Love This Machine! (29 November 2012)
I love, love, love my cameo! It is soooo much better than the cricut expression I shared with my sister. The cuts are so much more precise and the Print 'n' Cut feature is so fabulous. I've had the machine since April 2012 and I'm still learning new things that it can do! I love the sketch pens too! The program is free and easy to learn (quite similar to Sure Cuts a lot or Make the Cut)--but does require the use of a computer. The great part of this is that there are no crazy expensive cartridges to buy. You can make your images (which I've done using the trace function in the program) or buy individual images/files from the silhouette store. Easy Peasy!
Granted I was already familiar with die cutting machines and programs, but I was able to cut within an hour of opening the box. Awesome!
The only sort of negative thing I've found is the mats are more expensive than the cricut ones. But the cricut ones can be cut down to the size of the silhouette ones and they work just fine in the machine. :)
The blade is also expensive, but I have yet to replace mine-it's lasted 8 months of regular use. Better than the cricut. :)
I 150% recommend this machine to anyone and everyone. Best tool I own!