tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post4983129433356865294..comments2024-02-25T23:03:57.516-06:00Comments on Okieladybug: Cricut Explore VS. Pazzlesokieladybug or okie_ladybughttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-37586364975825081862015-11-25T09:29:59.422-06:002015-11-25T09:29:59.422-06:00It's good to hear that some people have never ...It's good to hear that some people have never had problem with the internet connection. My Pazzles cut really well and I traded it for a kitchen island since I had gotten the Pazzles Vue. The only issue I really had with the Pazzles was all the setting options and if I got it wrong by a few numbers my cuts were a waste. I was totally shocked when I first used the Explore on how well it cut...okay shocked wasn't the feeling. I was pissed...I wanted it to mess up since the CEO seemed to have so much confidence in the machine I wanted to knock him down a few notches. Obviously that didn't happen though did it! LOLokieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-52861916980064973892015-11-25T09:25:50.536-06:002015-11-25T09:25:50.536-06:00I hate to hear this! I have heard of a few people ...I hate to hear this! I have heard of a few people having problems and I figured it was just some isolated machine problems like when I first go an Expression and had return 2 before I got one that worked okay. The only time I've had problems is when I have forgotten to change the settings on the machine from light cardstock to heavy cardstock. Did PC never offer to replace the machine?okieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-77618437958606253152015-11-25T09:22:26.983-06:002015-11-25T09:22:26.983-06:00I honestly think I've only had one or two time...I honestly think I've only had one or two times that I've had problems after I was able to up the speed on my U-verse (which I totally hate btw and would love to have my DSL back). I never try to edit anything in DS, I just upload for cut and that is all so my use of DS is very little and I'll keep it that way since the method I am using gives me the best of both worlds at this time..awesome design capabilities with MTC and superior cuts to anything else I've owned with the Explore. okieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-54774902658494037052015-11-24T18:07:00.152-06:002015-11-24T18:07:00.152-06:00I tried Pazzles...was not happy with it at all. I...I tried Pazzles...was not happy with it at all. It was several years ago when I bought one. Not only did I have some trouble with the software, it did not cut chipboard and paper the same. (This was BEFORE MTC and other second party software programs) I was making mini books and when i would cut a page in chipboard, then cut the same shape in paper/card stock. they were different sizes than the chipboard cut. I spoke with their CS and they had no answer for me. I was so disappointed in their CS. I also tried Boss Kut Gazelle, and the Cameo Silhouette. Both had their own problems....Boss Kut tried to help, but the Gazelle still didn't cut like the Expression did (and it was much noisier than the Expression) Same with the Silhouette. I did keep that one (sold the others) and when the Explore came out nearly 2 years ago, I got it (always kept my Cricut cutter) The Silhouette and the Expression have been collecting dust since getting the Explore. Its hands down the best. I don't buy cartridges, I buy the digital images I want/need. I upload other images....its the best of both worlds...and it cuts beautifully. I understand folks don't want to be connected to the internet, but I have never had any troubles with my connections.Cathy Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05486800821445521743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-3134970790127589192015-11-24T17:18:02.098-06:002015-11-24T17:18:02.098-06:00I said in my review that I use MTC to design and t...I said in my review that I use MTC to design and then use Design Space to cut. I have frequently written about how I don't like having to be connected to the internet to use their software. I have made it very clear that I don't use cartridges anymore and haven't for a few years. In the above review I stated "With MTC there is no need for an internet connection and the program has a lot more features than what the Cricut Design Space program has...A LOT MORE! So POOF there ya go...Pazzles over Explore!". I can't review problems other people are having if I haven't experienced the same problems. I can however, and do, review how I use the machine and say what I like and don't like about the product...leaving out no chunks of information on my own experience with the machine or software. okieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-12236958896125983782015-11-24T13:46:16.438-06:002015-11-24T13:46:16.438-06:00Okie, I have been a follower for many years...sinc...Okie, I have been a follower for many years...since I purchased my Expression in 2010. I have loved everything you have ever written, crafted or reviewed. Your honesty is amazing and welcomed. I love your personal stories as much as your crafty ones. As a mother of 5, 4 of which are are adult children, I have enjoyed the journey of you and your daughter as well.<br />I am commenting on this series because I feel like I am the only one out there who has had serious trouble with my Explore.... My kids purchased it for me last Christmas and wow is all I can say, they were so sweet and generous. <br />I have trouble cutting almost everything. Paper that tears....even not completing the project on the screen...