In answer to your question (just a personal opinion):
I personally prefer the large one, but you need the space for it.
The small one is good if you’re only going to do moderate scrapbooking.
Factor in cost. If you’re considering either one, and cost is not an issue, then go for the larger one. Reason, the larger one can be purchased as a bundle (not all retailers offer this, only a few such as A C Moore [or www.acmoore.com]) which includes up to four cartridges and tools. Walmart may offer the lowest price for their machines, however, it doesn’t necessarily offer a bundle of 3 or 4 cartridges like other retail competitors. I paid $329.00 for the bundle. So shop around. Here are some websites that I shop at, for Cricut products:
www.ohmycrafts.com
www.cutterscreek.com
www.acmoore.com (this one offers the large mach. w/4 cart.& tools)
I own both Cricut machines (the small personal one and the large Expression…I bought the small one before the large one came out….now they have a medium size one called “Cricut Create”). I teach arts & crafts, and have demonstrated many craft projects, including scrapbooking and card making. I like the small one for it’s size & portability.
If you have kids, this is great for student projects too.
I prefer the larger one because I can cut larger letters/shapes, and cut many shapes/letter on one sheet of 12″ x 12″ paper. The large one is good to use with the Cricut Design Studio (this is a great tool if you intend to get many cartridges). You’re able to get a trial version on line (Cricut Design Studio).
Before I made any decisions and/or choices, I joined the Yahoo Group under “cricutcutter” and “crazy4cricut” (I prefer the Cricutcutter group). You can ask any question, and you’ll received many responses in return. Many own these machines and you can get a wealth of info. from them.
The cartridges were costly, however, I was able to purchase many on sale through Joanns or Michaels (for 39.99 or 44.99; or via the website (info that I got from the yahoo group…example www.ohmycrafts.com currently has 4 for 99.00 or 4 for 125.00).
Re: the need and purchase of Cricut accessories, ONLY JOANN’S with their store coupons (40% or 50% and their competitors coupons will be accepted as well) can be used for Cricut accessories (cutting mats; tools…..NOT for the machines or cartridges. Other stores don’t honor this. However, as mentioned, only unless they have an advertised special, you’re able to buy the cartridges & machines at a decent price [like 39.99 to 44.99]).
Although I own numerous cartridges, I found that only up to five will be sufficient for a good variety of letter styles and designs Two fonts (one Italic and one block print) & 3 design cartridges.
If you join the yahoo group (cricutcutter) you can get much more info. with regards to where the deals are. It helped me alot before I made my decision to buy.
Since Cricut now came out with a medium size one, I haven’t checked it out, so I don’t have any opinions for it.
Hope this helps you out and good luck with your choices!