I'm kind of in love with this cutting machine. The Cricut and the other ones all have cartridges and a gazillion accessories that cost more than the machine...but the Silhouette is pretty much a plug'n'cut machine -with great software to allow you to get even more creative with shapes and designs. It'll cut everything, too - except fondant. But why would I want to cut fondant? I want to have cool shapes of paper and vinyl and iron-on transfers that look professional.