I'd love the cougar myself just so I could cut thick chipboard letters. I know a few people on a scal yahoo group that adore it but the lynx is so new I doubt you'll find many people with one yet, the feedback so far is good. There is a bit of a learning curve with both, even for those used to using cutter software. Even not counting the software neither machine is quite as simple as just loading the mat and clicking start the way we do with the cricut.

The sissix eclips is just about to have an upgrade available for people who want to use it with SureCutsALot software. Unlike Provocraft Sissix have worked with the makers of scal and welcome it. Reports from beta testers are great and a lady who has multiple machines is reporting the eclips is giving a much more accurate cut (specially circles & right angles) than both the cricuts & pazzles. You'd need to check on the blade situation but if you can get a deep blade for it then even 300gsm cuts like a dream with it. Scal will work with all electronic diecutters except cricuts and is stupidly easy to use.

*If* I were just looking to cut card bases I'd probably go for the eclips as it's a great price point, easy to use with mats/blades readily available. When I upgrade from the expressions I'll probably be going with a cougar just because I know I'd regret not getting all that cutting force. I wouldnt be looking at any of the other digi diecutters currently on the uk market.

NB. Cricut have stopped new scal users.