Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

There is already plenty of information on this machine out there, so I thought that instead of yet another boring review It might be interesting to just include my notes on what makes it different from the Silhouette products I'm familiar with. The CM350 is the latest generation of the Brother ScanNCut product line. It includes a full color 300dpi scanner that uses the same feeding mechanism as the cutter. The CM350R includes the rhinestone startup kit (sample materials and rhinestones as well as a code to activate the rhinestone design option on the ScanNCut Canvas online software) The CM350 can be used as a standalone cutter, either with the built-in fonts and artwork, or with the built-in scanner. It can also cut files created by the ScanNCut Canvas web application, a free app available at http://scanncutcanvas.brother.com. This application runs inside a browser and also works well on iPad and Android tablets (no need to download or pay for an app). You can download the cut files to a USB stick and plug it into the ScanNCut, or send it directly to the ScanNCut if you purchase the $50 ScanNCut Online Activation Card. Unfortunately, you cannot purchase the code online; you have to actually buy a card, scratch it, read the code and enter it manually. Still, I like the fact that the software supports SVG in its free version (that will set you back $50 on the Silhouette). The CM350 has a big brother, the CM650W. It comes with more built-in designs and fonts (not very significant if you prefer using your own designs), the online activation card (a $50 value), but it also supports PES (embroidery file) import for appliqué work, and the larger 12"x24" mat. Unfortunately, these are features that can not even be purchased and activated later, which makes absolutely no sense considering this is essentially the same exact machine. So, if you want to work on 12"x24" mats or do appliqué work, skip the CM350. Note that Silhouette offers embroidery format import as a $25 upgrade to Silhouette Designer (it's called "Designer Plus"). User Fawn pointed out that 12"x24" mats are supported for cutting, just not for scanning. As a vinyl cutter, the Cameo is a clear winner since you can directly feed 12" wide vinyl and cut designs up to 10 feet in length. The CM350 limits you to 12"x24" (you can use the 12"x24" mat or feed the vinyl directly without a mat, thanks Fawn for pointing out my original mistake) Where the ScanNCut really shines is with its built-in scanner feature and the many ways it leverages it: - automatic cut line detection: scan artwork, isolate a section and let ScanNCut detect the cut line, and cut directly without even changing mats (you can do this on the Silhouette using the optional PixScan mat, but it's a much more cumbersome process) - background scan allows you to perfectly place the cut on your material, perfect for cutting patterns in just the right spot without guesswork, or reuse scraps of material WHO IS THE SCAN N CUT2 FOR? The ScanNCut2 will be best for anyone with an allergy to computers. It does about as much as a standalone machine can possibly do, and does it extremely well -- and the ScanNCut Canvas software is available for free whenever you need to access more advanced features (the $50 online option buys you the capability to transfer the cut files from the web software directly to the ScanNCut over WiFi, but if you don't want to pay extra you can always use a USB stick). It's also a must for scrapbookers who do a lot of die cutting, as the scan and cut feature is incredibly easy to use and quick, unrivaled by any competitor. WHO IS THE SCAN N CUT2 *NOT* FOR? - Advanced computer users familiar with Illustrator or Corel Draw are likely to feel constrained by the limitations of the online Canvas software - Vinyl cutters: the 12"x24" work area makes the Silhouette Cameo a much better choice with its 12"x120" vinyl capability - People who need 12"x24" scanning or the embroidery PES import feature should avoid the CM350 and look into the CM650W instead (or the Silhouette Cameo with Designer Plus software, a less expensive option) This is really a 5 star machine because it's so easy to use, and while as a computer expert I feel much more comfortable with the Silhouette products, I know many craft enthusiasts who still are intimidated by computer software but desperately want to move away from the constricting cartridge-based Cricut; the ScanNCut will be a perfect transition machine for them. I took away one star because I am really mad at Brother for creating this confusing set of models out of what is essentially the same machine, making it difficult to choose and even understand what it is you're buying, and arbitrarily locking you out of upgrading to get these new features. As long as you know what you're getting into... It's a very powerful and well made machine.