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Post by scrapin4five on Jan 2, 2011 11:38:02 GMT -5
Hi  I am looking into getting a Silhouette  and wonder what the differences are in the original and SD. Also can I use the original with a Mac? Thank you |
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Post by AnnaMatrix on Jan 2, 2011 14:21:12 GMT -5
Hi, Scrapin4 five! The main difference between the original and SD is that the SD will read an SD card on which you've stored images from your library. What this means is that you don't necessarily need to have it hooked up to a computer to use it. This can be useful if you want to use it at crops where you might not have room to set up a computer, or if the computer you use isn't portable. You do need a computer to add images to your main library, and to manage your library and files. The original doesn't have an SD slot, so needs to be connected to a computer to use. I have the original, and love it  - the ability to change sizes and the huge number of available images means lots of versatility. I like that I can buy just the images I like without having to purchase an entire cartridge. I love print-and-cut, which allows you to use your printer to make embellishments, then cut them out with the Silhouette. The software is basically the same for both versions, and their other capabilities are essentially the same. Either version can be used with the new MAC software. I imagine the original is now less expensive than the SD, so that might be a consideration as well. Hope this answers your questions. Since the software controls the operation of the Silhouette, it's really what determines what the machine can do. PM if I can help further!  Gail |
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Post by Karen W on Jan 2, 2011 19:48:05 GMT -5
Hope you decide to get one - I as well have the orginal - and love it!
The new software this past year have a MAC version which Susan is using. Gail and I are PC users.
We are here to help
Karen
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2die4
Junior Diva
Posts: 94
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Post by 2die4 on Jan 3, 2011 17:33:06 GMT -5
I have the original Silhouette (I got an insane deal on it, muhaha!) and I loves it to death! I have it hooked up to a laptop in my craft room, so the lack of an SD slot means like nothing to me LOL. Definitely do get a Silhouette, you will not regret it! I just wish the original Silhouette subscriptions were still in place.  When I bought my subscription, I had a 50% off coupon, so I got well over 6,000 designs for under $200 since I downloaded absolutely every design! The new subscriptions are pretty pathetic if you ask me, but that's not a real big issue for me since I just cherry pick the ones I really want now. ;D |
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Post by scrapin4five on Jan 4, 2011 8:24:54 GMT -5
Thank you everyone! I had one that I was going to buy and sadly it sold before I was able to get it. So I am on the lookout for one. Soon I hope.  |
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Post by Dania on Jan 4, 2011 10:06:45 GMT -5
I have the original and it works fine. I don't do the subscription anymore because I found that I can't possibly do that many cuts, So I just buy as I need. Turns out I only bought one cut since it expired four months ago. I saved $39 buy doing this and paid for only what I needed.
Warning: if you do the subscription and then decide not to renew it make sure you use all the money that was credited towards your account. I had over $40 sitting in the account and the day my subscription expired I lost the money. Not cool since I had paid for it.
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Post by Dania on Jan 8, 2011 10:40:07 GMT -5
After posting on this thread I got myself so worked up over the subscription money that I lost. I finally broke down and emailed them and sure enough you have to use all your funds before the subscription runs out. GRRRRR! but they were nice enough to restore the account for three days. It was very difficult spending $44 and I hope what I downloaded I will be able to use. Again it is better to pay as you go, I believe, unless it is a business that you are running. Think about it - in your normal crafting day, week or month will you be able to cut 25 designs a month, which is the lowest subscription they offer??? I should have asked myself this question when I decided to do this. I'm sharing not to hurt Silhouette in anyway but just my experience and I know everyone has different crafting habits. Just something to think about. |
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Post by AnnaMatrix on Jan 8, 2011 11:07:00 GMT -5
Great point, Dania! As long as you keep renewing your subscription, the credit carries over, but the minute it lapses - poof! It's gone. Someone warned me about this before my subscription lapsed, can't remember who. I now have a limited subscription, but was pleased to see that, even if I don't spend my month's allotment, it's carried over. Works good for me, cause I spent it all on Christmas designs! Gail |
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Post by Basketlady on Jan 8, 2011 11:11:07 GMT -5
Dania, that's great that Sil let you use that final credit. Yay for them!
