Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

*I am editing in that this review was published several years ago, and as of that time, the information it held was accurate and up to date. Some of the information is probably a bit dated at this point, as I know they have made a lot of software tweaks, and, as I have really not had my bug out for over a year, I can't answer many of the comments, sadly. However, I think that the majority of information presented is still accurate, and people do still seem to be finding this review helpful. I just wanted to make sure it is understood that there are likely product improvements since the review.* Original review text is as follows: Previously when using the cricut (I still have the baby...I really only use it on layouts and cards, and just don't need the bigger size), I found it very frustrating trying to cut images that would be randomly flipped in different directions. As a result, it could be very difficult to figure out how big an image would cut the first time you cut it. Also rather annoying having to run the mat through multiple times for a layered project. Now, using the grid on the mat as you set up your project, you can actually lay multiple papers on the mat and run it through just one time. You can also link letter together to make a much more professional looking title. With the multi-cut feature, I have run thin cardstock through, too (stick with easy patterns for this...it doesn't make intricate cuts well)! (A very under-publicized benefit of the DS software!!) You can also share your .cut files with others online, which means that if you create something really beautiful, you can share it with others. I have seen some designs that look just like the KI Memories lace cardstock! This should be the second thing you buy--right behind the cricut! It is really what you need to get the very most out of your cricut. Now, as for the contents...it has a LIBRARY of all the cartridges, and you can even make designs using them! You cannot, however, cut the design unless you actually own the cart. I have to say that this is kinda common sense...DS is only $10 more expensive than EACH cartridge...this would mean that NO-ONE would purchase cartridges anymore!! What I have done is to create the cut files, and wait until I go in to my LSS that has all the cartridges and then cut. (I have quite a few of them, but not all--yet....haha!) It does give you a fantastic opporunity, however, to browse all the content of other carts and see what you want to get next!! Why four stars? 1. It now approaches the versatility of the Pazzles, Wishblade, etc., but not quite, as you are limited to just the carts, and those are pricey! (Not nearly as pricey as steel dies, though, when you work out how many options you have!). On the other hand, it is WAY WAY easier to use than those other software based cutters, and the software is still very straighforward and easy to use. 2. It is still somewhat buggy, but I think they're working on that a little bit at a time, and 'fix' downloads are available frequently. Now--for those of you who are interested, but not positive! Please go to the cricut homepage, and download the demo. You can use it to create any design, but can only cut with the George cartridge at the moment. This allows you play with the software, and see the versatility before you spend too much money and start feeling too ripped off!! =0 ) Good luck! I know this helped my cricut change from being an occasionally used system to something that I use on most of my cards and a good number of my layouts!! JANUARY '09 EDIT: The newest software update for CDS, available on the cricut site, has fixed several of the bugs that were rampant in the original version. It has also allowed a lot more versatility in the program, including the ability not to cut certain parts of a design (ie: want the little swirl of steam coming off the coffee mug on Christmas cheer, but not the mug? no problem!!). It also allows a little bit of grouping and ungrouping, so you can resize an entire image of several welded items at once. This is still imperfect, but it is getting there. The new update also apparently makes it compatible with vista!! Also, if you want the cricut to cut true type fonts, check out the sure cuts a lot software by craftedge. It will allow TTF cutting. I have been using both the CDS and SCAL for six or seven months now, and find both are very useful and functional in their own way. I use CDS more, b/c I'm more familiar with it, and it's a little bit more user friendly, but the ability to download and cut any one of thousands of the free fonts on the internet is absolutely fantastic! It also allows you to use dingbat fonts, and create your own images for cutting using inkscape, a free downloadable software. Between the two programs and the new deep blade assembly, I have no question that the cricut becomes nearly as versatile as the klik-n-cut or sillhouette. Big difference is, I found the learning curve to being able to cut basic shapes/letters/etc., to be much smaller than that of the bigger systems. EDIT: It has been roughly 1 year since I posted this review, and I still use both CDS and SCAL plenty! SCAL is most helpful (to me--I'm not patient enough to do the massive layered cuts that look so awesome with SCAL) with titles and text related cuts, and I find myself turning to the CDS over and over for shapes. CDS has released a few updates that are addressing a lot of the issues I used to have with it--YAY!! But it remains a little bit buggy. I have used these programs to make custom vinyl stickers for my iPhone case, for my friend's motorcycle helmet, and the walls in my home. I have created background pages with large die cuts similar to the laser paper you can get from KI Memories and others (beware, the ware of the blade and mat means this is NOT cheaper--just more customized!), made glass etching stencils, and so much more! With the use of the deep blade assembly arm, I have also created stencils for inking, chipboard titles and letters, etc. I never turn on my cricut unless it is attached to my computer and design studio. To be honest, I brought just the cricut to a crop, and couldn't even remember how to set it for the size of the paper!