Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I own both a basic Cricut machine and a Silhouette. Each has pros and cons that I thought I would share here for anyone trying to make a decision about which one to purchase.
Silhouette--
Pros:
--You can cut ANY design in almost ANY size. You are only limited by your imagination and your computer skills. I have been having fun downloading clip art from the internet, and then using Photoshop Elements to break apart each piece that I want to do in a different paper color. You can save these pieces as .jpgs and import them into the Silhouette software. If you don't know Photoshop, you can use the pre-made electronic clip art from Quickutz or from other designers who do Silhouette files.
--Blade seems to last longer than the Cricut version
--Mat seems to last longer than the Cricut version
--Since you can use any True Type font on your computer, your titles are virtually unlimited. When I'm scrapbooking, I like being able to cut my title out of the same font that I use for journaling since it has a nice clean look. The ability to do any font on your computer makes purchasing the Silhouette a great idea.
Cons:
--I am a computer analyst and so the learning curve for me wasn't too bad on the software. But for someone who doesn't use any kind of computer, it will take a while to learn this. Typing words for titles, etc. is the easiest part.
--The machine is noisy. So much so that when I made my first cut I thought I was breaking it!
--They could improve the "depth gauges." These little pieces of plastic haven't broken yet, but they SEEM like they could break or easily get lost.
Cricut
Pros:
--so, sooooo easy to use
--a nice selection of cartridges
--blades and mats are cheaper to buy than Silhouette
Cons:
--limited to the designs made by Cricut
--limited in size of dies if you own the basic model. The Expression addresses this issue because it has a larger format, but the Expression also costs twice as much as either of these products.
I've stopped buying Cricut font carts because my Silhouette can do so much in this arena. But Cricut shapes are still worth it because, again, they are so easy to use.
Hope this helps!
Click Here to see more reviews about: QuicKutz SILHOUETTE-1 Digital Craft Cutter
Craft enthusiasts will love this digital craft cutter--it's the perfect tool for scrapbook and school projects, making cards and invitations, paper crafting, home decor, and more. Use it to cut from a variety of materials including pattered paper, iron-on transfer paper, vinyl, magnetic paper, cardstock, wood paper, vellum, and sticker paper. By connecting the cutter to your computer, you can receive instant access to your entire digital design collection, transform designs anywhere from 1/4 inch to 8 inches tall, or cut any TrueType font on your computer. Best of all, it does not require any cartridges or CDs that can end up lost or damaged. The cutter comes pre-loaded with 50 shapes, and the Silhouette software makes it easy to log onto your account at any time and download more shapes at your convenience. The digital craft cutter measures 6 by 16 by 4-1/4 inches tall or 8-1/4 inches tall with the lid open. Though it's only 16 inches wide, it does require 18 inches of desk space to make room for the plugged-in USB and power cords. It will also need 12 inches of clearance in front and back to accommodate the cutting mat as it feeds through the Silhouette when cutting. Users will also need access to a PC with Windows 2000 or XP operating system and an Internet connection.
Click here for more information about QuicKutz SILHOUETTE-1 Digital Craft Cutter
