are looking for the best possible laptop performance and don’t want to compromise display quality, the Macbook Pro is simply the best choice for you. Mainly due to its high price we suggest the new Apple flagship for Cricut professionals.

The new Apple M1 Pro (10-core) processor offers great improvements when it comes to the processing and GPU (16-core) capabilities of the new Macbook Pro. The laptop also comes with 16GB of RAM and 1TB SSD. In terms of performance, this is easily the best laptop on the list. 

See how long a MacBook Pro lasts.

The same also goes for the screen. In fact, Apple has created a 14” display that offers a top-notch dynamic range and the best contrast ratio we have ever seen. The battery lasts up to 17 hours which is obviously a great perk as well. 

If we could find a disadvantage when it comes to using the Pro with Cricut, that would be the lack of touchscreen. You can also see the best drawing tablets for Mac if you plan on connecting one to your laptop for Cricut to design with more precision.

It becomes evident that there is nothing the new Macbook Pro can’t do. So, if you have no budget limitation, this is by far the best Apple laptop for Cricut Maker.

10. HP Pavilion X360: Budget friendly laptop for Cricut maker

10. HP Pavilion X360 Budget friendly laptop for Cricut maker

As with the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 and the Lenovo Yoga reviewed above, our next selection is a powerful 2-in-1 laptop with a touchscreen. This is why the HP Pavilion X360 is a great choice for beginners and professionals who prefer drawing and editing with an active pen – it is one of the best cheap laptops for Cricut.

Compared to the Surface Pro 8, the HP X360 has a larger screen (15.6”). On the flip side, the quality of the display is noticeably lower and the colors aren’t as accurate. 

That said, HP has managed to design a very powerful touchscreen laptop that can easily cope with large Cricut designs. In fact, the X360 has a solid i5 CPU, 12GB RAM and a 512GB SSD drive. 

If you add the long-lasting (up to 6 hours of continuous editing), fast-charging battery and its slim design, the new Pavilion becomes an affordable Surface Pro 8 alternative.  

11. Acer Nitro 5: Best budget Cricut laptop with good specs

11. Acer Nitro 5 Best budget Cricut laptop with good specs

Gaming laptops are usually some of the best choices when it comes to graphic design software. The reason is simple; most gaming laptops have an integrated GPU that really helps in rendering graphics and processing vector designs. This is why the Acer Nitro 5 easily made it on our list.

The new Nitro is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that comes with a powerful GPU, the GTX 3050. This GPU is framed by a reliable i5 CPU, a 256GB SSD and 8GB RAM. Mainly due to its integrated graphics card, the Nitro 5 provided one of the fastest Cricut editing processes during our testing. 

Apart from that, the laptop comes with a 5.6″ FHD (144Hz IPS) Display. 144Hz is a very fast refresh rate, perfect for gaming.  Acer Nitro is also a great laptop for architecture students.

So, this is by far the best laptop for those who use Cricut but are also fans of demanding games like Call of Duty or PubG.

12. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15: High Performance laptop for Cricut

12. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 High Performance laptop for Cricut

The only laptop on the list that can actually outperform the Macbook Pro is the ROG Zephyrus. If you are looking for a high-end Windows laptop that can handle pretty much anything, the new Zephyrus is the device for you. 

Powered by an AMD Ryzen 9, 40GB of DDR5 RAM, 2TB SSD and a GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB), the Zepfyrus is a performance beast. When it comes to the display, this laptop has a 15.6” IPS display (2560 x 1440) that works at an outstanding 165Hz refresh rate. 

The same is true for the battery as during our testing the Zephyrus lasting around 9 hours of continuous editing. Asus ROG is also used for gaming – it is also one of the best gaming laptops for graphic design.

It becomes evident that this is by far the most powerful Windows laptop on the list. This is why it is perfect for Cricut professionals, gamers and pretty much anyone who doesn’t like to compromise.   

13. Dell XPS 15: The Premier Laptop for Cricut Designers and Beyond

13. Dell XPS 15: The Premier Laptop for Cricut Designers and Beyond

When it comes to the world of Cricut design, the Dell XPS 15 stands out as a top-tier choice for both enthusiasts and professionals. This laptop doesn’t just cater to the Cricut community; it’s a powerhouse suitable for a variety of tasks, making it an all-rounder in the truest sense.

