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Post by kiera on Sept 23, 2019 3:12:05 GMT
I've been saving up to invest in a Cameo, and I'm trying to decide if I want to go with the 3 now that prices are lower or if I should keep saving for the 4. It looks like the blades are different for the 4, does this mean that they'll eventually stop making the kind that fits the 3 and I'll be SOL in a year or two? I don't have plans to make any big, heavy duty things that would require all of the force of the 4, the 3 would do what I want but I'm worried about not being able to buy replacement tools in the future. I was given a generous Amazon card for my birthday and am considering using it on the 3 but am on the fence about it.
Any advice would be appreciated!
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,110
Location: New York, NY
Jun 26, 2014 18:02:19 GMT
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Post by christinec68 on Sept 23, 2019 3:57:23 GMT
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Post by kiera on Sept 23, 2019 4:09:26 GMT
^ That makes me feel much better about choosing an older model, looks like the replacement blades will stick around for a while! Thanks for the article!
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Post by chaosisapony on Sept 23, 2019 5:30:41 GMT
I have a 3 (well a relative does but I use it more than she does LOL) and really want to upgrade to the 20" version of the Cameo 4. For the projects I do the 4 seems like it will be leaps and bounds better than the 3. So, I'd save up some more and get the newer model in your shoes.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 20, 2024 13:30:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2019 6:57:18 GMT
Take those worries right of the equation. You will be good for a very, very long time with a Cameo 3. Probably a decade or more. Silhouette still supports all their older machines and even when technology out dates them they help find workarounds. Silhouette are Graphetec machines. Graphetec has been around since the 1940's. At the top of the little pop up box you can see that Silhouette Studio supports Graphetec plotters- www.graphtecamerica.com/ Here's the history- www.graphteceurope.eu/contact/history.htmlAlso since the Silhouette is Graphetec you can use different blade holders. You are not limited to Silhouette brands. I use the CB09 blade holder with Graphetec blades. I can get 5 blades for $10. They are great blades. If and it would be a big IF something happened to Silhouette your machine will have support and alternative software for a long time. These machines might feel like they are not made well but that is a facade. They are little workhorses. I know people who have had their machines for 25 years. Do you need the 4? Probably not. I do think that this latest edition is setting the new technology standards. The machine is made for a niche market. I think Cricut & Silhouette understand that the 4 & Cricut Maker will be niche and both companies will still make machines that paper crafters and vinyl artists will use for years. For example I do still think we will see Cricut Explore and Silhouette Portrait's still being made and advanced. The majority of people do not need a machine like Maker or 4. For the art I make a 4 or Maker would be a very good choice for me. I am even on the fence about the 4. I am thinking of upgrading my 2 for a Portrait. I hope that helps you buy the perfect B-day gift.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 20, 2024 13:30:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2019 7:19:59 GMT
Take those worries right of the equation. You will be good for a very, very long time with a Cameo 3. Probably a decade or more. Silhouette still supports all their older machines and even when technology out dates them they help find workarounds. Actually, they don't. I have a machine that is less than 10 years old (edit: I purchased it in 2013 so it's 6 years old) that works perfectly well. But it no longer works with either of my computers. Silhouette have acknowledged that older machines (original silhouette and original silhouette cameo) are no longer compatible with the latest Windows 10 update and that they are not able to support these machines anymore. I believe the quote from them was something along the lines of 'technology changes and we're unable to continue to support our older products'.
I love my Silhouette and I have a 4 on pre-order, so I'm not trying to bash them at all. Just providing some clarity as it may influence a purchasing decision.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 20, 2024 13:30:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 23, 2019 7:37:13 GMT
@missbellejane Here's Silhouette School Blogs help for that issue- www.silhouetteschoolblog.com/2019/08/windows-10-1809-update-impacting-some.html & Silhouette's statement. One of my friends contacted Silhouette about the update issue and they did help her with the issue. No, they can't help with the Windows update but are helping with workarounds. They even gave my friend Hub recommendations. They are still supporting but some of the support will have to be workarounds. That is common with technology. They just can't provide a software/hardware upgrade. That is understandable. They will still help with issues with older machines. All the years I have been a Silhouette user they have helped me with all questions even if it wasn't mine and I was helping somebody else. Trust me I have asked then some really odd questions for some really old machines. They even helped me with a friends Blue Wishblade one time and even helped her fix the blade holder. I hope that helps with what I was trying to convey.
