Should You Buy the Cricut Imagine?
80Have you been on the fence, debating whether to buy the Cricut Imagine, the newest die cut machine from Provo Craft? This machine combines the power of Provo Craft's die cutter technology with the print technology of HP. It can transform a pile of white card stock into a colorful stack of die cuts, with the user having full control over the patterns and colors selected in making their cutouts.
In theory, this sounds like the perfect tool for scrapbooking and paper crafting. However, it is not for everyone. To decide if you should add it to your collection of tools, let's first take a look at the pros and cons of this machine.
Cricut Imagine Pros
Let's first talk about what we like about his new die cut and printing machine...
There is no need to use a computer. Actually, this point could be considered a pro or a con, depending on your viewpoint. If you scrapbook room is separate from your office area, you will have no problem getting this machine up and running. Instead of using digitial art from your computer, the artwork is stored on cartridges, making it very easy to access and use.
This machine is easy to use. Unlike other digital scrapbooking tools, the learning curve to use the Imagine is virtually non-existent. There are no difficult software or image editing programs to learn before putting this machine to use.
The LCD touchscreen is convenient and simple to use. In fact, if you have already use the Cricut Gypsy, you will find this is very similar. Many people prefer to use it over the keypad overlays that are used with the other die cut machine models from provo Craft.
It can be used on a wide variety of materials. It prints vivid, photographic quality images and patterns on card stock and paper. However, it can also be used to print and cut a wide variety of different materials, including iron on transfers, printable vinyl, thin magnetic sheets, transparencies, stickers, and canvas, to name a few.
It is compatible with many of the other Cricut products. If you already have a huge library of Cricut cartridges, you will be glad to know that these can be used in this machine. It can also be used with the handheld design studio device known as the Gypsy, as well as the Jukebox, which allows you to use multiple cartridges at once, with no need for swapping.
This machine can print and cut flat images, as well as layered images. If you enjoy paper piecing and adding dimension to your projects, you can still continue to do this. However, if you are time-pressed and need to quickly complete a project, the Imagine also lets you make flat images with all layers welded together.
It has metric options. This makes it a great tool for not only American buyers, but international buyers as well.
There are more applications to come. Provo Craft has promised that this machine is not finished. There are many other updates to come, and the features and versatility of this machine are sure to be expanded. At this time, we do not know what those features are, but based on updates to their product line, we do know that Provo Craft is a very forward-thinking company and is sure to deliver on their promise of additional applications.
Cricut Imagine Cons
As you can see, the Imagine has a lot of great features. However, there are a few points which may deter potential owners.
The machine and accessories are expensive. The machine itself retails for $499.99. The Cricut Imagine cartridges which contain the digital papers and die cut artwork range in price from $50.00 to $90.00. The ink cartridges are also expensive. The suggested retail price for the black ink is $35.00, and $40.00 for the tri-color ink cartridges.
The Imagine is currently not compatible with computers. Owners are tied to the artwork and patterns available on the cartridges. They cannot use their own digital papers and designs, which will keep many people from buying this model.
Many people prefer separate ink cartridges over tri-color ink cartridges. To avoid waste, many consumers prefer separate colored ink cartridges over the tri-colored ones.
Although this is considered a wide format printer, it does not print and cut a full 12" x 12" sheet of paper. 12" x 12" paper can be used in this model, but the maximum printing and cutting size is 11-1/2" x 11-1/2", which may not be practical for crafters who like to make 12' x 12" scrapbook layouts.
This machine is not compatible with the DesignStudio computer software. Many Cricut owners use this software to tweak and weld die cut images for their projects. However, there are rumors that an alternative will be offered soon, but avid DesignStudio users may want to wait until this alternative is available.
What Do You Think of the Cricut ImagineLoading...
Hi everyone. Thanks for everyone’s information on the Imagine. This will be a long post to tell you what I found out about the Imagine and why I will not be buying it. When it premiered on HSN I really, really, really wanted it and was tempted to buy it, especially since they have flex pay. However, Ginger Adams didn’t answer all my questions. So, I convinced myself to take a cooling off period and asked myself if I really need it and if my other machines could do just as well. I have several scrapbook cutters, i.e., the original Sizzix, you know the red door stop, Xyron Personal cutter with design books, the Slice, Cuttlebug, Sizzix Sidekick, Sizzix Bigshot, and Xyron Creatopia. I have all 3 models of the Cricut and the Gypsy but not cake, since I am not interested in that model. The amount of money I already have invested in the Cricut machine, around $400 for Expression; $300 for Gypsy; and carts around $2,000. So, I realized that another cartridge based machine would be too expensive, especially the Imagine. If I do add another machine to my collection it will not be one that uses cartridges.
