Updated 9/26/10
Interview with Cricut Imagine developers
Update: Tammy from cricutcritters has gotten answers from PC on a number of these items. If you are not familiar with the machine and want a good introduction see Tammy’s Ten facts video. Tammy now has a machine in house and a brand new Imagine blog.
Joy from the Obsessed with Scrapbooking blog has a machine in house and is running it. She was gracious enough to spend a very long time answering my questions by phone today.
SweetSassyDiva has also been very patient with my questions.
Thanks a bunch to these dedicated ladies who are working hard to get us the information we need to make an educated decision.
Some general info/details of interest:
I have sifted through dozens of available videos, hands on reviews and Provocraft marketing materials to put together the following summary of information on the new Cricut Imagine machine. I have tried to be as objective as possible and hope you find it helpful in evaluating the machine for your use and for asking questions of Provocraft when you have the opportunity.
We know the Imagine (MSRP $599 $499) is not the advanced machine described in the patent, but instead is a Cricut Expression and an HP color inkjet printer sharing the same case, combined with existing optical alignment technology and a “Gypsy-like” color touch screen controller. Gypsy-like turns out to mean from a hardware standpoint only (it seems to use common components to a Gypsy). The controls parallel the Expression’s, with added choices to support the print function. In other words, there is no design capability in the controller that would compare to a Gypsy.
We know it will use HP’s Vivera ink; and one black (MSRP $34.99) and one dye-based tri-color (MSRP #39.99) cartridge, pictured here. Armed with this information, we can find a Wilhelm report for a printer that uses a corresponding Vivera tri-color cartridges and find test results that should be representative for the Imagine. The Imagine does not power off automatically which is good news for conservation of ink and data.
We also know that in addition to ink cartridges, the Imagine can use existing Cricut cartridges (now called “original”), Imagine Art Cartridges (MSRP $89.99) and Imagine Color and Pattern Cartridges (MSRP $49.99). It will have its own mats (MSRP TBA) with an improved adhesive. Preview images from all of the Imagine cartridges are here. The Imagine cartridges appears to have an SD card interface, as was easily predicted. Imagine carts will be linked through the Imagine machine (like George is linked in the Expression).
The machine weighs 28 lbs and measures 24.5 x 13.5 x 7 inches. You will also need clearance at the front and back for mat travel (12 inches each way) and you will want a permanent location for it as inkjet printers do not take kindly to being moved. A simple calibration procedure is available to ensure best print to cut alignment. Best alignment will be gained at the top of the page with decreasing accuracy the further down the page you go. I suspect this the reason that 12 x 24″ is not supported.
The Imagine (starts at upper left) uses a different coordinate system than either the Expression (starts at upper right) or the Gypsy (starts at lower right).
What it can do:
-Cut shapes (layers) from existing (now called “original”) Cricut cartridges up to 10.5 x 10.5 inches (updated per Chris D).
-Flood fill shapes (layers) from original Cricut cartridges or Imagine Art cartridges with solid colors or available patterns* and cut them out. See Melanie’s post on a Disney Princess
-Print composite images from any of 12 Imagine Art cartridges up to approx 11.25 x 11.25 inches with a white border or colored bleed (sometimes called sticker style).
-Print solid colors and available patterns* up to approx. 11.25 x 11.25 inches.
-Make archival printouts on certain HP Photo papers.
-Make water resistant printouts on certain specialty papers.
-Print on any material that will print on a typical HP inkjet printer and cut almost any material that can be cut with a Cricut Expression.
-Perform all the same functions of the Expression (except center point): autofill, flip, multicut, adjust speed, adjust pressure etc. on the LCD screen. Load last seems especially helpful.
-View a virtual cartridge overlay on the LCD screen.
-Print and cut with special inkjet vinyl to make stickers.
-Be updated like a Gypsy (presumably meaning online via a multiplatform webapp). It ships with a nice long USB cable. FAQs indicate an initial firmware update will be necessary and is accomplished via included Art cartridge.
-Use the blades and housings from regular Cricut machines. The blade housing is plastic, not metal.
-Make interior cuts in an image. Confirmed here.
-Change out plastic panels to have different accent colors to better match your decor.
-Has a variety of standard basic and decorative shapes built in and 18 colors that are available regardless of the cartridges you have installed.
-Specify custom colors using RGB numbers and/or a color wheel.
-Save 16 custom colors in the onboard palette.
-Queue multi-mat designs.
-Print and cut on any size paper.
-Queue multiples of an individual cut or of an entire project.
-Automatically scale patterns with respect to the size of the cut.
*Available patterns include any pattern on an installed Imagine pattern cartridge or an installed Imagine art cartridge (which also includes patterns). When cutting from a Gypsy you can use patterns from any linked cartridge.
What it can not do:
-Work with Cricut Design Studio software.
