The Cricut Create will allow you to express your artistic side by helping you cut a wide range of letters and other shapes into a number of different materials, free of any computer. You will be able to make unforgettable scrapbook pages, cards and other crafts at the touch of a few buttons. This machine is cute as a bug’s ear but does not compare well to other die cutting machines on the market in terms of versatility and portability.

This die cutting machine allows you great control over the finished product through things like adjustable blade pressure, depth and cutting speed. You will appreciate these features more and more as you become familiar with what works best for each material.

The Create is a cartridge-based die cutting system, even though it can communicate with your computer through Cricut software. This will allow you some control over the final image – you can adjust the size and weld letters together, or blend images from different cartridges. At the end of the day, though, you have to “own” any image you want to use through the purchase of its associated cartridge before Create will cut it for you.

This die cutting system should be more portable than it is. It was designed to incorporate the portability of the original Cricut with the functionality of the Expression, according to Cricut’s website. But we saw many die cutting units that were more portable and offered more functions. For instance, Cricut has no tool storage and no handle. This unit is a bit portly too, at 17 pounds.

We give this die cutting unit credit for being able to work independently of a computer, though. We also like the fit-to-page function that automatically accommodates the most images possible per page.

This die cutting machine seemed a little lackluster compared to others in the lineup in terms of materials. If you are a devoted scrapbooker this will be all you need – it's a marvel at cutting all types of cardstock. You can even throw a little chipboard, sheet magnet and foam at it. It is not designed to take on the heavier stuff though. If you want to venture into other types of crafting this may not be the right unit.

In terms of capabilities too, this die cutting machine falls a bit short by comparison. The Create die cutting system will certainly be leaps and bounds better than cutting it out by hand or using a hand-crank cutter, but it does not go too far beyond cutting and drawing. This is not going to become your favorite embossing tool.

Cricut has good customer service. Their site is professional and organized. Inspiration and answers are easy to find. Their response time was not good, however, via email. So pick up the phone for answers you can’t find on their website.