But I decided to do a web search anyway for Imagine reviews. What I found is that it has a lot of bugs and incompatibility that Provo Craft needs to work out. So, until they do I feel that the Imagine will just a glorified printer. So it prints and then cuts. Great. But I can do that with my digikits and any editing software program. If you know Photoshop, Elements, Digital Scrapbook Artist, which costs less than $30.00, or any of the other very easy editing programs, you can do the same printing and cutting that the Imagine does. There is even an awesome, FREE program called Picassa that with one click lets you change the color of any background paper, which makes your colors choices limitless, plus it also has an editing program. I have hundreds of backgrounds and images I have downloaded for free. You just need to do a web search for free digikits and background papers. Also, last time I checked HSN was not showing the product reviews for the Imagine and they ALWAYS show product reviews. But I can’t seem to find it anywhere on their site for the Imagine. What I did discover in my web search review (go here to see reviews http://crafts-sewing.hsn.com/cricut-imagine-electr is that a lot customers are having trouble and a lot of the machines are being returned because they don’t work. And according to some of the comments customers have made, they think they have received used machines and are very angry. I went to the link and read the comments, so I am not making this up. But there are also a lot of positive reviews too of those who have just received their machines.
Don’t get me wrong. I lo-o-o-ove my Cricuts and Gypsy because they can do so much and I have not had any trouble with them. But I feel that PC launched the Imagine too soon before working the bugs out. Even with its premiere on HSN Jinger Adams said that certain features are coming and can’t be used with the Imagine yet. But why buy a machine now that can’t do all you want it to do. If you must buy it why not wait until next March during National Craft Month, when I’m sure they will feature the machine again.
Another thing is the expense of the accessories. Let’s estimate the cost. Jinger said you can print about 120 color background pages before you run out of ink. Probably not true if all colors are not printed equally and you run out of one ink color. Since the Imagine uses a tri-color ink cartridge, your printer will stop printing and you throw away a cartridge that is probably not empty. Also, it would be a stretch for a cartridge to print 120 12X12pages of background color. So, let’s average the monthly cost, which I’m averaging on the low side. Say for example you use a set of cartridges a month at $80; one mat a month at $5; one blade a month at $5; buy one cartridge a month at $40 and paper for a month at $7. That’s $137 a month or $1,644 a year, excluding tax. Now, this cost may not matter to you or you may not have really thought of the residual cost. But I can think of better ways to spent $1,600. And $1,600 is a lot to pay for that cute paper doll or other image you fell in love with. For $1,600 I can print and cut my own images using an editing program.
I bought a wide-format printer, which was more sensible for me, and went to some of the free digital scrapbook sites and download the free papers they offer. With all the freebies out there I have not spent more than $25 on digi papers. I also purchased the HP B8550 wide format printer about a year ago from HSN for $199. Even though they don’t carry it anymore, it’s still on the market. This machine is awesome. It prints pages up to 13X19 inches that looks just like you had them developed. The color is amazing on glossy and matt paper and it dries by the time it finishes printing out and does not smear. (I tested it by pouring water on it and rubbing with my finger.) It takes 4 color cartridges that sell for around $9 each and one black for around $9. I can get two of these sets for the price of one Imagine ink set plus they are laser quality. I also found some cheap 13X19 photo paper at Amazon for about $35 for 100 sheets. So, if you use it only for crafts and think about the projects you print it probably won’t be as expensive as the Imagine since you will not have to throw out a cartridge because it has run out of one color ink, which is a waste. Another thing to consider, color printers can go wonky sometimes and if you can't get the printer to calibrate or if it forces you to have to realign or clean the printheads. This can sometimes use a complete set of cartridges. So, this is something to think about as calibration is one of the biggest problems in the HSN reviews.
All I’m saying is don’t get in a frenzy when it airs on TV and, like I almost did, purchase it on the spot. Think about the ongoing cost and whether the machine meets your needs at this time. Also go to a craft store and see it in action. Money is tight in this economy. But if you can afford it or just have to have it by all means go for it because Provo Craft does make some pretty awesome machines and probably will eventually fix the bugs. But until they redesign the Imagine, in my opinion, it doesn’t look like its up to their usual standards.
Thanks for letting me share my opinion.
I do not know yet how I feel about the machine. My daughter in law is really into scrapbooking and I will ask her how she feels about it. For me, it is too expensive as I do not do THAT MUCH scrapbooking it is only a hobby to me.