<br />Provocraft has been helpful by sending a new blade housing, blade and mat...but still nothing successful. It takes two or three tries to get a couple of cuts to come out right. I have tried with PTI cardstock which I thought maybe was too thick....but even the Recollections is tearing. Just wondering if you might have any tips or tricks that perhaps I have totally missed. I have watched views and cuts of amazing things this machine can cut and honestly my simple leaf and tie the knot cuts shouldn't have been so complicated.<br />Thanks for letting me vent and keep the reviews coming!teachermom5https://www.blogger.com/profile/13703134132833864095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-6601754203253118792015-11-24T13:30:15.175-06:002015-11-24T13:30:15.175-06:00Your review has completely side stepped the Design...Your review has completely side stepped the Design Space software that you have to use to design, save a file and cut. You do not have to have any cartridges to use Design Space, just use the free images they give you, did you see them in the library. Are you aware of the issues a great many people have with it being online. It is as you say limiting compared to normal software and i feel that because you cant use the Explore machine without the online Design Space browser window this should all be mentioned in your review, not to do so would be leaving out a large chunk of information.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16568301450999659793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-31481885488394310172015-11-24T10:46:50.923-06:002015-11-24T10:46:50.923-06:00Gurl, thanks for adding that. I went back to read ...Gurl, thanks for adding that. I went back to read some of your other replies and appreciate the honest answers. I really do not use Design Space and never try to use fonts in the program. I am using uploads from MTC and SCAL. Still having to many issues. The Explore cuts nice, I will give it that 100%, but it is sad that I will not use it unless I have hours and alcohol to do a 20 minute project.SImply Pawlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07715859972522948008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-70017138505391103862015-11-24T09:37:48.612-06:002015-11-24T09:37:48.612-06:00Have you ever done a comparison with the Silhouett...Have you ever done a comparison with the Silhouette Cameo? I would love to hear what you have to say about that. Especially the new one. I have both the Cricut Expression 2 and the Silhouette Cameo and I love my cameo. The software is very easy to use. Everything was easy to use. I haven't tried the new Silhouette But I am sure I would love it. Amy Vitalenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-88116811818514054812015-11-24T09:06:41.199-06:002015-11-24T09:06:41.199-06:00I swear you neglect more machines by leaving them ...I swear you neglect more machines by leaving them in boxes! LOLokieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-59010480699401559042015-11-24T09:05:47.574-06:002015-11-24T09:05:47.574-06:00I really haven't tried to use their software b...I really haven't tried to use their software because I have no cartridges anymore. I know a lot of people like it but I'm thinking they don't know how much easier othe programs are or how limited DS is HA HA HAokieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-3630844817759718092015-11-24T09:04:05.556-06:002015-11-24T09:04:05.556-06:00It's pretty simple to do. I'll see if I ca...It's pretty simple to do. I'll see if I can't do a walk through in the next few days.okieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-78282133203121157292015-11-24T09:03:00.952-06:002015-11-24T09:03:00.952-06:00Linda I think you would do fine with an Explore if...Linda I think you would do fine with an Explore if you used it like I do, just using their software when you are ready to cut. I literally have done nothing in their software other than what was a sample project with the machine when you open it. okieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-6261366891815546622015-11-24T08:51:51.848-06:002015-11-24T08:51:51.848-06:00There is a lot that Make The Cut can do that I don...There is a lot that Make The Cut can do that I don't know how to use but like you, it is good for what I need it to do. It's pretty simple for me to export my SVG and upload into DS and cut so it works out pretty good for me. okieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-22848746063415902792015-11-24T08:50:22.207-06:002015-11-24T08:50:22.207-06:00Girl when they first asked me last year to review ...Girl when they first asked me last year to review the Explore machine I actually laughed and laughed thinking "do they really want me to do that" and then I was pissed because it cut so well. When I first got the Explore I had just moved and I had to go with U-Verse and it was painfully slow and it was a pain to try and cut things. I was finally able to up my speed and now I don't have too many issues. Right now they are really pushing how you can use the IOS platform (aka apple products) and cut without internet but I don't have any of those products and don't want to invest just so I can cut without internet. okieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-56289630196195212332015-11-24T08:46:46.748-06:002015-11-24T08:46:46.748-06:00WOOT??? There was a non electric version??WOOT??? There was a non electric version??okieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-8284116778877246212015-11-24T08:45:55.513-06:002015-11-24T08:45:55.513-06:00I may break out the Pazzles software and play with...I may break out the Pazzles software and play with it to see if I can work it. I just really