I bought it some years ago. It works great but I still had to line up the fabric the same as using a ruler. It holds the fabric in place but it has to be perfectly straight before holding it. I never can get the bottom to line up exactly on the mat line. I took more time getting everything straight then it was worth. I have the Go and like it much better. The Alto is not very portable so I doubt you need the carrying case. It's well made and very heavy. The mat is wonderful. You will need room to have the Alto accessible to three sides of the cutting table.