I got a Sil for Christmas and am trying to decide if I'm going to keep it. I'm just not sure I want to add computer problems to my crafting! But DH was so proud of himself, I don't know that I can return it. But I really need to replace my Epic with something that works... I'm torn!
I could see myself buying the cuts like I buy dies! Especially in the beginning. If I like the cut and think I would use it, I would just have it in my library. That way, if I suddenly needed to cut a circle, I wouldn't have to go through the hassle of going online, finding the image, downloading it, adding it to my library and then using it. I would do all that at once and be done.
I can see how you would want to carefully evaluate if the subscription or pay-as-you-go would work better for you. I'm guessing both have valid merits!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2011 11:24:48 GMT -5
I am (cough, cough) "sharing" my SIL with my DD (in WA). My laptop has indicated that it doesn't like anything complicated (including cute SL blinkies  ), so the SIL was just gathering dust here. I figured anyone who works for Microsoft and has 3 children ought to be able to make better use of it. I still think it's a great tool, but I don't see getting a new laptop any time soon...especially since DH gave me a very good DSLR for Christmas! |
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Post by cookiejarscraps on Jan 8, 2011 11:32:54 GMT -5
Hi Michelle,
I have the sil, and I use it sometimes for cutting out big items like circles and pennants. They had a 1/2 off discount on subscriptions when I purchased mine. So I had a subscription for a year and acquired 6000 images. Wow! I still only use it for big circles, frames, pennants, and large lettering. I never thought it cut out things with detail very well, but that may be just me.
On the other hand, I just got the vagabond to replace my epic, and I love, love, love it! Epic finally died the day before Christmas eve, and THAT was the best Christmas present EVER. My epic plight is finally over! I've been able to cut 3 layers of cotton fabric with the cookie cutter dies. Felt (both the expensive and cheap types) cuts flawlessly. It's just a beautiful machine, and I couldn't be happier with it. The only drawback is that it doesn't cut out the large shapes, and that's what I use the sil for.
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Post by Cat on Jan 8, 2011 12:26:56 GMT -5
Dania, that's great that Sil let you use that final credit. Yay for them! I got a Sil for Christmas and am trying to decide if I'm going to keep it. I'm just not sure I want to add computer problems to my crafting! But DH was so proud of himself, I don't know that I can return it. But I really need to replace my Epic with something that works... I'm torn! I could see myself buying the cuts like I buy dies! Especially in the beginning. If I like the cut and think I would use it, I would just have it in my library. That way, if I suddenly needed to cut a circle, I wouldn't have to go through the hassle of going online, finding the image, downloading it, adding it to my library and then using it. I would do all that at once and be done. I can see how you would want to carefully evaluate if the subscription or pay-as-you-go would work better for you. I'm guessing both have valid merits! Michelle, D#2 has the Sil and absolutely loves it. She cuts and draws images. Since she still going to college part time she has limited money to spend on dies & stamps......also apartment living gives her limited space. She printed and cut out castle over the Christmas holidays and colored it with her copics that made me so jealous yet proud. (Jealous because she had just received the copics for Christmas but her castle looked like a Pro had colored it, but proud I have a child with soooooo much talent) Just throwing in some good reasons to hang to your SIl.....I never thought about using it for "stamped like" images. Duh on me!  Cat |
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Post by AnnaMatrix on Jan 8, 2011 12:56:48 GMT -5
Divas, I think this discussion points out the strength of the Sil - versatility! We all have our favorite uses, and it has the potential to do so much.
I'm just beginning baby steps toward creating my own simple designs, like shaped cards. Yet I know scrappers who have huge libraries of their own designs!
The other good point is that, even pay-as-you-go, shapes are only $.99 each, and you can cut them in endless sizes. The site now has a free shape of the week, periodic sales and clearance shapes, so you do get a lot of bang for your buck.
