scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,144
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on May 5, 2018 13:49:46 GMT
If you have the Gypsy you can still use the Mini. Just throwing out an idea for those Mini users who might be panicking about CCR going away. Now there is a new drama about CCR. They only gave the $75 coupon for active CCR users. If you were not that active then you didn't get the coupon to upgrade. Some people actually called Cricut to get the discount and they were told they couldn't have the coupon. I understand people trying to con a discount that might not have ever used CCR or have even owned a Cricut that Cricut would tell them NO. They were telling people "You only used CCR twice last month. This coupon is for people who have used it at least ten times this month." If some of you didn't receive the coupon code that is why. Am I the only one that finds it creepy Cricut keeps individual track of how much we use their cloud base program? I understand a mass track for analytics and upkeep. Individual seems to Big Brother. Learn something new about Cricut every day. This is the kind of things I don't want to learn. I want to learn an offset feature they will never give us, lol. I figured my coupon had gone to my old email. Not that I would have used it since I already have an Explore, and I am not buying the Cricut Maker. However, to refuse to allow Cricut owners to get the coupon because they haven't used CCR enough is terrible customer service (and yes, it IS creepy, too, that they track your activity). If they want to verify an actual machine is in the hands of someone asking for the coupon, all they should require is a photo of the serial number of the machine. I can see allowing only one coupon per customer, but refusing to give coupons to those who are not frequent current users of CCR is just mean spirited. I don't know if anyone who works for Provo Craft will see this, but here goes: Sometimes customers stop crafting for a while due to family challenges, such as a big move, a suicidal daughter, or trying to heal from cancer. It doesn't mean they're never crafting again, just that they had to take a break. Way to go, Provo Craft, for just making things even worse for those of your customers who are dealing with overwhelming challenges. Not only will you be making useless some of your products for those customers (products that should have been useful a lot longer), you just hurt a lot of people who are already struggling. I have a dear friend who is one of them. She has a Cricut Create. She hasn't crafted much for awhile because she's had an extremely rough two years. She is finally starting to do better. She has had neither the time nor the energy to craft, and just as she is about to start doing the one thing she loves again, you won't even give her a coupon because she hasn't been able to use CCR for awhile. That's pretty low, Provo Craft, even for you. Your customers aren't just the ones who are currently crafting. It's everyone who has bought a Cricut machine and Cricut designs. Even if they haven't been crafting much for more mundane reasons, wouldn't letting customers have a coupon to buy a new machine that can be used with Design Space help get them going again? Then they would probably buy more projects from you, too. It's called good customer service, something you seem to have often lacked.
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Post by Night Owl on May 6, 2018 0:25:01 GMT
Am I the only one that finds it creepy Cricut keeps individual track of how much we use their cloud base program? I understand a mass track for analytics and upkeep. Individual seems to Big Brother. Learn something new about Cricut every day. This is the kind of things I don't want to learn. I want to learn an offset feature they will never give us, lol. I got an e-mail asking if I was interested in something I had looked at on their website and it said that I should buy it because I hadn't used my Cricut in awhile. I know companies can track what we look at on their site but I thought I was being paranoid and read too much into it that they noticed I hadn't cut anything with my Cricut in awhile. That is shady AF. The other day I was actually pricing the cheapest Silhouette (Portrait maybe?) because I mainly want something to cut titles out that I can shadow because Cricut won't give us the %$@! offset function.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 16, 2024 19:13:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2018 9:49:22 GMT
