i just bought a mini cake cricut (99.00 on sale, yeah!).
i have been doing research and reading forums here and i want to know if i have a few things right on the software for this.

i want to be able to use my own images, most are jpeg files.

if i buy the SCAL 2.0 i do NOT need inkscape and can convert my jpegs to svg files directly, correct?

if i use the SCAL instead of the cricut cartridges, the cricut has to be attached to my computer to run the images?

is it risky (virus-wise) to buy svg files online?

lastly, why do people buy the expensive cricut cartridges when the SCAL seems so much more flexible and cheaper in the long run. I mean this question seriously...i fear i am missing something.
thanks! diane

anyone?

i have the cricut cake and the cricut. I buy the cartridges, because i can match invitations to cakes and things like that, i also scrapbook. I'm going to get make the cut (very similar to scal, but seemed more user friendly to me) you have to be very careful about where you buy the downloads, i did get a virus on one of my computers doing that. I'm going to use scaned picuters like coloring book pages and emblems. If you go onto the scal or make the cut websites most people are pretty good about finding you what your looking for and have good recomended sites for buying your downloads. hope this helps

SCAL 2 does have the feature to take graphics and convert them to .svg without Inkscape. I have not tried anything too detailed.

You must have one cartridge installed in the machine, and then, yes, your computer stays connected via USB during use. I have a laptop that I put on the counter with the machine. Next time, I need to cover the keyboard with plastic wrap!

Some people are not comfortable with computers. Some people are OK with paying for the hard work others have done on these cartridges. I use SCAL, but also buy cartridges, usually when on sale or on ebay. Isn't it great being able to have the best of both worlds?!

I own the regular cricut cake, not the mini, and I run SCAL on my Mac.

You don't need inkscape. You can use svg files, and you don't need to convert your jpeg files to svg, you just browse your computer for the jpeg image and import it into SCAL.

You have to have 1 cartridge in the cricut for it to work, it doesn't matter which one it is. You connect the cricut to your computer with a USB cable (not included in the cricut box).

I've never bought svg files online so not sure if its risky. I would think it would be fine though.
In any case since I use a Mac viruses will generally not affect me

I think people buy the cartridges either because they are unaware of the existence of software that is cheaper than 1 single cartridge, or because they don't want to spend time playing with it. It's beyond me too - you are not missing anything, they are!

Your best bet would be to ask at the SCAL forums. :/ There tends to be a LOT of information there.

thank you everyone!
i am off to read the SCAL forums now too! thanks for pointing me in that direction!
diane

Does SCAL 2 work with the cricut cake Mini?

Here is a link to the FAQ from Craft Edge (makers of Sure Cuts A Lot):

http://www.craftedge.com/support/faq/faq_surecutsalot.html

There are relevant answers concerning the Cricut.

Thanks. I finally got it to work. Cricut no longer has the free version of Design Studio they have Craft room now so I upgraded the firmware using that and the circut cake mini works with Scal 2 now!