I debated buying one. I actually did get one and then returned it because I didn't think I'd use it enough.
I chose the cricket over the silhouette mainly because we have more cricut supplies available locally. Other than that I think they are very similar. Silhouette s design studio is more advanced if you are going to be making a lot of your own designs (which means it will be more intense to learn if you are not familiar) cricut's is more user friendly with more ready to use options, but will be harder to create your own designs.
I have 2. I have the original Cricut from when they first came out, and I have the Cricut Expression - the first model of that. I like to use mine computer free with the cartridges. The newer models rely a lot on using your computer with it, but I don't like to use my computer to craft. Most comparison reviews between Cricut and Silhouette have Cricut winning by a small margin.
I love my Cricuts.
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LawyerLady
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