scrapnnana I didn't get the e-mail either. I just figured it was because PC had me as a registered Cricut Explore users. I am not upset I didn't get the e-mail and didn't even think I would get one. I think they were sending out the coupons to members who were not Explore but Legacy machine users. Not to give it to all the Legacy machine users is very shocking and upsetting since they were going through our account databases to send the e-mails. Most companies send out mass coupon codes with restrictions and rules. Cricut tailored their database. That is creepy as all get out. Especially since Cricut is a large international company. Did anyone receive the coupon e-mail that is both an Explore user and Legacy user? Night Owl I agree that is creepy AF. The Silhouette Portrait is amazing. I have the Cameo but they are the same machine. One is smaller. I am thinking of downgrading to a Portrait. I just don't need a cutter that large. I want one for my living room computer desk. I love, love, love the offset. You can tailor it to the finest detail. The inset is amazing too. I do freelance cybersecurity. Trust me, I know a lot of shady things going on. Most of these companies are really trying not to dig into our lives. That is one of my things I have to do is to make sure that does not happen by checking for loopholes or vulnerable areas in software. Now, I know why Cricut doesn't work on Linux. I figured it out Cricut. I used ScannCut Cloud Base software on Linux the other day. Even let me transfer my file. It was perfect. Silhouette Cameo works on Linux natively. You can use Design Studio with Wine. Cricut no dice on a secure operating system. I know people have tried it on VM and Virtual Box and didn't get very far. Cricut blocked them. Since you can download Linux now on Windows App store you should be able to VM the software natively since you are still using Windows. Cricut blocking the software as hard as they are shows there is something they are hiding or tracking or both. I am wrote all of this not to try and deter anyone away from Cricut. You have to buy the best cutter for your needs. Cricut is a nice cutter and the software can fit many of your needs. I think people should be aware of the risks each cutter poses with their software. Even Silhouette's software uses Bonjour. I know many people who side eye that application. Silhouette using Bonjour is for their cloud base storage system. It is kind of needed but I think it should be optional if you don't use Cloud. What Cricut is doing is a bit sketchy. I hope the bigwigs that spy on our boards is taking this into serious consideration and take steps to rectify this and be fair with your customer service. Like I said CCR closing is not the problem. Flash is dead and needs to be gone. It is a massive security risk. The way Cricut handled the phasing out of Flash and moving their customers away from it was handled very poorly. I know, I know it doesn't effect me. It has raised a serious red flag. Cricut what are you going to do with us Explore users when our software gets out of date. Are you going to just leave us with an Explore that can never be used again since it is DEPENDENT on cloud base software?
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Post by garagesaler on May 6, 2018 10:09:24 GMT
I received the coupon in an e-mail. I only used CCR years ago when it first came out. I have an Explore, and go on Design Space and Cricut.com frequently. Maybe that is why I received the code? Because I shop on their site? Not sure how they decide who receives the coupon.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,144
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on May 6, 2018 20:41:04 GMT
I feel that Provo Craft has taken some major steps backward in customer service in the way they are handling this. The issue is not that CCR is going away due to flash being a security risk. That is understandable. It's the way their customer service is handling it. NOT giving out coupons to some customers who own older machines, while giving them to others tells me that some customers matter, and some don't.
Yes, it makes me wonder what will happen eventually with my Explore, if the software becomes unsustainable some day. Will it become a paper weight?
