Tim Holtz Vagabond 2

Ugh, so I wasn't planning on purchasing a new $200 crafting machine anytime soon. . . But last week, the stars and moons aligned as such that my aging Sizzix Big Shot machine died.  Bonnie bit the bullet.  Yes, I named my Big Shot "Bonnie."  And no, the other Big Shot I own is not named "Clyde."  Naturally, it's
Bertha. . . Anywho, as the handle fell off and the inside thingies started grinding, I knew death was imminent.  She had served me well for fourteen years and was worth every penny of her at-the-time $79 price tag!  I mourned for all of 18 seconds before I thought, "Oh crap!  I have a class to teach on Saturday, what am I going to do?"  I do own two Big Shot machines, essentially I keep one for embossing and one is all set up with a magnetic platform for die cutting.  It was a good investment with as many classes as I teach.  I've never not been without two machines, so I panicked just a bit before full recon mode commenced. 

Appearance of Vagabond 2 when closed

Appearance of Vagabond 2 with platforms open

I know I'm not alone when I talk about purchasing quasi-expensive craft machines that I don't use! 
Hello Silhouette and Cricut machines collecting dust bunnies in the corner. . . So, I was hesitant to drop anywhere from $139-$199 for another electronic machine.  My ultimate deciding factor was that if I was going to spend $119 to purchase a new Big Shot, why not spend $20 more ($139) for the Vagabond 2?  Thanks to some Amazon credit, I was also lucky enough to get the price I paid down to $89. 
Plus, hello, delivery in two days -  just in time for class!

My Initial Review:

Technically I've only used my new Vagabond 2 about a dozen times, so can I write a fair and detailed review?  Not particularly.  But, so far I'm loving it!  I can tell you this, it is a solidly built machine, that is compact enough to fit on a TV tray table.  It has a fairly short electrical cord, so you might need an extension cord to set it up, depending upon it's location.  It's easy to operate with only two buttons - direction and power.  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that it takes just the push of one finger.  Amen to no more cranking!!  I do wish you only had to push the button once to move the plates through, but you actually have to hold it down for the entire duration.  This is probably my biggest complaint about the machine so far.  I am hesitant that the motor will die more than likely one year and one day after the warranty runs out.   Will it last me 14 years?  Most likely not, but will my wrist and shoulder thank me?  They already do!

Here is Tim Holtz demonstrating how the Vagabond 2 works at the 2016 CHA show:

Now, I need a name for my new Vagabond. . . Vinnie? Vlad? Vanna?  Any thoughts?

XO, Crystal