I purchased the Imagine from HSN less than two months ago. I loved it until this week when it suddenly refused to cut ANYTHING! If you are thinking of buying, hold off. I believe that this cutting issue is just that, a problem not resolved.
I just have received a Brand new Cricut Imagine as bithday present. But I do not needed!! I am selling it on Ebay for 450 Euros. anyone?
thanks
Ps
I just printed and cutted a couple of images. I am not able to say if it is good or not
I received my Imagine as a Christmas Present. We did take the HSN option. We waiting until December so that some of the bugs could be ironed out. I've been more than 150% happy with it. I absolutely love it and use it just about every day. Everyone I show this machine too falls in love. There's updates coming in just about every week and it just gets better and better. I am so glad I made this purchase and I look forward to all the new features to come.
I am very disappointed with this Cricut Imagine machine. I was very excited about it at first and asked for it as a gift. I have spent literally months trying to get it to live up to what I was expecting but so far no luck. It is my first cricut.
Pet peeves:
1. It takes a while to run through the printer and cutting areas. If I just want to cut most of the time it’s a big timewaster! It's like using dial-up when you could have high-speed internet, aggravating!!
2. The cutting mats will stick to paper a couple of cuts (or if you're very, very lucky) maybe 10 in the machine, then you can only use really thin paper, all other paper doesn't stick anymore, it moves around when the blade is trying to cut. (Yes I have tried washing the mats, and almost everything else suggested except the things that void the warranty)
3. When you have an image selected, it usually has to be sized, that's fine. But there isn't a drop down list of sizes, I have to sit there and tap the size bigger until it's the size I want, it takes a really long time as opposed to the rolling dial on older machines. I would use the fit to page (or make the page smaller but that takes just as long to program the machine), but most of the time I don't want it that big, when I'm doing a scrapbook I like the 5"-6" size.
4. When you're using a regular cricut cartridge there is no zoom button to figure out which button to pick, it's zoomed out so you can see the whole keypad. The problem is that most of the images look like little squiggles. Basically you can label your booklet (if you have an old booklet, not the newer shiny ones, it doesn't work then), or try to memorize which ones you like to use, or guess which one it is you want, do you want squiggle 1-30? Shift or no Shift? It goes on and on... Then delete all the ones you don’t actually want, it’s very time consuming when you just want to print one little layer!!
5. You really can only use a full 12" by 12" paper when cutting, almost any scrap you use will most often move around and not actually stick to the "sticky" mat.
The WORST problem in my book is this:
6. THERE IS NO EASY WAY OF MOVING THE IMAGE!! You can't move the image to the middle of the page, or side or anywhere but the top left. Plus since the mat isn't terribly sticky (I’m being very generous saying that) it uses up all the stick in that area, if you could move the image around you might be able to get more use out of it. (It would be so cool if you could have a "move image" button so you could resize it right in the machine instead of having to buy a gypsy...) This kind of is a money grab on Provo crafts part. They sell a machine that does half the stuff, then say here pay $$$ so that it can do everything it's capable of!!
My summary is this: I could live with the rest if it was easy to move the image on the screen of the Imagine, and the mats were sticky enough. But all put together????
Thanks for reading my Cricut Imagine rant; I don't want anyone else to be this disappointed in the sub-par machine.
