I am in love with this machine! I own a Silhouette SD and a Pazzles Inspiration. After only a day with the Cameo, I'm already cutting more with less trouble than a year and a half with the Inspiration. Yes, the Inspiration has a higher cutting force and will cut heavier materials, but it's so much of a headache compared to the Cameo.
Comparing it to the SD, it's just amazing how much better it got. I used my SD quite often and was very happy with it. The Cameo is just leaps above it though. The new blades cut so much better. I've been able to cut Bazzill paper in a single pass and I'm only halfway up on the new blade numbering system. It's great! I like that the lid closes magnetically. The only thing that has a bit of a learning curve is loading the mat. That was a bit easier with the SD but I'm sure once I get the hang of it, it'll be a breeze on the Cameo. I just LOVE this little cutter!!!!!