The Sil can be as simple or complex as you want it to be - just download and cut shapes (like me), design your own shapes, or anything in between!
Gail
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Post by Dania on Jan 8, 2011 13:25:54 GMT -5
Dania, that's great that Sil let you use that final credit. Yay for them! I got a Sil for Christmas and am trying to decide if I'm going to keep it. I'm just not sure I want to add computer problems to my crafting! But DH was so proud of himself, I don't know that I can return it. But I really need to replace my Epic with something that works... I'm torn! I could see myself buying the cuts like I buy dies! Especially in the beginning. If I like the cut and think I would use it, I would just have it in my library. That way, if I suddenly needed to cut a circle, I wouldn't have to go through the hassle of going online, finding the image, downloading it, adding it to my library and then using it. I would do all that at once and be done. I can see how you would want to carefully evaluate if the subscription or pay-as-you-go would work better for you. I'm guessing both have valid merits! That was exactly what I was doing. Downloading with all these great expections and just getting frustrated that there are not enough hours in a day. I have a lot of images on my computer and only have cut a few.  and as I said before everyone has different crafting styles. I do love using my Sil. and I took Susan's advice and use American Craft paper and it cuts wonderful. AND now with the new program it takes most of the guesswork out of figuring the blade and speed. Some of Sil's fonts are too thin and I do have a difficult time cutting. I like the titles they have and drawing simple designs. |
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Post by crazy4pink on Jan 8, 2011 13:33:28 GMT -5
I also have the SIL and use it sparingly, like Cookie. I have found that very detailed designs do not cut so well. I do play around with it once in a while but still prefer the dies and rolling through.
I also received SIL from Husband that was proud to give it so getting rid of it was not an option (I do not want to hurt his feelings). Otherwise I probably would not have it.
I am going to use it in some way for the pennant swap, though.
What is that saying-- it applies to the SIL
"When it is good, it is very very good, but when it is bad it is HORRID"
Cindy
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Post by Basketlady on Jan 8, 2011 18:31:29 GMT -5
You guys are great! This is exactly what I need to know. Really, I know I won't use it for everyday stuff. I can see myself using it more for the kids' projects than anything. The thing is, I don't NEED it. And I do NEED to replace that darn Epic. I'm easily going through 2 flex mats a month. And it doesn't cut right. And money is tight. And I'm not sure I want to add computer headaches to my zen of crafting.  I'll probably just keep it because DH gave it to me. And ask for the BS for my birthday. It's only a month away--I guess I can wait that long! But thanks for all the advice! Keep it coming! Michelle |
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Post by Cat on Jan 8, 2011 20:58:34 GMT -5
Michelle, you have a PM Cat |
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vederekutz
Student Diva
"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it's done and done right." ?Walt Disney
Posts: 116
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Post by vederekutz on Jan 9, 2011 14:49:05 GMT -5
This is a castle sketched with the Silhouette SD and colored with copics. Attachments:
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vederekutz
Student Diva
"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it's done and done right." ?Walt Disney
Posts: 116
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Post by vederekutz on Jan 9, 2011 14:53:06 GMT -5
Uncolored castle sketched with Silhouette SD. I love my Silhouette. I've got the Platinum subscriptions for $20 a month. That gets me $150 credit for the online store. I have 2 months to use that credit, which is easy to do since they release images every week (30-70, usually about 60 each week). It's a cheap way to feel like you're get to go on a craft shopping spree. You can sketch any image just by replacing the blade with the pen, but I usually like the images specifically designed for the sketch pens best. Attachments:
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Post by vicki7 on Jan 9, 2011 15:02:29 GMT -5
Love mine. I waited until they had a sale on subscriptions so I only pay $8 a month for $25 worth of files. It's great that they do clearance files so you get even more. You can also request designs, which I have done several times and gotten some really great designs for projects. Still can't get them to do a stingray though, lol. Thanks for the heads up Dania about the credit expiring when your subscription does. I think mine goes to April so I will keep an eye on it if I have credit rolled over.