I have just had this machine delived. I am a bit niffed that of all the cricut machines that are demode on the create and craft show this is not one of them!!! I dont understand this I have spent a lot of money on this machine, I have been to the website of cricut but cannot find anywhere to down load the up dates!! bit upset patricia
My 78 YO mother really wanted this machine after seeing it on HSN. She purchased one only to have extreme difficulties setting it up. I live 120 miles away but drove up ( she is pretty housebound so scrapping is her one pleasure)
to attempt to set the machine up. We could not get it to go beyond a black screen after hours of trying. I than was trying to figure out where the ink cartridges went when I (duh!) realized HSN had sent the wrong machine. So I packed it up and brought it home to ship it out. I spoke to HSN who would not refund the S/H due to THEIR mistake but generously gave her a $5 credit ( on a $400 machine. I did some research online and found the Imagine for $150 less PLUS free S/H ( I HIGHLY recommend Adorama Cameras Co). It was sent out promptly. It was delivered to her home but the Imagine is so heavy she could not lift it nor push it into her scrap room. A neighbor helped her take it out of box and set it up. She could not get the machine accept the cartridges, and the screen stayed on "Loading" for 2 hrs before she called Provo Craft. Christy the rep made a few suggestions to rectify the problem, none of which worked so Provo Craft stated they would send out paperwork to return the machine to them. I am not sure how they thought a 78 YO woman who doesn't drive was going to carry such a heavy large ( the Imagine is super big, about the size of the average printer) to the USPS. I drove up to see if syncing it with my Gypsy (as I do periodically to her original Cricut) would help. Again it would not go past "Loading". I called tech support with no real answers except for them to tell me they told my mother to return it to them ( which would necessitate paying for S/H both ways). Evidently the Imagine is sold with the original firmware loaded - you have to go online to download newest firmware - which of course Provo Craft does not tell its customers. Imagine owners HAVE TO HAVE A COMPUTER to kept it up-to-date so if you are like my mother who has no computer you can't use the Imagine ( forget Provo Craft's "right out of the box" hype). We packed it up and lugged it to my car. I brought it home and synced it with my computer and SURPRISE it still would not budge past the "Loading" ( and it occured to me if it was just a firmware issue why did Provo Craft instruct us to return it - tells me it is defective, like the E2 she was erroneously sent 10 days earlier. Needless to say I did not ship it back to Provo Craft as I know from past experiences and reviews how notorious bad and slow they are about shipping products back out. I don't trust that they don't just refurbish the defective ones. I sent it back to Adorama Photo hassle -free ( well except for the lugging and repackaging). I will not purchase another product from Provo Craft nor will I as a pro scrapbooking business person recommend their products. Provo Craft is so lacking in customer service - it is all about getting as many products mass sold and the big $$$.
I have had my Imagine since Chistmas and have had many problems with it. I am in the process of RETURNING my "2nd" machine back to Provo Craft for (yet) another !I update and download, recalibrate.....but here I am returning again. I spent 7 hours working with Cricut trying to fix the bugs....so will get back here again when I use my NEW machine !!
Bought a Imagine machine and I could not have 'imagined' how much trouble it was!!! I followed the instructions to the letter (I am a manual reader). I could get it to print but not cut. I tried everything, watched every video and read all the forums...I could not get it to cut. So I returned it.
Don't buy it. I was so happpy when I saw it on HSN. I am returning my 2nd Imagine because it does not work.!!!!!!!!!!!
I finally got an Imagine and I can not get it to go past the title page on the screen. Won't let me do anything!!! So sad!!!
My imagine will not read an original cartridge It reads the imagine cartridge just fine I need help!!!!
I was thinking about getting an imagine,but after looking at reviews and the huge price tag. I felt that getting a large format printer would be a better deal. and I have an expression v1 that can do my cutting and I also have a pair of scissors to cut things that are not on the cartridges.lol. it was just not ready for release.
I loved my Cricut Imagine when I first got it! Now, I am having 2nd thoughts.. I'm realizing it has a lot of bugs!
I am upset with the fact that not all of the cartridges work. I haven't had any problems with the Imagine Cartridges so far. But, the company clearly boast that all of them work with this machine!
When using the online craft room, I am not able to weld images when using Cricut Imagine cartridges, but the other cartridges will. The cuts are not true to size either..
I don't like the fact that there are Cricut machines that take longer mats, this one you are only bound to a 12x12 mat and it is exclusively for Cricut imagine only! By the way the mats are terrible! When using a freshly opened mat, if I try to put a thin sheet of regular paper on it, it will not come off and just about ruins the mat. But, 3 to 4 runs of using heavy weight card stock and the stickiness is just about gone and slides all over the place. They need to just do away with the mats period! There are other company's out there producing cutting machines that will cut with out one and they are priced lower than Cricut products.. Might I add you are not bound to cartridges, you can find any image you want and cut it!
I bought my machine last year from a shopping channel, my machine will print but wont cut, as we speak my machine is on its way back. My issue is that this same channel now dosent stock the machine and that I have a shelf of imagine cartridges that are no good to anybody.
Many people don't realize the Imagine has to be hooked up to a computer in order to down load the cricut sync & up dates. Many of the Imagine issues are computer related. You need to check your firewalls, antivirus, & drivers. Each computer is different and the Imagine is like a mini computer. The two need to work together in order to read the information in the Imagine. What I love about the Imagine- you can print the prefect solid color that goes with your layout. You can take the images on the Imagine and layer them, then change the colors. You can use the patterns and make them smaller or bigger. Such as if you have a dotted pattern- you can make big dots or small dots. This machine is a mini computer and takes some extra time to learn how to use it. I have never plugged in a new computer & had it work the first time. Bottom line: I am a true blue cricut expressions person until I fell in love with the Imagine- there is no other machine like it.
