For $299 you got the machine, a carrying case, car charger, and a Don Juan cartridge in addition to the 2 preloaded cartridges that you can only get on the Gypsy called Gypsy font and Gypsy Wanderings. If you buy the Gypsy anywhere else, the $299 will only get you the Gypsy, so everything is just extras that were thrown in to sweeten the deal. I opted for the free shipping offer so mine came a few days after everyone else got theirs. I watched the Cricut messageboards to see what everyone was saying and there seemed to be LOTS of problems. Most of the problems have been worked through thus far, at least mine have. I do believe that Provocraft is working hard to get all problems resolved, they just need some time. I have had a little time to play with it, so here are my pros and cons on the machine based on my initial use....
Pros:
- I love that you can see all of the cartridges available and play with those images to see if it something that you would like to purchase
-much bigger than I had expected, I was thinking it was going to be the size of a cell phone, the screen alone is about the size of my iPhone
- Provocraft has already sent out a couple of updates that have been major improvements. We can only hope that this continues. From my understanding, it will be similiar to the iPhone where updates and improvements will be sent out periodically
- since I have a Mac, the Design Studio software wasn't available to me (even though I wasn't really interested) and now with the Gypsy I can play with welding words and designs. Now that I have played with the software a bit, I can definately see why so many people liked it, there are lots of great features
- there are lots of ladies that are doing video tutorials online so if you don't know how to do something, more times than not, you can find a video to help. Definately take the time to check out these videos, they have helped me tremendously
- you can upload all of your cartridges to the Gypsy and not have to bring your whole collection with you to a crop, just your Gypsy
Cons:
- once you upload your cartridges, they are linked FOREVER to that Gypsy. I would like to see and "unlink" option. Anything permanent makes me a bit nervous
- I don't believe that the Gypsy was "exactly" plug and play like Provocraft was saying on the HSN presentation. They gave very vague computer requirements and lots of people have had trouble syncing up and updating their Cricuts (myself included). They also stated that the Gypsy is Mac compatible and that isn't completely true. I do believe that they are working on these problems, however. Another thing that Provorcrafts talked about was that they Gypsy will plug into any Cricut and you can use, well, that is not really the case, since the Cricut's firmware must be updated. I am not going to plug my Gypsy into anyone's Cricut and update their firmware for my use
After I ordered it, I was feeling buyer's remorse and pretty much decided that it was going back to HSN even before I received it. After reading all of the problems that people were having initially, I was certain it was going back. Then those problems started being fixed, so I started to rethink my decision. Once I received it and played with it (and had my own issues) I am going to give it some more time, but I think I will end up really liking it. I feel a bit clumsy with it right now just because it is something new.
Here are a few of the sites that offer video tutorials
http://www.mypinkstamper.com/
http://www.obsessedwithscrapbooking.com/
***there is another site, but I can't find it right now, as soon as I do, I will add it. I am sure if you search Youtube, you will find many more, these are just a couple that I have found on the Cricut messageboards**
29 comments:
Great review, Heather. I have to say, after receiving mine yesterday, I was a bit surprised to find that it's not quite as plug and play as it seemed. I think I'm really going to like my Gypsy, but it was definitely not the "go to" tool for me right out of the box.
Joy
http://joyslife.com/
Thanks for sharing.....I agree this will be a learning curve, but after getting mine yesterday, playing around with it, I do think it was a good purchase for me. I have tired of carrying all the carts/overlays/books with me to my gatherings. I also think it will be like CDS, the more you use it, the easier it will get and it does eem PC is getting the 'fixes' in place.
http://craftingthenightaway.blogspot.com/
ALicia does an awesome job on her videos !
Yeah I'm weak, so I bought one. I tried to tell myself I don't need it because I only have the Baby bug.(Yeah right!) Did I mention that I also own a Pazzles Inspiration, the newest one? I bought that from HSN also on the day it debuted in 2008.
I got the Gypsy yesterday and if I hadn't watched EVERY HSN presentation, I wouldn't have any idea of what to do with it, because it has NO INSTRUCTIONS included. OH MY BAD, it does tell you to push and hold the button to turn it on, BUT NOTHING ELSE. What's wrong with Provo Craft and HSN? What brand of crack are they smoking? I guess they both figured if you are enough of a Cricut fan to buy it you will be willing to figure it out on your own. Heh Heh Heh. It's also very convenient that HSN has removed the ability to write a review for it. They don't want the early birds to point out anything that might discourage anyone who missed it but still wants one. I don't know if I like it yet. Maybe I'll keep it, or maybe I'll sell it for a nice little profit on eBay. I will post an update on it at www.luxurycardstore.blogspot.com
Great review! Hope they get everything worked out. :)
Just wanted to let you know I was here. Thanks for sharing about the Gypsy.
I think I want one just to have it so I got on that day and it was already sold out. Bummer... I figured I didn't need it after all and they did me a favor but after your review and all the extra's I want it again. :D I am so jealous and thanks for sharing the review!
thanks for that i am from the uk and are waiting to get my hands on one nice to hear your comments http://lyn-bennett.blogspot.com/
Great review! So glad that you pointed out the pros and cons! I'm on the fence about this. I have DS on a laptop so I shouldn't want this. I have heard a lot of negative feedback on the MB but that tends to always happen with a new product. I do agree I'm leary to have my carts linked forever. Right now M's has a great deal so I'm considering that. Maybe they will be sold out and the decision will be taken out of my hands!