At its core, the Dell XPS 15 is equipped with the latest 13th Gen Intel processors, ranging from i7 to the robust i9. This, combined with RAM options that stretch up to 64GB, ensures that multitasking and running resource-intensive applications like Cricut Design Space is a breeze.

Beyond Cricut, the XPS 15’s capabilities extend to other graphic-intensive applications, including the likes of Adobe Photoshop, making it a versatile tool for designers of all kinds.

The standout feature, however, is undoubtedly its display. With options that range from a full HD resolution to a stunning 3.5K OLED panel, designers are treated to vibrant colors and sharp details, essential for precision in Cricut projects.

Storage-wise, the XPS 15 doesn’t disappoint. Starting at 512GB, users have the option to upgrade all the way to a massive 8TB SSD. This ensures that all your Cricut designs, along with other projects, can be stored locally without the need for constant transfers or cloud storage.

Of course, no device is without its drawbacks. The absence of a USB-A port might be a minor inconvenience for some. To make up for this, Dell ships a USB-C to USB-A and HDMI dongle in the box. However, considering the powerhouse performance and top-notch features the XPS 15 brings to the table, it’s a small price to pay.

In conclusion, while the Dell XPS 15 might seem like overkill for just Cricut designing, its versatility ensures that it’s a worthy investment for those looking to manage all aspects of their creative endeavors seamlessly. Whether it’s Cricut designing, graphic editing, or even managing an online business, the XPS 15 is up to the task.

Laptop Requirements for Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker

Laptop Requirements for Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker

The minimum requirements and recommended requirements of the Cricut Explore and Cricut Maker apps for both Windows and MacOS laptops are not so demanding. To be precise, a laptop can run the Cricut app if it has the following hardware kit: 

SpecsWindowsMacOS
OSWindows 10 or later (Recommended: Windows 11) MacOS 11 or later (Recommended: MacOS 12)
CPUIntel dual core or equivalent AMD (Recommended: Intel i3/ AMD Ryzen 3 or better)1.83 GHZ
RAM4GB (Recommended: 8GB or above)4GB (Recommended: 8GB or above)
Disk Space2GB 2GB
Display 1024 x 768 (Recommended: FHD or above)1024 x 768 (Recommended: FHD or above)

Keep in mind that, since the Cricut app is frequently updated, the minimum requirements change from time to time. Yet, if you have a laptop that meets the recommended requirements, it is safe to assume that your device will be able to cope with the app for some years.

The features you should look for when choosing a laptop for Cricut are fairly basic. You’ll need either Windows or Mac OS, and a processor that is generally over 2 GHz. This means an Intel dual-core or a MD will work just fine.

Using a Tablet (with a stylus) or Drawing tablet or digital art pad makes things easier on Cricut. For instance, the iPad and Apple pencil combination works well because the flexibility of the touchscreen and stylus makes designing more smooth in Cricut Design Space.

When I tested Cricut 8 GB ran the software just fine without any delays or stuttering in the app. However Cricut recommends 4GB minimum – grabbing a laptop with 16 GB Ram is ideal, so that you can future-proof your laptop as softwares in general becomes more demanding.

Related: 7 Ways To Write And Draw On A Non Touch Screen Laptop

A lightweight laptop that is portable and has a high resolution display of 1080p is ideal. You can also use an external monitor if your laptop screen is not large enough for your Cricut needs. Almost every MacBook and Apple computer I tested ran Cricut without any issues. 

Even certain older Macbooks worked with Cricut; however keep in mind they are not recommended. 

FAQ

Do I need a computer to use a Cricut design space?

It is recommended to use a computer, but you can easily access the Cricut app via your iOS or Android mobile device as well. Flexibility is one of the best things about the Cricut software. Yet, keep in mind that the Windows and MacOS versions of the software are relatively more comprehensive when it comes to features and toolboxes. Of course if you have an iPad or a powerful Android tablet, you can still produce top-notch designs via the Cricut mobile apps. 

Cricut Design Space is a software platform that you can use to design and create projects with your Cricut machine.

Also see: 10 Best Laptops For Sketchup (Designers Guide)

Can you use Cricut Maker on a ChromeBook?