Being limited to using only online software made me nervous when I bought the Explore. I am even more nervous about that issue now.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 16, 2024 19:13:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 7, 2018 6:53:27 GMT
scrapnnana I am worried about the customer service too. Cricut promised us with the new CEO they learned from their mistakes. Then why does this feel like it is 2008 all over again? Same song made in a different year with Cricut. Yes, the coupon thing screams elitism to me. Cricut has always played the game where they only want certain type of people to use their machines. If they don't feel that way well, their history shows differently. I just don't understand why not just send out a mass coupon with certain restrictions? Why not on CCR front page state that it's going away and offer the coupon code right on CCR's site? Why not do both? It is not like they are going to lose money. Some people would want to upgrade so Cricut would make money. Same for those who might take advantage of the coupons like those who never owned a Cricut. They are buying a machine that otherwise would not have been bought. Before I upgraded to the Explore I did contact Cricut about offline software that is on PC and MAC. I was told they were working on it. They were testing an offline software with an alpha team. I know Cricut has done this often so I took their word as good. History shows when they are Alpha testing then something is in the works. Then all of sudden no offline software. Do any of you remember they promised us offline software? I am not on Facebook but I know there was very big discussions about this on FB groups. I know it was talked about over here too a bit. If I remember right didn't they have a FB group that was strictly working on the alpha offline software? I would have never ever bought the Explore if it was only online cloud base software. I will not buy hardware that is dependent on the Cloud. The big reason is not because I am a tech geek but because I am a tree hugger. Yes, I know if the Cricut becomes obsolete take it to a recycling center. A lot of people will not be able to do that. Those Cricut's are going to end up in the landfill. I know Cricut can be used on the iPad. A lot of people can not afford an iPad. scrapnnana I am with you I am more nervous than ever about this issue now. I am very leery of them tracking us individually on Design Space and CCR. That is a massive security risk.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,144
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on May 7, 2018 15:26:03 GMT
I received the coupon in an e-mail. I only used CCR years ago when it first came out. I have an Explore, and go on Design Space and Cricut.com frequently. Maybe that is why I received the code? Because I shop on their site? Not sure how they decide who receives the coupon. I have an Explore. I have used Design Space as recently as December, but we recently had a family wedding and DIY reception, so I have not had time to do anything with my Explore since December. I bought designs from them in December, too. I checked my older email last night to be sure I hadn't somehow missed the email from them, including the spam folder. Definitely no coupon for me. I'm not upset about the lack of coupon, but it really makes some customers seem important to them, with others being ignored. That is not a great way to keep customers. Customers tend to vote with their wallets. Amayalylac, I agree with every word you've said. I do want to make one thing clear: I do not hate Provo Craft or Cricut. I am just very disappointed and frustrated with them for how they are handling the unavoidable demise of CCR and their pattern of broken promises. I am extremely disappointed to see any business, especially one that has made some great products as they have, make mistakes that will alienate some long time customers.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 16, 2024 19:13:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 6:00:09 GMT
I want to be clear too. I don't hate ProvoCraft or Cricut either. I know I bark at them a lot. I bark a lot because I really do love their machines. I absolutely adore their machines. I always have. I am one of the very few that truly loved their designs on the cartridges. I was so excited to see new Sanrio characters on Design Space. I just get upset with the crazy decisions they make because I think they have a lot of good things. Then they make the same crazy decisions over and over again and it hurts us in the long run. I get so frustrated. I scream "You have great machines! Why do you keep hurting their feelings?" Then they always tend to forget about customer courtesy and basic decency at times. They have well built machines, software that is easy to use for beginners. Yes, I complain about the software. I think the software is excellent for beginners. When I do post about my grumps I do feel bad because I am like "I don't like the software but that doesn't mean I think it's bad software!" I just want them to provide offline computer software and an offset. It doesn't even have to be fancy. I don't expect my whole cartridge library to be on my computer. I understand if I need to connect online for features just not all features. Basic offline design function and cutting is all I want. Oh yes, I want an offset too. To be honest when I started die cutting the Wishblade software was so hard. I felt like there was no help and the community was so mean girl elitist you felt like you had to be a special somebody to actually own the machine. Cricut came out and they are the ones that made die cutting mainstream, especially when they sued MTC & SCAL, almost went bankrupt and everyone bought the Silhouette, lol. I am not being cheeky about that. Ok, a tiny bit. It was the lawsuit, IMO, that made people really look at die cutting differently. Then PC had to bring in a new CEO, revamp the company and "BOOM" die cutting industry just exploded. Yes, to see Provocraft have a great turnaround and success like this and then keep making the same mistakes over and over again is frustrating. I love my Cricut. I want it to stay around for a long time. I want to be able to upgrade without concerns I might have a paperweight at a later date. I am planning to buy the Maker. I waited for a cutter like that for a long time. I want to feel confident that Cricut will support it for a long time.