I have the two older cricuts and the gyspy. I am hoping I don't need this one too! :) However, some of the features look awesome and I love the backward compatibility with the cartridges you already own. Well, I will just have to wait a little to see if they work out some of the bugs described.
Do not..do not...do not...get a Cricut Imagine. I got a decent deal at Christmas for $300 and I would pay $300 to never have met this machine!!!! I'm fairly tech savvy so I can find workarounds but not for this machine. I have read so many posts trying to find a solution and all I have found are posts from desperate people trying to get their Imagines to work. When I did my original research I thought it was probably the first generation, but no...even folks with new machines are having problems. Save your money and your sanity...buy something else.
I just missed a sale to purchase Imagine for $225.00 So glad I did. After having read the reviews, I am sure that my not purchasing that machine was purely divine intervention! I did bid on line for a couple of cartridges... I sure hope I lose the bid!
Thanx All
I had become quite a whiz with my Cricut Expression & thought upgrading to an Imagine would be fairly simple. Boy, was I wrong! I just got it for Christmas, but I'm having so much trouble with the machine I'm ready to chuck it. The first thing that happened was that I got a bad cartridge with the machine. When I tried the initial set up, NOTHING happened! So I called Provocraft & they told me some of the "Imagine More" cartridges had gone out without being properly loaded & they were no good. Luckily, my machine had come with other cartridges & I was able to complete the set up with one of those. Now, I can't get the machine to print or cut from EITHER type of cartridge. I'm calling Provocraft tomorrow, but this machine is going back if the problems continue. Now I'm miffed that I already sold my Expression! I want it back.
Ive been wanting a cricut since they first came out but just couldnt justify the price tag. Today, I got the imagine on sale at walmart for 100!!! I opened it up and could tell it was not a return. I dont know why it was so cheap but i decided to chance it. I got the extended warranty just in case for 10$ at check out, they will replace it if it breaks for a year. I took it home set it up and I cant be happier. It works fabulously and so easy to use. Really surprised it got such bad reviews!
Its nothing but a piece of junk, very disappointed in it.
I to did not know you had to have a computer to down load for updates. I got my on black fri, so I guess I,m stuck with it. Walmarts policy is 30days.
I love my Cricut Imagine, it is an amazing machine!!!!! I have not had any issues with the machine that have not been to my own user problem, like starting with first and for most reading and following the manufacturers directions. I wish they would offer craft room images one at a time to purchase at a lower price, they would earn more of my $$$$... I own 5 of the machines, the gyspy, all together and over 50 cartridges, I can say the Imagine and the expression are my two favorite.
i have had my Imagine for about a month and it only worked 1 time. I have been on the phone with Provocraft 3 times now to try an re-sync it...This didn't work. I've emailed them twice now and they refer me to phone numbers that I have already called. This was an expensive paperweight as far as I'm concerned. I have the gypsy and the first Cricut...I guess I'll go back to it if I don't get this resolved.
I too have an Imagine. I have the issue of it either powering oof during a project print/cut or mat will not return to cut and at times mat will return through the bottom carrier then is fed all the way through and not cut at all. Provocraft sent me a return lable and are supposed to be sending me a repalcement. Finders Crossed
I have my imagine for over a year, I love it. YOU have to update like anything else that is a machine or computer to make it fully fuctionable. I just purchased to craftwell ecraft last week, they are saying to samething about that machine but I am learning it is trial and error that help you get it going.
I got an imagine February of this year. This week m making invitation for my daughter's b-day and it quit cutting. It just spits out my may after printing the images I want. I called provo craft and they told me that they will send papers so I can return it. I wish I did not buy it. The rep from PC told me she prefers the expression over imagine when I asked her what she likes better. Cricut... A machine with endless possibilities hindered by bugs and limited cartridges! who can afford to buy them all anyway?
I have had an imagine for a couple of months now and absolutely adore it. I have not had a single issue with it, the cartridges, the printing, or the mats. I have not had to replace my ink - and I print a lot - nor have I had to replace a mat - they've been super sticky. I love my Imagine. I was able to take it out of the box, update the software and within 15 minutes creating projects. It was super easy. Love it Love it Love it. Thanks.
Still Confused?
Still not sure if this machine is right for you? If you don't already own a die cut machine, you may want to check out these other articles that discuss other popular alternatives:
Robbin 19 months ago
I am on the fence waiting until the bugs are out and also waiting for hsn to show it again in November