-Use a 12 x 24 mat. (PC is “working on it” but it is unclear whether it will be accomplished)
-Be used as a computer printer.
-Print full bleed 12 x 12 (physically, it can, but is limited by software so as not to overflow ink onto the mat.) PC has stated that this will be available in the October Gypsy update?
-Print without a mat.
-Print a composite image (one piece) from original Cricut carts to cut them out as shown below. (Tammy reports that this will be possible in the future but only with a Gypsy).
-Make archival prints on plain paper. The Provocraft FAQ states: “According to HP lab tests, the ink will retain its color quality for decades on plain paper.” PC is quoting HP’s blanket statement for all its inks that refers to internal dark storage testing of documents (as opposed to photos). See HP’s info here. In my opinion, this is not a high enough standard for scrapbookers, but fine for cardmaking, party favors, etc. Under glass results (like you would need for a shadow box or wall decor) results are closer to just under a decade on plain paper.
-Make waterproof prints.
-Cut closely around an image with a narrow outline like the image below (which I did on an Expression).
-Cut chipboard or other stiff materials that cannot negotiate a slightly bent paper path.
-Cut more accurately than other Cricut machines or avoid Cricut “creep.”
-Allow you to replace individual ink colors (except black) when one runs out.
-Print just the details on an image and cut around that, like printing the face on a paper doll or details on a Disney character.
-Use mats from existing Cricuts.
-Weld without a Gypsy or otherwise overlap or combine shapes.
-Save designs (with custom colors applied, for instance) without a Gypsy once the Imagine is shut off or a new project is created.
-Print small text or other detailed designs and center it within a shaped cutout (wedding invitations, for example, or sentiments for cards).
-Place images at a specified location with respect to the mat (analogous to x y coordinates on the Expression) without a Gypsy. You do not have control over the location on the mat at all. Imagine places them for you.
-Change the colors within a pattern or change the scale, orientation or position of a pattern.
-Conserve ink by not coloring the interior of layers that will not show. (for example, 2 nested ovals. Bottom is covered except for outer edge yet whole shape is colored with ink)
-Cut without cartridges installed.
-Just print a filled image from an original cartridge. Printed images will have bleed as if cutting so it would be similar to printing a shadow version.
-Ink the edges of, or shade an image.
What we still don’t know
-If mat, size, and material limitations for print and cut operations still apply if just printing (mat/paper does not travel though lower pass or negotiate bend when just printing). It may well be possible to print on chipboard, but don’t know that this has been tried yet.
-What media are required for moderate or high water resistance.
-What media are required for archival print permanence and how much does it cost.
-The minimum white border or colored bleed between print and cut that is reliable. (The controller allows borders to be set from 0 to .1 inches, but we don’t know the minimum that will be practical so as to not leave white space.)
-The minimum size of an image that can be successfully print and cut. (Dial goes down to .3 but don’t know how well that will print/cut at that size yet)
-Whether or not the Imagine will be compatible with third party cutting software. (officially no, but then neither are current Cricuts officially)
-Whether or not it will be compatible with third party reinking solutions (I am pretty sure it will be, but we have no way to know until someone tries it)
-How, exactly, it will work with a Gypsy. For instance, will the new Gypsy firmware give all the functions of the onboard controller. How will welded images be colored, etc.
-The maximum DPI for the printer.
-If the special vinyl printed with the Imagine will be water-proof (suitable for water bottles, cake carriers, coasters, etc.), weather-resistant (suitable for vehicles and outdoor use), fade-resistant (suitable for wall decor) and/or archival (suitable for scrapbook embellishements).
-Whether thickness is going to be an issue for various media. For instance, can craft foam be cut. (PC says only stiffness matters, but I would like to see this demonstrated).
-If Gypsy owners who do not have Imagines will have the option to decline Imagine content (which will be large files compared to original carts).
Great summary Kay. And I’m betting that if you try a third party ink it will void the warrenty. {{wink wink}}
here is question I have been wondering about…why didn’t PC just design a software that interacts like sure-cut-alot or make the cut….that interacted with your own printer??? are people really going to buy another machine that needs additional carts besides the never ending carts that come out on thurs??? and now the ones that partnered with Martha Stewart and with creative memories??? ooooooh well….another day..another dollar to be spent
yes, people WILL go out and buy it because the people who receive it FREE promote it like it’s something they can’t POSSIBLY live without! And there are some who follow them religiously! (and blindly!!)
One other thing we DO know is that it is listed at $599!!
I can think of LOTS of ways to spend $600… plus another 12 cartridges made specifically for this machine (at about $50 each)- that’s another $600!! So $1200 for a machine that can do what I can do for around $125 with SCAL !!??!!
They can keep it! (and that’s my “objective” opinion- HA!)