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Post by kiera on Sept 23, 2019 15:05:02 GMT
@amayalylac thank you so much! I'll check out my computer's memory and RAM when I get home to make sure I have enough space for the Studio software. It's an older machine but I think it'll be fine.
Getting excited!!
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oh yvonne
Prolific Pea
Posts: 7,990
Jun 26, 2014 0:45:23 GMT
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Post by oh yvonne on Sept 23, 2019 15:38:59 GMT
Also since the Silhouette is Graphetec you can use different blade holders. You are not limited to Silhouette brands. I use the CB09 blade holder with Graphetec blades. I can get 5 blades for $10. They are great blades. O M Gahh this is great info! I had no idea, YES!! I swear you guys know EVERYTHING!
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Post by betsyg on Sept 24, 2019 18:34:58 GMT
I am on the fence about what to buy. I have a cameo 2 and have been ready to upgrade for the Wireless connection. I was disappointed that it seems like some of the unique features of the 3 like being able to draw and cut at the same time are not available on the 4. I don’t think I would cut anything that really takes advantage of the features of the 4, but I hate buying a machine that I want to use for many years and not investing in the latest version.
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Post by htstepper on Sept 24, 2019 20:55:30 GMT
Silhouette has some bigger machines coming out in the Spring. I'm waiting for that. I have a Cameo 1 and 3 at home, but I would love the 20" for bigger projects!
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,115
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Sept 24, 2019 23:05:51 GMT
Actually, they don't. I have a machine that is less than 10 years old (edit: I purchased it in 2013 so it's 6 years old) that works perfectly well. But it no longer works with either of my computers. Silhouette have acknowledged that older machines (original silhouette and original silhouette cameo) are no longer compatible with the latest Windows 10 update and that they are not able to support these machines anymore. I believe the quote from them was something along the lines of 'technology changes and we're unable to continue to support our older products'. They released a firmware update for the original Cameo just last week. Almost immediately after the Windows 10 update crippled the Original Cameo, they set to work on creating a fix. This is for a machine of an age where most companies would have said - "eh, sorry" This is why I will not buy a Cricut machine again - ever! Here is a link to the Silhouette website for the Firmware update: www.silhouetteamerica.com/faq/solution/machine-cannot-connect-to-silhouette-studio-software?fbclid=IwAR2BIFIlR_InDO4t4N8xmq19RlxBLu3_mRnEahsCYf4znIYP5LPoTZEE2fs
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 20, 2024 13:30:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2019 2:53:05 GMT
Actually, they don't. I have a machine that is less than 10 years old (edit: I purchased it in 2013 so it's 6 years old) that works perfectly well. But it no longer works with either of my computers. Silhouette have acknowledged that older machines (original silhouette and original silhouette cameo) are no longer compatible with the latest Windows 10 update and that they are not able to support these machines anymore. I believe the quote from them was something along the lines of 'technology changes and we're unable to continue to support our older products'. They released a firmware update for the original Cameo just last week. Almost immediately after the Windows 10 update crippled the Original Cameo, they set to work on creating a fix. This is for a machine of an age where most companies would have said - "eh, sorry" This is why I will not buy a Cricut machine again - ever! Here is a link to the Silhouette website for the Firmware update: www.silhouetteamerica.com/faq/solution/machine-cannot-connect-to-silhouette-studio-software?fbclid=IwAR2BIFIlR_InDO4t4N8xmq19RlxBLu3_mRnEahsCYf4znIYP5LPoTZEE2fs Unfortunately mine is one of the models for which a firmware update is not available. So for me personally, I have a very expensive paperweight sitting on my desk.
Do the newer models still rely on generic windows drivers? Or have Silhouette built their own drivers for new models?
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Post by mrssch on Sept 25, 2019 17:26:24 GMT
I have a CAMEO 3 that I bought the Christmas when they released (Dec 2017). I just took it out of the box last week but I haven't used it yet. My Cameo 1 is still working across the room but the laptop runs Windows Vista so it can't update new designs.
