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Why does the Cricut seem to be more popular than the Silhouette ?
I am just starting to look into getting a digital die cutting machine and I notice that there are a lot of posts about the Cricut machines and not as many about some of the others (like the Silhouette).
What made you decide to get a Cricut instead of a Silhouette ? Was it the price? The learning curve?
I have a Silhouette and I love it! Yes, I have to hook it up to my computer but I have access to all my true type fonts that are loaded on the computer. I have also been able to find dingbats on line that work great with the silhouette.
__________________ I got a Nikon camera. I love to take photographs, so momma don't take my kodachrome away."
Paul Simon
I agree that it's the simplicity. I actually have the Pazzles Inspiration, which is along the lines of the Silhouette only with some more advanced features and cutting capabilities. I am very computer savvy (I'm a digital scrapper) so I really enjoy the advanced features of the non-cartridge cutters and don't find the learning curve daunting. But I can totally see how the Cricut is much more convenient while still offering some flexibility w/ SCAL. I just know for me, personally, I would feel too limited by it. It's really preference. In the end, I think both types of machines have endless possibilites if the user is motivated to get very creative.
I just didn't know how many electronic die-cutters there were, and saw the Cricut everywhere...the other machines are fairly scarce (non-existent) in stores around here. I am glad of my choice (or lack of) since if I need a blade or mat at the last second, there is always Wal-mart.
__________________ Cher No longer stamping...on to bigger things.
Yeah I seriously considered the Silhouette and the Pazzles. While I knew my die cut options would be limited with the Cricut, ultimately I chose it for it's relative affordability and the fact that i didn't have to hook it up to my computer. I was happy with having only a handful of fonts and shapes available at my disposal. When I was trying to decide, every machine had its drawbacks, but in the end I had to decide what features I could live with out and which ones were absolutely necessary. Ultimately you have to think about what type of scrapper you are and how you like to work
I have a Wishblade (same machine as the Silhouette with different software) and I love it. I am pretty computer savvy and had no trouble learning how to use it.
I've used a Cricut and it's a great little machine, too. However, I do not own one.
One great resource on exploring the various machines and their capabilities is paperthreads dot com.
I liked the versatility of the Cricut (I got the Expression) as you can use it quickly and easily with the cartridges or get the software and use TTF's, dingbats, etc. Plus the replacement blades, mats, etc. are available locally. Plus, I love that I can cut stuff large (up to 12x24), not sure the Silhouette can do that??!!
I love love love my silhouette. I have both, but I use my silhouette more often because I can design exactly what I want within a few minuters time. A big plus to the silhouette is that I can sit with my family of an evening and design whatever file or title i think I will need and then I can cut it quickly the next morning without having to look through my carts. Plus with the price of the carts the sil has been more economical in the long run as well as the fact that there are free groups out there that provide free files of all kinds.
Thank you to everyone that responded .I have just clicked on the "submit order" button for my new Silhouette !
Dh is computer savvy so I told him that he would likely be teaching me how to use it. He will probably love to learn how to use a new toy ! LOL!
:-) Barbara
I have the cricut (original) and the Cricut Expression. I decided on the Cricut because I had read so much about it in my scrapbooking magazines.
I like the Expression because it allows you to cut from 1/4" to 12", you can also purchase software to go hand in hand with the cricut. The software is called "Design studio". I love the cricut and haven't checked into any other cutters! Jan
Cricut is so popular because of advertising! Not many people have even heard of the silhouette (me for one). The cricut is on infomercials. The cartridges are in the craft stores so people inquire when they see mickey mouse on something scrapbook related.
And it is so easy to use!! I own one and I LOVE IT!
I have silhouette- for all the reasons stated above. Mostly I chose it because of the TTF and never having to buy cartirdges. I now have over 1000 cutting files for my Silhouette and have spent FAR less than my friend who has a Cricut. I've been really happy with my choice and I'm sure you will be also.
I have a small Silhouette section in the sidebar on my blog- you'll find several links there that may be helpful.
Thanks for this thread. I have a silhouette that I haven't used properly because of space issues around the computer. I love the idea of it but I have purchased an expression and got an incredible Black Friday deal (better than ones generally posted) so went ahead with it for portability and ease of usage. Plus I am absolutely in love with the Paper Dolls cartridge and have been since it came out.
Thanks for all the silhouette links I will get looking and see if I can master that too but it might have to be AFTER Christmas! :lol:
I have the Klic-N-Kut. I've had it for half a year now but haven't used it much. Not because I don't like but because of my space... waiting for the basement to get done... it just needs flooring!!! It doesn't matter what big item I have (even the Cuttlebug), to use it I have to dig it out. A hassle. BUT, when I use my KnK, like last night, I love it.
I'm computer savvy and didn't want to be tied down to cartridges. I make my own images or I'll find a jpg/pdf file online and bring it into my KnK to cut. I also do digital scrapbooking and I can if I want to use my KnK to cut out any of the elements. Since I digi scrap, when I crop I have my laptop with me already. At a long crop I like to alternate between paper and digital... especially if I have a few creative team projects to finish.
I spent $800 upfront and so far everything else is free.
www.paperthreads.com have a nice comparison spreadsheet. You should check it out.
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I have only heard of and seen the Cricut. So I would say the same as the others--it is the availability and the marketing of the Cricut that sells so much. And for people like my mom--she is not computer savvy--but following the cartridge is pretty simple (although she had to buy a magnifying glass to see the little images on the pad).
I think the price, the Cricut, is less shocking than the others and the fact that you only need to plop a cartridge in is enticing. But then if you really think about it, with a computer, you won't need to buy any cartridges or be stuck not being able to cut something because it's not one that's in the cartridge or buy a cartridge for one image.
After using the Cricut at crops I found it quite limiting. Granted the new one with the software is more fluid, the other machines (IMO) has more possibilities.
They do have a better marketing. At a crop, with 10 ppl even, there'd be 3 Cricuts.
Thank you again. :-)
I have a Silhouette on order but I was thinking about changing it to the Cricut Expression because it seems like there will be a huge learning curve with the Silhouette because I am more impulsive than motivated! The cricut might be a better choice for me.As well, the Expression has a larger cutting surface.
One thing that is holding me back right now is the price difference. I paid $150 for the Silhouette and the Expression is well over $100 more.
I had heard of the Cricut but found out about the Silhouette HERE at SCS. I received mine a little over a week ago and LOVE my Silhouette. What overhead learning? And I'm using the software that comes with it (okay - I downloaded a more up-to-date version from the Net). I know I will expand my software - I have a bunch of drawing programs. But what fun!
I think that the more I read, the more complicated I am making things for myself! LOL! My Silhouette hasn't shipped and once it does it will probably take more than 2 weeks to get here (I'm in Canada).SO , I should stop trying to figure this out and concentrate on the other holiday things that I should be doing.
:-)
Barbara
Why does the Cricut seem to be more popular than the Silhouette ?
