A Cricut?

Nick and I were talking tonight, and he asked what sorts of crafting supplies I have my eyes on. Honestly, the only thing I kind of have in mind right now is a Cricut. Though, to be fair, I am not a scrapbooker, and while I'm sure I'd get a lot of use out of it, it seems to be a money sucker.

$70 for a cartridge, money for supplies to put in it, not to mention the high price of getting the machine in the first place. I know there is also a machine called a Cuttlebug, and a Sizzix. I just don't know what the difference in those machines are to the Cricut, and if there is a price difference.

So, advise me, all you crafty people. Being that I don't scrap book, and the Cricut would only be used occasionally for crafts, is it worth the money?

Here are my thoughts-

As of right now, I don't miss it, because I don't have one, have never used one, don't use die cuts often, and don't scrapbook at all.

If I get one, though, I have a feeling I'll find all sorts of uses for die cuts in mod podging, and more. I have a feeling that I'll wind up really loving it, and wanting new cartridges quite often.

Obviously, it isn't something I need- this is purely want, as all craft supplies are. Being frugal, the price scares me.

Also- does anyone know if I could use a 40 or 50% off coupon on the machine, if I can find a coupon for Hobby Lobby or Michaels, at a time when it's not on sale? I've never tried to use one of the coupons on anything that cost more than $20 before coupon, and don't know if there are restrictions.

Obviously, between sale prices and coupons, the cartridges could be bought cheaper. Then, of course, there is eBay which can be helpful.

Advise me! Give me your own pro's and con's of the Cricut, the Sizzix, and the Cuttlebug. I will have some extra money soon, I just don't know if that's where I want it to go.

Oh! One of the big draws right now are vinyl letters. I would love to be able to do vinyl. Back in "the day", my step-mom owned her own sign shop. She painted signs, murals, vehicles, and more. She had this HUGE machine, which had pre-programmed fonts (only 12 of them). She could run vinyl through it, and cut letters out, or she could free hand shapes. It came in handy for signs. Now, keep in mind, this must have been the early 90's, but I recall vinyl being pricey. However, on an upside, I know of places locally where I can get it, too, so maybe it'll be cheaper than ordering it.

I've read on a few blogs that the vinyl has to be ordered, and it's expensive, and has to be bought in a huge roll.

Ok, for the third (and final time)... advise me.