Unfortunately the Cricut Design Space app is not yet supported on ChromeBooks. The same is true for Linux and Unix computers. Although the developers haven’t announced anything about a ChromeBook version for Cricut, the demand is high. 

So, we can safely assume that a Cricut Maker app will be developed in the future. The cricut design space software is not currently compatible with laptops that run Google Chrome OS.

What Operating systems on a laptop work with Cricut?

As of June 2022, the Cricut software is available for Windows and MacOS laptops only. In a few words, if you want to create top-notch artist designs using Cricut, your choice has to be between those two versions of the software. The best thing is that the requirements for Cricut aren’t extreme. This allows beginners and professionals to access Cricut from older Windows and MacOS laptops as well. 

Do I need the internet to use Cricut?

You will need a reliable connection to the internet in order to initially download and install the Cricut design space application. As soon as you have installed the application, there is no need to be connected to the internet in order to launch it. In other words, you can work offline whenever you want. 

Note: Cricut fonts will need to be downloaded if you plan to use the machine with your laptop offline.

You can access downloading Cricut Design Space on any computer with an internet connection. You will need to have a Cricut machine connected to your computer in order to use it properly and you can disconnect your internet at any time while using the app. 

To disconnect, simply unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer or disconnect from your Wi-Fi network.

How we tested and rated our picks when testing for the best laptop for Cricut

According to our tests, we found that the laptops with a more powerful processor that was a minimum i5 or higher were ideal for using Cricut Maker. 

When using Cricut while using other apps such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or Krita, a processor stronger than an i7 is ideal, since you are likely to be multi-tasking.

Experts in the design industry we spoke with have agreed that Laptops with a long lasting battery, colorful display, and a strong graphics card should be rated higher.

Because of this, we ranked those with stronger processors generally higher than those that only reached the minimum recommendation of i5. M1 and M2 Macs can run Cricut with ease. As we know what to expect from their previous versions, we rated higher the models that have evolved from them.

We decided that laptops without the recommended graphics card (such as the Nvidia Geforce GTX) were rated lower than those with stronger cards (such as the 1GB memory & 3D Class video card). HD displays and high-resolution displays were also considered and rated. 

How to use Cricut on a laptop or computer

Once you have downloaded, installed, and then launched Cricut design space on your laptop or PC you can begin using the app with your create cut maker. You’ll need to have a create cut ID and also configure the settings of your new Creek up machine. 

You’ll be able to connect your create cut maker to your laptop or PC through either a USB port or your Bluetooth connection. You do not need the internet in this case unless you haven’t downloaded the Cricut app yet.

Here’s how you can download, install, launch and use Cricut:

  1. Download and install the desktop version fo Cricut.
  2. Next install Cricut on your Windows or Mac laptop or desktop.
  3. Once installed, download any desired Cricut fonts so you can use them offline.
  4. Ensure you have the latest software and connect the Cricut machine to your laptop via USB for Bluetooth.
  5. Sign into your Cricut ID And follow the prompts notifications for setup.

Cricut is a less demanding software than, say, Autocad. If you are 2d or 3d modeling and need a laptop for AutoCAD, we have reviewed and tested quite a few.

Bottom Line

Cricut design space is a software that is used on a laptop or PC so that you can connect your Cricut Machine and create designs from different materials. These materials range from paper and card stock, all the way to vinyl (and more). 

The best laptop for Cricut is one that can handle CPU demanding tasks that the Cricut software requires and our top picks have been outlined in this review. The laptop you choose should have a USB port or Bluetooth connection.If it does not have a USB for you can always buy an adapter. All of our top picks have Bluetooth connectivity.

It’s true that Cricut is not only compatible with a laptop, but with an Android or iPhone. Cricut has been designed to run efficiently on multiple operating systems; these include Mac OS, iOS, Android, and Windows.

About the author:

Photo of Paul Michael, Founder of MediaPeanut

Paul Michael

Paul Michael is a media and technology expert whose research reveals how technology and media are being used in the world today. He has expertise on computers, the internet, streaming, Roku, electronics, and education. He also enjoys graphic design & digital art. Paul has his Bachelors of Arts and Science(s) from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