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Post by mymindseyedpea on Dec 6, 2014 22:27:50 GMT
The last one I had was the expression. The next Cricut that came out was the expression 2? I remember seeing the infomercial and was hooked. Then came the Imagine? I think I saw the infomercial on that one too and was drooling. But with the Explore I'm not feeling it. I'm more into just the paper crafting so I don't feel I would like those kind of options with the explore. I have my heart set on getting another Cricut but I can't remember the things I loved about the 2, and imagine. Maybe you can share what you love about them and maybe you can sell me on the explore as well. Thanks  |
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,317 
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Post by iowgirl on Dec 7, 2014 1:16:59 GMT
I dumped Cricut and went with Silhouette. Never regretted it. The Explore sounds like a good machine, but I will not use something that requires an internet connection to work (you can not do anything unless you are online with it).
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Post by love2scrap on Dec 7, 2014 4:22:20 GMT
I have the expression and expression 2 and I'm very happy with it.
I love love to cut chipboard on mine. it has served me well...
I'll continue to use it until they die! Lol
i have many carts and I feel I have more fonts than I need.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,903
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Post by tracylynn on Dec 7, 2014 6:42:42 GMT
I just got the Explore, and absolutely love it. I started with the Baby Bug, and still have my Pink Expression.
As far as only being able to use it online, as of now, that is true. However, the CEO is very involved in some of the Cricut boards on Facebook and he told us about a month ago that they were working on an offline solution that would be ready to go in the first half of 2015. So a solution to that is coming!
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Post by mymindseyedpea on Dec 7, 2014 9:06:45 GMT
I sort of have sentimental reasons with to wanting to stay with Provo craft.
I used to work at my LSS ( best just I've ever had )
And we sold the Cricut. ( first the baby then the expression)
So it's what I'm familiar with and I like using the carts and such.
So does the Explore have a lot of paper crafting options for Scrapbooking?
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,451
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Post by scrapnnana on Dec 7, 2014 13:48:01 GMT
Like tracylynn, I have also heard that the Explore will have the capability to work offline by June of next year. However, there is no cartridge slot on the Explore. Unless they are going to release a new machine (or a new Gypsy), it will at least be tied to a computer.
It is not necessarily a bad thing to be tied to a computer. My Cameo is always connected to my computer, but if you are expecting the Explore to be a stand alone machine like the baby bug and Expression 1 and 2 machines were, it isn't.
I have both an original Expression, and an Expression 2. The E2 cuts better detail than the original E. The Silhouette Cameo cuts details even better, and the Explore has a slight edge over the Silhouette for cutting details.
However, a machine's ability to cut detail is still limited to the actual design being cut. After I got my Cameo, I needed some fishing related designs. I had a couple of cartridges that would work fine, so I cut the designs with my E2. I ended up not using them, because the design quality just wasn't as good as what I had become used to. I have 104 Cricut cartridges, but I have been spoiled by the more intricate and detailed designs I can buy from Silhouette for about 11 to 25 cents each with my subscription (which are then mine to use forever).
The Explore lets you import designs such as SVG files, so you can cut designs off the Internet or that you have created. You can do that with the Cameo, too, but you need to buy the Designer software (a one time fee, and you can get it on sale at certain times of the year......it might be part of their current sale but I'm not sure). There is no additional fee for doing this with the Explore. The PC CEO said at the kickoff that they were going to tie the ability to their subscription at first, but their potential customers were very outspoken that they wouldn't buy the machine if they had to pay a monthly fee for the SVG capability, that Provo Craft changed their decision within two days.
I will say that Provo Craft has become far more responsive to what customers say they want and don't want, at least compared to their past track record.
They have a lot of pre-designed projects. Some are free. From what I have read, many are for purchase only. Their software capability is disappointing to those of us who want the ability to do our own design work. At least when I first looked at it, it's pretty much a system of templates for plugging in the designs you already own, or use with your subscription, or purchase. One reason I have not been seriously tempted to buy the Explore is their software is targeted to crafters who want everything done for them. I felt it was limiting.
The Explore will cut heavier materials than the Cameo or E2. If you think you will be cutting a lot of heavy materials, then that is something to consider. The Explore IS a good machine from what I have read, and it sounds like they are listening to customers' concerns about it being solely online for now. It hasn't been enough to unplug my Cameo to make space for it, and I still refuse to buy it, but it might be perfect for you, depending on what you want from an electronic cutter.
Since it sounds like you want to buy either the Expression 2 or the Explore, hopefully that gives you some more info to help you decide which of the two machines you would prefer.
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tracylynn
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,903
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Post by tracylynn on Dec 7, 2014 20:14:09 GMT
I agree, PC is becoming much more responsive to consumer concerns and desires. Ashish (current CEO) has openly said that he realizes that there were mis-steps in the past that drove customers away. They're trying to rectify that and listen to what we want.
I've only heard good things about the Cameo, but I have around 40-50 cartridges, and frankly, I love them. As an aside, until there is a truly offline solution I'm keeping my Expression. And I might just keep it regardless, but man, the Explore is pretty cool. And I've only been playing with it for a couple of days.
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Post by htstepper on Dec 9, 2014 0:34:36 GMT
I dumped Cricut and went with Silhouette. Never regretted it. The Explore sounds like a good machine, but I will not use something that requires an internet connection to work (you can not do anything unless you are online with it). Yes this! I can't go back. Silhouette also has the ability to trace images. This feature comes in handy! I made a red solo cup costume a few years ago with a spray painted red garbage can. I traced the "Solo" logo and cut it in vinyl to place on the costume. So handy!!!! |
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Post by LovMelrose on Dec 10, 2014 18:14:50 GMT
I have a pink E that I love and an E2 new in the box. I'm waiting until the other dies before I open it. Unless someone can tell me that I will love the E2 even more??
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Post by love2scrap on Dec 10, 2014 19:02:57 GMT
I have a pink E that I love and an E2 new in the box. I'm waiting until the other dies before I open it. Unless someone can tell me that I will love the E2 even more?? I love my E2. Have it since launch and no problems! |
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beth44
Junior Member
Refupea #328
Posts: 70
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Post by beth44 on Dec 14, 2014 13:50:17 GMT
I love the Cricut Explore. It cuts way better than the old cricuts ( I had a babybug and an Expression). And I thought my old cricut cut fine.
I think the precise cutting is it's best asset. I also like the writing feature, I use it more than I thought I would. It's nice not to have to change out pens. Haven't tried print n cut yet.
Needing internet is not an issue for me, I can always use my E as backup, though I do have some digital only cartridges.
They have made it work with the ipad, and from what I understand, you will be able to design on the ipad in early 2015, currently that program is only for predesigned projects.
I'm super excited they just came out with a Frozen cartridge, currently only accessible on Design Space, but should be out next spring on cartridge form.
If you do a lot of self-designing SVGs, more complex images, I would not use the design space software. It is really best designed for people that just cut the image as is, which is fine by me, I have over 100 carts. But you can import any predesigned image into DS to cut on the Explore. T
I think the advantage over the Cameo is access to the cricut library of images, if you like them or have lots of cartridges to use. The cutting is probably comparable.
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Post by Florida Cindy on Dec 15, 2014 23:31:06 GMT
Well, I have the Explore and the Cameo. Both are great machines. I never use them. I should sell them.
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