What Is A Cricut Expression Machine

I was browsing around EBay for my mom and her scrapbooking addiction and kept coming across this Cricut machine.  I am not going to lie; it took some major research to figure out what this thing actually does.  I get curious when I come across something I have never seen before so now I will share what I have learned with you.

In a nut shell this machine is manufactured by Provo Craft.  There are a few different sized models but they all work off the same basic idea. They use various cartridges of different themes to create die cuts and designs.  These cuts are made by blades inside the machine and can be cut into card stock or vinyl.  The cartridges range from Disney characters to different fonts and everything in between.  The main models are the Cricut Expression , the Cricut Personal Electronic Cutter Machine, the Cricut Jukebox and the Cricut Create Machine.  

I have been hooked into the videos on the Provo Craft web site. I am trying to justify a need that I may have to get the Cricut and begin to play with it. This product seems perfect for the avid scrapbook maker and for any classroom.