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Post by OntarioScrapper on May 11, 2018 4:46:11 GMT
Wow. Only giving out coupons out to those who has used CCR for an X number of times recently. If this was 3 weeks before Christmas, they'd have to give up a lot more coupons. Lets pick a month that doesn't have the casual crafter crafting. Sigh.
Never got the email but then I haven't used CCR in YEARS. I have sold off all my old machines though, Create, Expression 2 and the Gypsy. Just hoping I don't get someone contacting me in a few months wondering why they can't use CCR anymore. Thank goodness it would only be by email.
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aprilsundays
One Post Wonder
Posts: 1
Jul 31, 2018 23:26:07 GMT
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Post by aprilsundays on Jul 31, 2018 23:44:53 GMT
If you have the Gypsy you can still use the Mini. Just throwing out an idea for those Mini users who might be panicking about CCR going away. Interesting, I didn't know about the Gypsy. A friend gifted me their Mini, which I guess is just a paperweight now since there doesn't seem to be any offline software for it besides the Gypsy. When I saw the notice about CCR going away, I thought it just meant they weren't going to support it anymore - no more updates. I didn't think they would completely turn off a switch, where you can't even open the program to access old files. Are there any offline programs that work with legacy machines? Is everything online only now? I can't afford to buy a new one, but with this introduction to PC's customer service, I think I'll go with Silhouette if I save up enough in the future. I need something that lets you import your own .svg's
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,144
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on Aug 1, 2018 13:25:48 GMT
If you have the Gypsy you can still use the Mini. Just throwing out an idea for those Mini users who might be panicking about CCR going away. Interesting, I didn't know about the Gypsy. A friend gifted me their Mini, which I guess is just a paperweight now since there doesn't seem to be any offline software for it besides the Gypsy. When I saw the notice about CCR going away, I thought it just meant they weren't going to support it anymore - no more updates. I didn't think they would completely turn off a switch, where you can't even open the program to access old files. Are there any offline programs that work with legacy machines? Is everything online only now? I can't afford to buy a new one, but with this introduction to PC's customer service, I think I'll go with Silhouette if I save up enough in the future. I need something that lets you import your own .svg's Yes, Cricut is online only now. A lot of us hate the online only requirement. The Gypsy is an option for using with all of the older machines. However, it is a temporary fix, so I recommend you start saving money over time if you can for a new cutter. The Gypsy was never as well built or reliable as the older Cricut machines, and it will probably die at some point. It is also very slow. The Silhouette software is downloaded to your computer. You do NOT need to be online to use it, and it is far better software than Cricut Design Space.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 16, 2024 19:13:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2018 7:49:28 GMT
aprilsundaysFirst big welcome to Peas and your first post. I hope you post more often. SCAL & MTC are the only offline software for the legacy machines. There is a big rule on this. You have to own the software already. There is no more support for MTC and SCAL with Cricut. ProvoCraft sued them many years ago and both companies had to stop selling the plugins for Cricut machines. The new Explore/Maker line is definitely only online. If you have an iPad you can access offline it is limited and you will still need to do things online. Silhouette- Silhouette has a program called Silhouette Design Studio. It is free to download and free to use. If you want to use SVG's in their native format you will need to pay for a license. Those of us who do not want to pay for a license export our SVG's to DXF using Inkscape, which is also free. I actually don't own the licensed software of Design Studio. I only use free and have been for a decade now. What is nice about Silhouette Design studio you can use the old Silhouette and Wishblade machines with it. So if you could find a cheap older machine you can have all the same benefits of the software. Do you have MTC or SCAL? If you do you can download their plugins to use a Silhouette or Wishblade for free.The plugins are free to download. MTC only does Silhouette Cameo 2 on down. SCAL is updated for all machines, including Cameo 3 and the new Portrait. I will throw out one other cheaper option for you. This is a bit tech. It is legitimate. If you purchase an older Silhouette or Wishblade you can use your vector program to cut, like Inkscape, Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator. No drivers or plugin needed. The older machines read as a true printer plotter. Graphtec- the maker of these machines supports this. One last one for any of the Graphtec machines- Silhouette, Wishblade or the other professional ones on the market. There is a plugin for Linux and Window to run your machines in Inkscape. It is also free. It is a bit techy but works very well, especially in the Linux community- github.com/fablabnbg/inkscape-silhouette I think there is limited Print & Cut support but it can be done. Cutting SVG's will be fine. I hope that gives you some low cost options for a replacement for your Cricut. I use to teach frugality. I always look at these machine on which is the most frugal and budget wise. IMO, the Silhouette series is the best budget machine. It gives so many software options to use that are cost effective. They are well built and will last many years. There are still people using the old Blue Wishblade and it is close to twenty years old now. You can buy the machines inexpensively for around $10 to $130 if you go with the smaller Portrait. I know $130 is more expensive, especially if you are on a tight budget. When trying to save it is the cheapest one on the market without sacrificing in quality.
