Just to recap: When they first came out I was totally against it and frustrated that my previous Provo Craft purchases were becoming obsolete with no more updates. I think it made me resentful against the new machine. So I posted Why I Won't be Getting a Cricut Explore. A few months later Provo Craft sent me one to try out and review. Here's my first post: I Got a Cricut Explore! And I have to admit it does cut nicely and has some things I like but found that change was hard for me and reached for my cartridges, Gypsy, and Expression 2 most of the time.
Since our move I've only unpacked the Explore but when I find myself needing a quick cutout I either use the few spellbinders or other dies I have or use the predownloaded images on my Scan 'n Cut. Plus, like I mentioned before we do have internet and / or modem issues sometimes where we have to reset it. AND if that wasn't enough my laptop where I have downloaded the Cricut Design Space is starting to be . I do believe you can have it in a couple of places. However, I have not yet. Also, my wireless adapter has come in and I will using my ipad which hopefully will take care of some glitches.
Here's what happened!
I, of course, waited until the last day to finish my son's birthday invatations. I was up late cutting out the images and my laptop crashed which isn't the fault of Cricut but because of the way the it's designed all was lost. Plus, the internet was running sooooo slow that night! Frustrating!
I didn't have the actual size since I just dragged the arrows to the size I wanted so all the top layer cutouts were useless. Sadly I had already ran them through the Cuttlebug as well!! Wasted cardstock, wasted time! So much wasted time! I almost unpacked my Expression 2!
Then I got a little smarter and wrote down the specific size in case it happened again. Also, I saved it as a project even though I was only cutting out multiples of ONE image. The one things I really love about the Cricut Explore. It makes cutting out duplicates super EASY! When all the starts are lined up that is!
Of course I was being tested that night to fullest of capabilties and then my modem started acting up and it stopped right in the middle of cutting!
After that I said screw it and went to bed! The invites would have to wait! But I did however have the file saved, online only of course which I don't understand.
I got them done the next morning thankgoodness! For some reason my internet works better during the day than at night. I do realize that most of the problems are MY problems! It has nothing to do with the machine or the Design Space buuuuuut it only makes me still HATE that is HAS to be online. Yes, we all have the internet now adays but sometimes when that doesn't work we still want to craft, right?
A little Laurie disclaimer: I don't really use SVG's or design my own images which is why I bought a Cricut and cartridges instead of a Silouettle or the like in the first place!
I'll let you know if I like it better using the Cricut Explore Bluetooth Adapter and my iPad which I do most everything from! I'm crossing my fingers! I'm still trying!
for only $49 with FREE shiping and 