Hi Heather, First time here. Was impressed, thanks for all your work and especially for sharing!!
Carol
Lynnyliz@hotmail.com
I, like you have a mac and was so excited to get a gypsy to weld and stuff. I too bought it from HSN, now I feel lost. I don't know how to update my cricut without having the design studio. Any help would be sooooooo appreciated!! Thanks
Emily
escramper@yahoo.com
Emily, don't you just link and sync directly to your computer? I don't have one myself but am on hunt. I have been looking for the best price on one of these beauties and came across this review. Thank you for all the great info. Has anyone found a better deal than $253.50? Found that at ScrapbookToolkit.com. Maybe a better price will show up on Black Friday, but I am trying to avoid the crowds this year...
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. My husband stood in line and got me one for Christmas during Black Friday sales and I've been playing with it. He didn't care. But I am feeling a bit like it's not something I want now. I feel it's too "technical" and I hope with time I'll feel better about it. I am feeling guilty now for asking for one since it's not what I expected.
To the person who asked for a better deal, Michael's Craft Store puts out a 40% off any regular price item coupon in their weekly ad.
Just got my gypsy, I almost through it out the window, then my hubby stepped in a synced it and updated everything. I am disappointed in the way the cables fit in the connections to the computer and even the charger, nothing fits "right".
You don't have to have DS if you have the Cricut, it's the same thing. I too notice that the cables which usually you have to put them in with the icon facing up, on the Gypsy you have to turn them over which looks like it's in the wrong way.
I often cart a ton of scrapbooking stuff to my mom's and get so frustrated that I forgot a cartridge that she doesn't have. So she bought me the Gypsy for Christmas. I had told her not to because of the cost and I wasn't too impressed with it. However, I'm still greatful. But the ladies at our local scrapbook store talked us into it. However, they never told us you still have to insert the cartridge into the Cricut machine. They said you just upload the cartridge to the Gypsy and plug it in to cut. I'm so disappointed now. Yeah, I can design when I'm away but I have to make sure I bring the cartridge if I want to cut on her machine. I should have returned it but now it's too late. Sorry Mom! Oh, and I second the irritation about having to look online for directions.
nice blog i have visited your blog and it's really nice and use full for me... please add my post thanks
ebay software
Thanks for taking the time out to give you review on the Gypsy. I have been seriously thinking about getting one.
OMG! I just got mine yesterday and I feel as you did when you received yours.. buyers remorse and most certainly clumsy! I am still working through my personal bugs but, did not have any problems updating my cricut to the Gypsy. Thank You for your comments and tips.
Anonymous, I just went to a weekend retreat and someone there had the gypsy. It was the first time I had seen one. You do not have to have the cartridge to cut on the cricut, just plug any cartridge in and it will cut anything as long as the cartridge is uploaded to your gypsy. If you are cutting something from say the Locker Talk cartridge, you can have the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge plugged into the machine. I loved the gypsy and will be buying one for myself as soon as I can save up the money.
I have been thinking about purchasing the Gypsy because I like the idea of having all of my cartridges in one place but I'm not sure if it is worth the price. I found one on www.auntieambers.com for $189 which is way cheaper than costco has them for but was wondering if anyone knew of a cheaper price or if this is a resonable price?
I have not been really that interested in getting the Gypsy because of the price and didn't really think I needed it, but I totally stumbled onto one on Ebay Friday night and I actually got it for $137.50!! I won't be getting it till Monday, but I am anxious to try it out. It is supposed to be brand new still in the manufacturer's packaging, so we shall see!
I found the gypsy on a website called Paper Crafting Pro for $99. Great deal if anyone is interested. Still have not decided if I am going to get one but it is a great deal and wanted to share.
Beth
Thank you for the review. I stumbled on to your website while I was searching to check out a good price for a Gypsy. I haven't been too interested in buying it and I'm still not so sure it is what I need. It's always great to hear what other people have to say about these new products.
When I first saw the Gypsy I thought this is going to be great I thought the weld feature was going to make titles and words look grea t. I have had it since Christmas 2009 and have yet to figure out the weld feature I find it very frustrating and very hard to understand. I wish I had never seen it.
I bought my gypsy a few months ago and while I waited for it to arrive I watched every youtube video I could find. It is really easy to use. I figured it all out quite quickly. Welding is simple. Just go to youtube and type in cricut gypsy welding. Now when I go to crops people tell me they've had their gypsy for a long time and don't know how to use it. they are asking me to show them. I love my gypsy. Won't ever go back to working with the cricut alone.
Gypsy is $65 on www.cricutmachine.com right now.
Heather, great review! I have a Gypsy and find it pretty convenient but definitely time consuming. When cutting the images I've created, it does take a little longer for the cricut than if the cartridge was plugged in but I like that I can have so many images laid out and ready to cut. Does anyone have the Design Studio? Would it be beneficial to own since I have a Gypsy? I feel that I work faster on a computer. Thanks in advance for any input.
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