Vicki
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Post by Linda on Jan 9, 2011 15:06:44 GMT -5
Hi Divas,
Is anyone still using the Robo Master instead of the new Silhouette Studio? I was using both until my home pc crashed in Oct. and I got a new one for Christmas.I downloaded the Robo Master and the Silhouette Studio from Silhouette America and recovered my
downloaded files to Robo Master because I still liked using it.
But when My Library got finished loading I got the please wait
and the Invalis GIF Signature box, even though I could see my
designs were downloaded, I can't do anything with them. I E-Mailed Silhouette America and they said They didn't support Robo Master any more and they couldn't fix problem. To delete Robo Master and only use Silhouette Studio.I miss the Robo Master.I
have the orignal Silhouette and the Silhouette SD.
Linda
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vederekutz
Student Diva
"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it's done and done right." ?Walt Disney
Posts: 116
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Post by vederekutz on Jan 9, 2011 15:15:43 GMT -5
The first few times I used the Silhouette I had trouble with the really intricate lace designs I was cutting. I learned to adjust the blade incrementally, though, and that helped a lot. It depends on the paper you use and depth of the blade. I usually just use plain old cardstock. Also, your mat gets a little less sticky over time. There's a sweet spot where it's not so sticky that it tears your paper, but still sticky enough that the paper stays put when cutting.
Most shapes I cut out aren't terribly intricate, so I usually don't have any problems. On the really intricate ones, even though I still adjust the blade to cut a little deeper, I still sometimes have to come back with a craft knift to finish the cut. It doesn't usually take much, and I usually find it's worth it since I couldn't get these designs in traditional dies anyway.
The uncolored castle in my post above shows where I got impatient with removing the cut-out from the paper. (I've got a lot to do today.) When I cut this and some others out, I didn't adjust the depth because I wanted them to stay in the sheet in a way similar to the pre-printed die cuts on 12x12 or 8x8 sheets you can get that coordinate with different paper lines. I was travelling and didn't want a bunch of loose shapes to color, so it was better to keep them secured in the 8.5 x 11 sheet. The rest of them popped out okay--just have to take some care, the way you do with the pre-printed die cuts.
In a lot of ways I still like just cranking traditional dies through, but I love have a huge library of digital designs to choose from, especially for party decorations. I was able to quickly do a cute banner for a girl in our office who got her US citizenship last fall. It's just nice to have options. I can resize shapes for various purposes, and modify them by deleting parts, cutting them in half, stretching them out, etc. And like mom said, I don't have a lot of money to spend on traditional dies or a lot of room to store them. Same with rubber stamps. I love being able to sketch things to color with copics.
So I wouldn't do without it. I won't give up my traditional dies, either, but the Silhouette definitely gives you lots of flexibility and options.
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Post by Cat on Jan 9, 2011 16:22:40 GMT -5
For those of you who don't know vederekutz is D#2 and peterpan is D#1 Thanks D#2 for posting your castle for me.  Mom aka Cat |
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vederekutz
Student Diva
"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it's done and done right." ?Walt Disney
Posts: 116
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Post by vederekutz on Jan 9, 2011 20:11:45 GMT -5
For those of you who don't know vederekutz is D#2 and peterpan is D#1 Thanks D#2 for posting your castle for me. Mom aka Cat Hi mom! I did it right after we got off of the phone--if I'd waited, it would've never gotten done. |
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Post by Basketlady on Jan 9, 2011 21:41:51 GMT -5
Awwwww... you guys are too cute! Michelle |
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Post by crazy4pink on Jan 9, 2011 22:03:26 GMT -5
Hi Divas, Is anyone still using the Robo Master instead of the new Silhouette Studio? I was using both until my home pc crashed in Oct. and I got a new one for Christmas.I downloaded the Robo Master and the Silhouette Studio from Silhouette America and recovered my downloaded files to Robo Master because I still liked using it. But when My Library got finished loading I got the please wait and the Invalis GIF Signature box, even though I could see my designs were downloaded, I can't do anything with them. I E-Mailed Silhouette America and they said They didn't support Robo Master any more and they couldn't fix problem. To delete Robo Master and only use Silhouette Studio.I miss the Robo Master.I have the orignal Silhouette and the Silhouette SD. Linda Oh dear!!! This makes me nervous!!! I have not up-loaded the new program yet because I have had good luck with the old and "if its not broke don't fix it". Now what if my comouter crashes? I will lose everything??? YIKES!!! Cindy |
