I have EQ6 and like it a lot, but it was helpful to me to take a 2-day workshop to learn all the "ins and outs" of the program. It's not hard, but just not always intuitive. Be sure to buy the guides that are available. It's a good product. I'd probably buy the AccuCut only if I were planning to do a lot of applique, although various threads here make it sound wonderful...may have to consider getting one someday! The big drawback for me on it is the ongoing cost of buying more dies and then storing them.