Sounds like all this machine would do is eat my money and not give me much for it than I can already do. I think PC should focus on improving the stuff they already have like the Gypsy and DS which are both somewhat prehistoric. That’s just my “objective” opinion. Thanks for sharing this info!
For me, the “can not”‘s are pretty substantial in terms of expectations of an expensive machine, particularly “Print a composite image (one piece) from original Cricut carts…,” “Cut closely around an image with a narrow outline..,” and the dreaded inability to replace single color inks (waste! expense!). I have a relatively fancy Canon printer (8 different cartridges), and the colors are muted on certain cardstock, so that doesn’t surprise me. Thanks for your investigative work.
After looking at the “ten facts video” and looking at other products that are coming out by other companies, I’m “imagining” that
the Cricut Imagine machine will eventually be able to use a different mat and do dry embossing right along with the printing and cutting that it already does. Just conjecture on my part, but I think it is entirely possible.
Embossing was mentioned on the patent, and is being done already with third party products on the Cricut, so it would be easy to add not just the Imagine but any Cricut.
Won’t the machine also have interchangeable faceplates to switch up the look of one’s personal machine?
Yes, I believe I did see that mentioned somewhere. Thanks for reminding me.
oh… one correction: thank you to Tammy from Creative Critters Cricut Club. “25 new Cricut Imagine cartridges will be released! IMAGINE MORE comes with the machine and contains both art and patterns/color. There will also be 12 art cartridges and 12 pattern/color cartridges. Expected price is $89.99 each.” Seriously?????
As I understand it, there are 12 Cricut Art cartridges, and 12 Cricut Patterns and Colors cartridges in addition to the Imagine More cartridge that comes with the Imagine for a total of 25 Imagine cartridges.
From what I have read, the fact that the Imagine is not compatible with Design Studio is so that you CAN NOT use third party software (i.e. SCAL or MTC) with the Imagine. SCAL and MTC accesses the Cricut through the Design Studio drivers and since DS and the Imagine are not compatible make using SCAL and MTC not possible. Also, a friend of mine was at CHA and was told by one of the Provocraft reps that PC is looking at a way to send a virus to your Cricut to render it dead and un revivable if they detect third party software (they mentioned SCAL specifically) I LOVE SCAL and I believe that PC will be making a huge mistake if they go this route, I have thought about what I will do and I guess I will buy a new Cricut and keep this one as my SCAL machine.
Tammy
Tammy,
It is a myth that a Cricut must be compatible with CDS to use third party software. For instance, there is no CDS for Mac, yet there is a Mac version of SCAL. It is illegal to make a virus of the type that you heard rumor of, and court cases to back that up, so I would not take that threat seriously. There are other hurdles, of course, but I don’t think it is necessarily impossible.
Do I understand correctly that you haven’t actually tried the machine? If this is just a compilation of what other sites and videos are saying its difficult to say what is exactly true. I have found a lot of conflicting information from one site to another. Also, I have decided not to let the price put me off. the $599 is the MSRP. Hallmark Scrapbooking has already said on their website that their price will be lower, just don’t know what yet. And really, does anyone pay full MSRP price for cartridges?? I certainly don’t and for that matter never pay full price for the Vivera inks for my HP printer now. The way I look at it, the Imagine is just another scrapbooking tool. You won’t use it for everything, it won’t do everything. Sort of like your vacuum won’t do everything to clean your house—you need other tools. 🙂
I am in wait and see mode. It took me quite a while to buy a Cricut in the first place, then upgraded to E and took me a loooong time to get DS and even longer to get a G.
Yes, Susan you are correct that I have not had the opportunity to see the machine. For that reason, I have only listed as fact what I have heard PC employees say in a video or what I can determine from the Wilhelm site.
Hello girls. I have seen the machine in person. I went to a review for it about a year ago. I am not impressed. I like the images that Provocraft had as examples however I am not willing to put anymore money into this. They are lucky that I bought the expression. The ink cartridges are very small and the BIGGEST expense will not be the machines or the cartridges but it will be the ink for the imagine. I have looked at the cost at walmart and they are about 35.00 per color and with doing 1 12×12 you know it is going to take about half of the ink cartridge. I think I am going to skip this machine and wait for the next one;-)
I’m not overly impressed with this new machine. I’m happy with my Expression, and I do enjoy my Gypsy. For how much this machine and ink cartridges and whatever else … I’d be better off just buying store-made items. Honestly, it seems to take some of the hand out of handmade.
I really appreciate the review. The “cannot” points are certainly something to think about before jumping on board with PC’s “latest and greatest.”
Can you use the Cricut Imagine and your Gypsy together to make 12 x 12 paper. Insted of buying a 12 x 12 printer, wouldn’t you get more for your money by purchasing the Cricut Imagine?
