I just got a Cricut Maker and I am having so much fun. It is an amazing machine with unlimited possibilities. There is a learning curve with Design Space but there are tons of how to videos. If you buy a Cricut then Cricut Acess is free for a month and then they offer a discount for an additional month. I have found that most of the designs in Access are free with the subscription and you do not have to buy any other designs unless you want to use the designer offers that they have. Good luck with your decision.