haven't had the need to do so. I agree that after working with MTC for so many years now that the Design Space software is very limited. It doesn't run smoothly when I try to move things around and that might be my internet connection but for the most part it hasn't been a problem since it's easy for me to upload my SVG file and then just use DS for cutting. okieladybug or okie_ladybughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09132286970223817033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-22702221112437452272015-11-24T06:29:23.420-06:002015-11-24T06:29:23.420-06:00Thank you for another detailed, honest comparison ...Thank you for another detailed, honest comparison between the Explore and Pazzles. I love your reference to a divorce with Provo Craft, I get it and up until now I did not think about it in that manner, but yes it was a divorce for me as well. I have read many reviews in which many are singing the praises of the Explore. I'm glad to see they got it right! Thank you for all your efforts and time to put together the many honest comparisons! Have a great day!Marilynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04159130483710107819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-34262567411431838632015-11-24T05:02:43.578-06:002015-11-24T05:02:43.578-06:00Excellent comparison reviews Shirley ... thanx for...Excellent comparison reviews Shirley ... thanx for taking the time to do them. Now, as soon as I can get a new computer and set it up (which I am hoping to do during the Black Friday sales), I will be opening up that Explore box ... i've had it for over a year now, so it is definitely time I put that little baby to work. I also wish that PC would make some changes with the Design Space Program and make it so that internet connection was not required. Hopefully it will happen one day!?!?! Till then, I will work with it like everyone else is doing that owns an Explore. The important thing is that I will be able to make great detailed cuts that are accurate ... and that is what I want. Thanx again for taking the time to do these comparison reviews Shirley ... they were very informative.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16519462888786070950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-4144843278427301772015-11-24T00:40:01.136-06:002015-11-24T00:40:01.136-06:00I will agree that the Explore does cut well, but t...I will agree that the Explore does cut well, but the online software is too basic, limiting and has simply failed me to many times. I also feel that have to wait almost 2 years for features is ridiculous. I have the Pazzles and the Pazzles Vue for me they out perform the Explore on a daily bases. I have never gotten a shockwave error, been told to clear my cache, to close all other windows/programs in order to use the software, to wait as it updates, gotten a an error that my file is to complex or haa changing font to crash my software. I experience this 97% of the time using Design Space. As to the Pazzles not working with Make the Cut, yes it is a disappointment however the same way I export my files from MTC to Design Space, I can be exported to the VUE software. The Pazzles also allows for direct cutting from the Vue software, the Funtime/winsignpc Pazzles versions and from SureCuts a Lot. For reliability, cutting options, and delivering what was promised, fully functioning out of the box, the Pazzles and Pazzles Vue still trumps the Explore in my book!<br />SImply Pawlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07715859972522948008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-43851104816399229452015-11-23T23:49:51.959-06:002015-11-23T23:49:51.959-06:00Thanks for this honest review. I have been back an...Thanks for this honest review. I have been back and forth on what I wanted. The software or design space program worried me. Had a cameo. Sold it because just wanted to make stuff and not have to fight program to do it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01489927365990688430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-58906573549212015432015-11-23T22:53:01.087-06:002015-11-23T22:53:01.087-06:00Thank you for doing all of the reviews - I have th...Thank you for doing all of the reviews - I have the Expression - with design studio and a gypsy! I hardly use it because something always needed to be updated. I was just thinking about the Explore the other day or what options might be out there....you saved me some time! Thank you!MicheleVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05367793736089050703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-45591982972136745642015-11-23T14:52:38.775-06:002015-11-23T14:52:38.775-06:00Thanks for another great reviewThanks for another great reviewMary Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15857611628072489886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-56032265544878699132015-11-23T14:46:10.372-06:002015-11-23T14:46:10.372-06:00Thank you for taking your time to compare the mach...Thank you for taking your time to compare the machines. I am one of the ones that never left Cricut and I am so in love with my Explore and glad I never left! <br />SandySandraCoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06229066082093898020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226280836740630353.post-51415690944818316182015-11-23T14:37:23.704-06:002015-11-23T14:37:23.704-06:00You crack me up but you are wearing me out just by...You crack me up but you are wearing me out just by reading your posts! -- kathyKathy Wyatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01516720481977875217noreply@blogger.com