Customer Ratings: 
List Price: $249.99
Sale Price: $149.99
Today's Bonus: 40% Off
Expression vs. Slice
There is no comparison if you can only get 1 machine get the expression it's worth the extra money...why?
I have the Slice that was my first machine (I got it 2 weeks ago) only because it had the designs I wanted (tags) and also had some cool accessories and it's my first die cut machine. You have to hold it down to use it, there aren't that many cartridges and if you wait for sales they are both about the same $. If you need a machine to cut a couple of things here and there and go for the slice. (Read my Slice review for more details).
Expression vs. Personal
The personal cricut only cuts to 5.5" and it's pretty much like the Slice around the same price point as well. It does NOT compare with the capabilities of the Expression. Expression cuts in larger sizes, more feature the LCD screen is more detailed, it's a far more sophisticated machine (think of composition notebook vs. laptop) also spoke with a cricut user at a store she said that the Personal wastes a lot of paper
Expression vs. Sizzix I didn't even really look at the Sizzix, I get they're cheaper, and they have a lot of cartridges and they're cheaper...there's a reason why the machine and cartridges are cheaper they're VERY BASIC (it's like comparing 3rd grade education to graduate school), reviews on the Sizzix weren't very "WOW" and if I'm going to invest $$ I rather get something WOW the functionality and capabilities of Cricut products (even the personal) is far superior than the Sizzix
Expression Features that makes this machine SUPERIOR:
Cuts 1/4" 23.5 inches (most machines cut from 1/2" and at 1/2" increments this is 1/8" increments and about 7" max)
Cartridges very intricate shapes when you find them on sale it's WORTH IT! Plus they have the licensed shapes (Spongebob, Dora, Hello Kitty, Disney...)
Each cartridge seems to hold ALOT of options and information. There are so many varieties
Layering options available (exp trees it will cut the "bark" then i set another option to cut the individual leaves a little bit of spray adhesive and tweezers, BAM I have a fully functional colored tree)
Design is clean, tight and slim, it's very light and portable (not that I intend on schlepping it, but if I had to, I will)
you can leave it program and walk away
What I wish came with the machine:
For the $$ There should have been extra blades + 12" x 24" mat (it can cut up to that, so why no mat?) + spatula!
It seems really silly to nickel & dime customers for equipment they need to make the machine useful I have a spatula from my Slice tool kit (slice doesn't include that either)
What I've done/thoughts so far (I've only had it for 2 days):
AWESOME I can program what I want it to cut and walk away! with the Slice, I have to hold the machine in place.
SPEEDY!! It might be worthwhile to buy an extra mat anyways to load your next set of media while you're removing it off the first mat. (This would be important if you're into efficiency)
MUST read directions of the machine first! Then load the cartridge and read those directions! YOU HAVE TO SET ASIDE A SOLID HOUR OF FOCUS TO USE THIS MACHINE! There are so many functions/features you don't want to miss anything.
Had I read the directions first i'd figure out how to load the paper. It's aligned on the bottom left corner (DUR)
You can use ANY size paper as long as it's 3" x 3" just set the paper size and it'll know and plan for you to minimize waste
Cardstock set blade at 3 pressure at medium speed (doesn't really matter)
Paper set blade at 1 pressure low speed (doesn't really matter)
Foam (set blade at 6 pressure max speed SLOW) I feel like I need the deep cut blade (another accessory) the cuts aren't very clean but it works (I'm using the "Printing 101" Cartridge making alpha puzzle pieces to teach my kiddo letters)
Speed the slower the better it seems like but for thinner media it doesn't matter
Make sure to have enough table space you'll need space behind the machine for the feeder
Projects in the future:
Definitely making cards!
More foam shapes (Spongebob cartridge) and letters
Cardstock animals to teach my kiddo (same with food / etc). (Animal Kingdom Cartridge)
I want to try to use other medium fabric, adhesive, magnetic sheets, stamp, embossing
I want to get the design software to make my own "cuts"
Helping my kiddos with their school project making adhesives to stick on walls
Getting sticky textured cardstock to make our own "stickers"
FINAL THOUGHTS:
If you get Expression Buy spatula (unless you already have one)
If you plan on doing projects larger than 12" buy the 12" x 24" mat
Buy an extra set of mats anyways it'll help keep your machine cutting while you're working =)
Get a set of replacement blades if you intend on using this machine ASAP and ALOT (I've cut 9 foam sheets 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" and 2 cardstock sheets) and I feel like my blade is getting iffy or it just might be foam
DO NOT:
...Buy the Cricut bags (except maybe the duffel) most do not fit the expression duffel will only fit expression if you expand it and it's not really "protective" and doesn't hold much of anything, but if you're set on getting a bag that's the only one that will work
...do this if you need silence the machine is LOUD think of your microwave running or the exhaust fan
...PAY FULL PRICE FOR CARTRIDGES I got a ton for 60% off really reasonable if you're willing to wait
I'm going to be making friends with local people who use Cricut and maybe do a cartridge exchange (borrow) b/c not many of the cartridges are repeat use for me and the ones that are I've bought I wonder if this is an item that the public libraries have...
...PAY FULL PRICE PERIOD! Most of the national chain stores WILL NOT take their coupons on the machine, but if you are patient, the machines will go on sale or scope out online venues. Most national chain stores will let you use their % off coupons on the accessories
EDIT 10/2013:
I gave away my E1 and got an E2 I sadly like most reviewers regret doing so before using an E2. Well the E2 is terrible and had glitch after glitch. I miss my E1. I have over 30 cartridges so I'm tempted to get another E1 but probably won't. I'll just use that money to invest in more cuts with the Silhouette. DO NOT GET AN EXPRESSION 2 or you might end up sad like me. However, My E1 went to a school so I don't feel as badly. They love it and are having a good time making things for their students.
I've used a Silhouette for over a year and I actually love that machine more. It's a higher price point but the ease of use helps pays for itself. Silhouette's Design program is so much easier to use than CCR and offers a lot of flexibility. I think Cricut might have lost a customer (at least for their machines). They make the best mats hands down. I use their mats in my Silhouette.
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