Which Computer Operating Systems Can the Husqvarna Viking Topaz Use?

Designated as a Consumer Digest "Best Buy," the Husqvarna Viking Topaz computerized sewing and embroidery machine sits comfortably at a mid-range price point. This machine accommodates one of the largest embroidery areas at 8 inches by 14 ¼ inches and provides a maximum embroidery speed of 800 stitches per minute. Saving embroidery designs to the Husqvarna Viking Topaz requires the software included with the machine. However, to interface with your desktop or laptop computer, the machine requires certain versions of the Windows operating system.

System requirements for the Husqvarna Viking Topaz include Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP. Your PC or laptop must have a 1GHz or higher Intel processor, or equivalent, and 1GB of RAM. You need a minimum of 2GB of disk space for program installation, or a minimum of 5GB if you plan to save all of the included embroidery designs to your PC. You need a monitor with a minimum of 1024 by 768 screen resolution, a mouse or drawing tablet, a DVD-ROM drive and a USB port.

Permanent, built-in memory allows you to save a total of 800 stitches within 20 memory folders in the Designer Topaz 30, and a total of 400 stitches within 10 memory folders in the Designer Topaz 20. Both models also come with a 1GB Husqvarna Viking USB Embroidery Memory Stick, which already holds up to 100 embroidery designs.

Connectivity for the Husqvarna Viking Topaz includes a USB port, located on the right side of the machine. This port accommodates the memory stick. Embroidery designs are downloaded from your PC or laptop to the memory stick, then from the memory stick to the embroidery machine. The higher-end models include the memory stick, as well as a USB cable used to connect your PC or laptop directly to the machine for design file download. You can also purchase an optional mouse, external CD drive and hub for these more expensive models.

The Husqvarna Viking Topaz comes bundled with two software packages. The 4D Organizer package saves your design files in easily accessible folders. After reading the User's Guide, you will be able to organize your files; however, it is not as intuitive as the manufacturer would have you believe. The second software package is the Husqvarna Viking 4D Quickfont Embroidery program that allows you to convert the True Type Fonts on your PC into an embroidery format. Again, the software User's Guide is particularly useful when trying to make these conversions.