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richardon
One Post Wonder
Posts: 1
Oct 2, 2019 6:34:00 GMT
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Post by richardon on Oct 2, 2019 11:46:43 GMT
edie3 so what you're saying is that I shouldn't count on support from cricut. Bam bam thank you mam? That's so so sad. I'm in the market for buying a new vinyl cutting machine and I was thinking about explore two.
I've checked out the maker but it seemed that it would feed my shiny object syndrome. What do you guys think it's worth buying explore or should I choose cameo instead? It's hard to find unbiased reviews so far this was the
Are the accusations true? Now i'm more on the fence than ever
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,144
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 2, 2019 15:19:39 GMT
edie3 so what you're saying is that I shouldn't count on support from cricut. Bam bam thank you mam? That's so so sad. I'm in the market for buying a new vinyl cutting machine and I was thinking about explore two.
I've checked out the maker but it seemed that it would feed my shiny object syndrome. What do you guys think it's worth buying explore or should I choose cameo instead? It's hard to find unbiased reviews so far this was the
Are the accusations true?
I read the review that you linked. I disagree with a lot of it. I own both the Explore Air 2 and a Cameo 2. When I bought my Cameo 2, that was the latest version. While Provo Craft customer service is often poor, I am going to tell you to base your decision on what you want to do with an electronic cutter, as well as your own capabilities and desire to learn new software. Those are the two most important factors in my opinion. Price is also a factor, but her comparison was a bit skewed in my opinion, as well as very outdated. A friend of mine bought a Cameo 3 bundle from Amazon very recently for less than $200. The Explore Air 2 has more cutting pressure, which means that it will cut heavier materials. However, Silhouette has just come out with the Cameo 4, which appears to be intended to compete with the Cricut Maker, and which also has more cutting pressure. I bought my Explore for one major reason: to cut thin leather. Later I learned that my Cameo 2 will also cut thin leather. Will Explore cut heavier materials more easily than the Cameo 3? Yes, but probably not more than the Cameo 4, which is more comparable to the Maker. Now let’s talk software. Cricut Design Space is intended for those who need dummy software. Sorry to be so blunt, but Provo Craft wants people to buy files from Provo Craft, not make their own. I can make literally anything that I want with the Silhouette software. Design Space is far more limited. However, more capable software does take a bit more time to learn. There are free tutorials online. Every time I have wanted to learn how to do something with my Silhouette software that I have not done before, I do a search online, and within minutes, I have learned how to do it. Silhouette DOES use the Cloud. However, you do not HAVE to be online. You can work offline if you want. You can store all your files on your hard drive. Unless something has changed or improved, Design Space software was ONLY online, and it has sometimes been overwhelmed on evenings and weekends. If you are cutting designs to take to a crop, and a lot of users online, good luck getting it done. And for those who have unreliable internet service (still a problem in some areas like mine), it can be more than an annoyance. Let’s discuss subscription plans for both. Even though I am capable of designing my own cutting files and often do, I also buy designs that I like. It’s faster than doing the design work myself, especially since with my Silhouette subscription, I can get files that are mine to keep for pennies. With Cricut/Provo Craft, unless something has changed, the subscription is $8-10/month. You get free use of thousands of designs while you have the subscription, but the ones worth using are rarely available. You still have to buy them for about $1 each. Maybe you get a discount if you have a subscription. I’m not sure. You do NOT have access to Disney or licensed designs unless you buy them for