I thought about selling the 3 and buying the 4 but there's really no need currently.
I would buy a SCAN & CUT if I buy anything else...
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Post by kiera on Sept 25, 2019 17:40:11 GMT
I have a Mac, I know the software will work on iOS systems but has anyone used that instead of a PC? Does it run well?
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,115
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Sept 25, 2019 21:30:53 GMT
Unfortunately mine is one of the models for which a firmware update is not available. So for me personally, I have a very expensive paperweight sitting on my desk. Which model do you have? Do you have a SD that pre-dates the Cameo? That would be older that You can try a powered USB 2.0 hub. I have heard it works, but I can't confirm it. I have a machine that is less than 10 years old (edit: I purchased it in 2013 so it's 6 years old) that works perfectly well. But it no longer works with either of my computers. If you purchased it in 2013, it is probably an original Cameo? That is what they just released the firmware update for, to allow it to work with Windows 10.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,115
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Sept 25, 2019 21:32:24 GMT
@missbellejane - this is the Silhouette SD - it predates 2011. It does not have a firmware update to fix it, but you may be able to use a powered USB 2.0 hub with it. This is the original Cameo (Cameo 1) .. there IS a firmware update for this machine now. It was just released last week to address the issue with Windows 10.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 20, 2024 13:30:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2019 22:24:22 GMT
This is the original Cameo (Cameo 1) .. there IS a firmware update for this machine now. It was just released last week to address the issue with Windows 10. Thank you. It's frustrating because previously when I had contacted them about an issue and specifically asked about firmware updates I was told that it was not possible to update the firmware on my machine. I haven't had the best experiences dealing with their customer service. But I wonder if that has been influenced by the fact that I'm on the other side of the globe so can't actually 'speak' with someone in real time, just relying on email.
But as I said, I do love it (or did when it was working for me) and I have a 4 on pre-order to replace it
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 20, 2024 13:30:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2019 7:27:02 GMT
@missbellejane This breaks my heart you are not getting the correct help. I am sure at the time the rep did provide you with the correct info that there was not a firmware update. He/she should have been able to help you with workarounds. I know there are Silhouette CS across the globe. I am really trying to remember which ones they are. If I can find it I will post it so all of you ladies across the pond can have that resource. I can't find it in my notes at the moment. Yes, older Silhouette's work on Windows 10. There is a big "if" to this. The new Windows Fall Update can cripple USB 1.0 if you are using it on a 3.0 USB port. You can use a Hub, some companies will provide a firmware update to your hardware, such as Silhouette. If you are really techy you can write a program code to workaround. Windows 10 that is not Fall 2019 the USB protocols and plotter protocols are not changed. They really are not changed in the Fall update either. They have just been updated to work with new communication protocols. For your Silhouette it reads natively as a printer plotter. You can set it up as such and use it with any software program, including Inkscape. I set up Silhouette's all the time this way in Windows & Linux. The newer models yes do rely on a generic windows driver but Silhouette has coded a new driver language to run their own driver to communicate with their software. This can be bypassed, legally hence why you can use Silhouette on different software. Graphetec, graciously, shared the coding so I could build Linux drivers one time years back. I am sorry everyone that was probably really techy. I was trying to keep it simple. I love the tech side of my cutters.
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Post by corinne11 on Sept 27, 2019 9:02:39 GMT
Take those worries right of the equation. You will be good for a very, very long time with a Cameo 3. Probably a decade or more. Silhouette still supports all their older machines and even when technology out dates them they help find workarounds. Actually, they don't. I have a machine that is less than 10 years old (edit: I purchased it in 2013 so it's 6 years old) that works perfectly well. But it no longer works with either of my computers. Silhouette have acknowledged that older machines (original silhouette and original silhouette cameo) are no longer compatible with the latest Windows 10 update and that they are not able to support these machines anymore. I believe the quote from them was something along the lines of 'technology changes and we're unable to continue to support our older products'.
I love my Silhouette and I have a 4 on pre-order, so I'm not trying to bash them at all. Just providing some clarity as it may influence a purchasing decision.
