The Explore 4 is my first cutting machine. I successfully made a nice birthday card on my first try. The software, SmartDesign, is a little quirky (mostly because this is my first 'crafting'-oriented machine). It works well, but it just doesn't work in the ways I expect it to, all the time. That's on me, though.One thing that I didn't realize at first but was later very surprised to find - IT HAS BLUETOOTH! This machine is over 2 feet wide and it weighs more than one would like a permanent desk item to weigh. When I sent out my first cut, I noticed the pulldown on "connect via..." and saw Bluetooth. Sweet! I cancelled the cut and moved the machine onto a rack hugging the wall, where it remains now. This was a HUGE unexpected feature.One thing I dislike, but can understand, is the lack of print documentation. There is like... almost none. There are plenty of Youtube videos on the Cricut channel and made by others that explain how to use the machine. I would have much rather I be able to flip through a paper manual than watch 5- to 30+- minute videos.All in all, I think this is a great value.