at least $1 each . On the other hand, with my Silhouette subscription, I am paying $12/month for $150 of designs of my choice every month that are mine to keep forever. That Cricut sub does not let you own the designs, just use them while your subscription is up to date. If your subscription lapses, those designs are not yours to keep. And most of them are designs I wouldn’t use over and over. When I was making t-shirts prior to going on a trip to Disney World, I used some Cricut Disney designs that I had bought, but I also used the Silhouette software and free clip art from the internet to make a lot of our Disney shirts, and they were unique. I saw some shirts worn at Disney World that were obviously made from Cricut designs. There is nothing wrong with that, but sometimes it is nice to be unique, too. I use my Silhouette Cameo far more than my Provo Craft Explore. I hope that helps you make a decision on what machine would work best for you.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 16, 2024 19:13:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2019 7:38:16 GMT
Wow! I read that review too. This review Wow! Who wrote this? Why does this person have such a grudge. This review just bespoke "I am soooooooo privileged." My advice to all who read this review. Take that info and get it out of your head. She wrote a hateful and very poor review. Trust me I am not harsh on bloggers. I hope Cricut or Silhouette does not see how she is giving wrong info about their machines. Both machines she reviewed wrong and poorly. The girl proved herself as an attention blogger by writing a review on the Cricut Maker vs the Brother ScannCut. You can't do a versus review on two very different machines that are made for very different reasons. Silhouette has pretty machines. Sure, they don't have Cricut's color line but that doesn't mean their machines are ugly. LCD component can be replaced cheaper than buying a new machine. No, not everybody has smartphones. That statement she made is a place of privilege. Design Space yes is easier to learn but it still has a learning curve. If you never owned a die cutting machine before it doesn't matter what software you use it will have a learning curve. I make jokes all the time over here about Cricut Design Space and how easy it is. I have been die cutting a long, long time. I have a lot of expertise on these machines. I even tear them apart and see how their made. I was using Design Space a couple of weeks ago and I had to look at the help file to see how to use a feature. I know how to use that particular feature on Silhouette Design Studio but couldn't figure it out on Design Space, lol. No a GSM does not make the difference how well your machine cuts. The GSM is how deep the machine cuts. Big difference. I own both a Cricut and Cameo. I cut out different materials all the time with both machines. There is not one material that I have ever thrown at those machine it couldn't cut. The motor is what makes the difference between how well the machine cuts. The algorithms in the software make the difference. Price point in the long term Silhouette is cheaper- please look at the thread Cameo 3 or 4 that I went over this. Cricut is frugal too. You can use Roland Carbide blades. I can get 3 Roland Carbide Blades for about $8 on Ebay. They last many years with heavy uses. You can use different companies mats. Cricut is cost effective it is just proprietary. Silhouette machines are not proprietary so frugally in the long run Silhouette wins. Both machines are frugal choices. Cricut Design Space does now have offline software. I have been using the beta. It is exactly like the iPad app. So, don't expect any bells or whistles. There is still no offset. scrapnnana wrote about Silhouette's subscription program I agree. I like that program better because I want to keep my designs. I do admit I use my designs over and over again. I don't want to rent my designs. That being said I know there are many who do not want to own their files and having a vast library of files to work with is just plain fun and easier. I do see the value in Cricut's subscription program. I do highly recommend both programs.
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