Oh, I wonder if this is what happened to my Silhouette Cameo ( bought in Dec 2011) It refused to connect to my computer - I spent several hours going painstakingly through their list of troubleshooting ideas but finally decided my machine had just died. Pretty sure my computer automatically upgraded recently. I just bought the Cameo 3 so fingers crossed! Corinne
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Post by anniefb on Sept 27, 2019 9:20:27 GMT
I have a Mac, I know the software will work on iOS systems but has anyone used that instead of a PC? Does it run well? I have a Cameo 2 and a MacBook Pro and the software runs very well. I did what you're doing a few years ago - bought the Cameo 2 when the 3 was released and the previous model was deeply discounted. It's still working really well and does all I need.
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Post by kiera on Sept 27, 2019 14:01:10 GMT
I have a Mac, I know the software will work on iOS systems but has anyone used that instead of a PC? Does it run well? I have a Cameo 2 and a MacBook Pro and the software runs very well. I did what you're doing a few years ago - bought the Cameo 2 when the 3 was released and the previous model was deeply discounted. It's still working really well and does all I need. Thank you! I think I'm going to pull the trigger this weekend.... eek! So exciting!
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Post by kiwifarmer on Sept 28, 2019 8:28:39 GMT
I have a Mac, I know the software will work on iOS systems but has anyone used that instead of a PC? Does it run well? From memory I think that Kerri Bradford uses a Mac in her classes....my MacBook worked fine with my original cameo.
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aldeem444
Junior Member
Posts: 64
Dec 26, 2018 9:32:00 GMT
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Post by aldeem444 on Sept 28, 2019 16:00:14 GMT
Also since the Silhouette is Graphetec you can use different blade holders. You are not limited to Silhouette brands. I use the CB09 blade holder with Graphetec blades. I can get 5 blades for $10. They are great blades. This is the best, most useful information I ever received on cameo blade replacement! Thank you
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Post by kiera on Sept 28, 2019 22:16:53 GMT
I did it. I used my gift card to purchase the 3 - and even though it cost me nothing out of pocket, it was still scary to drop $200 at once! I'm so rarely able to do that and I was hesitant to hit the button, even though I'm using a gift card lol. But it'll be here on Thursday or Friday, just in time for the weekend! So excited to play!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Apr 20, 2024 13:30:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2019 22:23:51 GMT
I did it. I used my gift card to purchase the 3 - and even though it cost me nothing out of pocket, it was still scary to drop $200 at once! I'm so rarely able to do that and I was hesitant to hit the button, even though I'm using a gift card lol. But it'll be here on Thursday or Friday, just in time for the weekend! So excited to play! Yay! If you don't already own a lot of cut files, I'd definitely recommend joining the Paige Evans group on Facebook. She has a huge download bundle of free files that will be awesome to get you started.
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Post by kiera on Sept 28, 2019 22:47:04 GMT
I think I only have a few, because I've never owned an electronic die cut machine before. I never had a reason to own them. I'll definitely look for her group though, thank you! I plan to download free files from the Paper Issues shop as well.
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Post by marg on Sept 29, 2019 14:10:07 GMT
I have a Mac, I know the software will work on iOS systems but has anyone used that instead of a PC? Does it run well? I have a Cameo 1 and use it on my MacBook Air (which is 2 years old) - I've never had any issues (I hope I didn't just jinx myself, lol!)
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Post by marg on Sept 29, 2019 14:20:01 GMT
I think I only have a few, because I've never owned an electronic die cut machine before. I never had a reason to own them. I'll definitely look for her group though, thank you! I plan to download free files from the Paper Issues shop as well. Holy Cow!! Thank you for mentioning this about Paper Issues, I had no idea. I just went there and they have 11 pages of free files! I'm downloading the first 68 as we speak. Awesome.
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basket1lady
Shy Member
Posts: 19
Jul 6, 2014 16:56:18 GMT
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Post by basket1lady on Sept 29, 2019 17:45:50 GMT
I have a Mac, I know the software will work on iOS systems but has anyone used that instead of a PC? Does it run well? The software runs like a dream on a Mac. That’s what I use now. I used to run it on a windows laptop and I think the Mac is way more intuitive. Or maybe it’s just after using it for 5+ years! I do suggest upgrading to the Designer Edition, as I think there are some usability features that make it worth it. There are sales all the time where you can buy it for about $25. I bought my download card on Amazon.
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