You can not print 12 x 12 (edge to edge) with an Imagine, even with a Gypsy: and the only thing you can print with the Imagine is solid colors or patterns and images that are on Imagine cartridges you own, so it would be a poor substitute for a large format printer.
I have tried out the machine at CHA. I was not overly impressed. It was easy to use. The colors were all muted,becausing of printing on cardstock. The images reminded me of MME paper lines.
Kay,
Do we know if we are in the middle of a project and need to stop working, can we save the file? The Imagine would then need to have some form of on board memory. I don’t own a gypsy and would not want to have to buy one just to store files. I see all the downs on this machine but yet I would love to have one to play with. Ummmmm this is a tuffy!
Lysa
Ladies,
I am a graphic designer. PC is nothing more than a ripoff.
Here’s a great solution… there are great patterns out on the internet that are being given away for free or available through digital paper kits. Many of us have MS word or Photoshop/Elements. You can still print your patterned papers on your printer you already have even if it is not a 12 x 12 format. As for the optical eye Silhouette has a great print and cut feature and downloadable image for $0.99 or less. Let us all be wise here, this new machine is nothing more than a ripoff.
Cheryl
On this link it seems to suggest it may be possible around December to link to new software. See second post.
http://www.digishoptalk.com/boards/scrap-talk-65/new-cricut-imagine-great-news-248480/index2.html
Kay,
I have a little something for you on my blog. I hope you will accept it :)!
This machine is going to be nothing but a money pit. Most of us already have printers, yes granted some can’t print at 12 x 12. So that may be an issue. But you know darn well when this first comes out they are not going to reduce the cart, the ink, the mats by very much. Why buy more of what we already have.
There are a ton of digital scrapbooking kits you can purchase for a lot less. Let’s say the cart sell for 89.99, you can get anywhere from 6-10 digital kits for the price of one cart which includes everything you would need. And there are a lot of fantastic designers and shops to purchase them from. You can even get some for free, the digital community is very generous! I would imagine most also own graphics programs.
Like I said why buy another machine, imagine cart, mats, and ink. We already own this stuff ladies!! Don’t waste your money, go out and purchase a good 12×12 printer instead!!
Hi, Just watching the videos my very first thought was everything will look purchased.
The effect will definintey lose the ‘handmade’ appearance and to me that is the part of papercrafting which I love.
So I too will sit on the fence with this one.
However on the other hadn it s great to see new products being developed.
What makes me totally sick about Provo Craft is that they are just plain and simple greedy. I am sick to my stomach on how they take advantage of innocent women.
I mean why come out with 10 cartridges per month and a new machine after many of us have saved our hard earned money to buy the first crappy machine which, was limited until a software company decided to crack their system? I hope those who are religious followers wake up! I mean seriously wake up.
I do not buy my cartridges and I’m able to get any of the images I want from any cartridge. I am never buying another cartridge nor their money machine.
hi cheryl! wondering how you get any image from any cartridge??! sounds intriguing! do tell! also wondering, why do you think PC are greedy and “take advantage of innocent women”? isn’t it US who go out and buy these products? no one’s forcing us ya know. never sits right with me when people get mad at a company for just selling their things. that’s what businesses do ya know. they offer things for sale, and we can choose whether or not to buy them. am i missing something?
I posted some more info and samples on my blog
http://sweetsassydiva-gspot.blogspot.com
also if you search on the upper right hand side of my blog ‘imagine’ it will pull up more info, pic and video. hth
Thanks so much Kay for putting this all together. I’ve been following along with Joy over at Obsessed with Scrapbooking and Everyday Cricut for the last week just drooling over this thing. I’m just learning the whole art of scrapping, hybrid and traditional, and I’ve only had my E for about a year and am still learning how to use it.My problem is I’m an ex techie and I love all the new tools. I think this was the best bunch of research I’ve seen so far and I think I can now objectively watch the release on HSN knowing that I’m going to wait for the next version or so. PC and HP are actually giving us quite a bit but I’m sure they’re already working on adding new features. Heck I need to learn how to use SCAL and then decide if I need a Gypsy!
Thanks again you’ve done a great job.
I posted a new video and project on my blog today
and answered some questions yesterday
Cricut Imagine More Project http://goo.gl/b/5ALY click here or my blog siggy below for video and more details
I am a collector of all things scrapbook related. I don’t care what they cost, if it’s new…I want it, and I want it right now.
I am going to pass on the Imagine though. I look at this machine and see true creativity go right out the window. I don’t have any interest in making something that looks just like something someone else has. I like the time and effort aspect of inking, creating facial expressions, etc. To me, it’s like a “print your own Jolees embelishment center”. I don’t use those “anyone can scrapbook”, pre-made, pre-packaged stick-ons. Why in the worls would I want to mass generate them in my home?
Great product for someone who maybe isn’t high up there on the creativity scale, or wants to knock out quick pages. Other than that, I don’t see the appeal.