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Post by Cat on Jan 9, 2011 22:44:06 GMT -5
Cindy, Don't panic.....D#2 had the old program and has switched over without a problem......I'm sure she would have said something over the holidays if she had problems...... So take a few deep breaths......I'll check with her and get back with you. cat |
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Post by Cat on Jan 9, 2011 22:57:04 GMT -5
Cindy, I talked with D#2 said said not to worry. Sil keep a file of your library. That Sil was great about re-setting your library if you lose it because of programing problems. Just get in contact with them. Also if you have trouble switching over to the new program they will help you. Cat |
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vederekutz
Student Diva
"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, and work it until it's done and done right." ?Walt Disney
Posts: 116
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Post by vederekutz on Jan 9, 2011 23:29:52 GMT -5
The old Sil software stores your images differently than the new software, and when I transferred my library, I checked to see if the old files were still there--and they were. If you poke around on your computer you could come across the old files and verify that they're still there (if it makes you feel better).
On my computer (a PC), they're in Program Files\ROBO Master\Templates. The cutting files in this folder are .gst files. Anything you download with the old software winds up here.
I can't remember what I did wrong the first few times I tried to transfer my library. I transferred my library 2-3 times before I figured out what it was. It turns out the library was transferring just fine, but I was going in and messing something up. I think it quit letting me transfer the library because I'd hit my limit or something, so I emailed Silhouette, and they reset everything for me. Just took a few times to get it right.
So the bottom line is if you keep the old software on your computer, anything you downloaded with it will stay in .gst files on your computer, and if you want you can keep cutting with that software. Anything you download in the new software is stored differently, and you'd have to recover it through the online store. If something happens and your computer crashes, Silhouette will let you recover all (old and new) of your designs from the online store. You can do this I think 3 times (something like that). I used to worry about losing designs, too, but I feel pretty secure these days.
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2die4
Junior Diva
Posts: 94
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Post by 2die4 on Jan 11, 2011 15:20:09 GMT -5
Love mine. I waited until they had a sale on subscriptions so I only pay $8 a month for $25 worth of files. It's great that they do clearance files so you get even more. You can also request designs, which I have done several times and gotten some really great designs for projects. Still can't get them to do a stingray though, lol. Thanks for the heads up Dania about the credit expiring when your subscription does. I think mine goes to April so I will keep an eye on it if I have credit rolled over. Vicki Oh vicki, I have requested a sting ray so many times I'm ready to cry about it lol! I need one desperately for my feeding-the-rays-at-Sea-World pics. (And just try finding a sting ray sticker at your LSS!) And they won't do a realistic peacock, realistic pheasant, or realistic cockatoo either. I request those three like every other day. |
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I am looking into getting a Silhouette 
- the ability to change sizes and the huge number of available images means lots of versatility. I like that I can buy just the images I like without having to purchase an entire cartridge. I love print-and-cut, which allows you to use your printer to make embellishments, then cut them out with the Silhouette. 
When I bought my subscription, I had a 50% off coupon, so I got well over 6,000 designs for under $200 since I downloaded absolutely every design! The new subscriptions are pretty pathetic if you ask me, but that's not a real big issue for me since I just cherry pick the ones I really want now. ;D
and as I said before everyone has different crafting styles. I do love using my Sil. and I took Susan's advice and use American Craft paper and it cuts wonderful. AND now with the new program it takes most of the guesswork out of figuring the blade and speed. Some of Sil's fonts are too thin and I do have a difficult time cutting. I like the titles they have and drawing simple designs. 
