Description of machine (brief)
A Big Shot is a personal die cutting machine. It works on a rolling principle. The materials to be cut are rolled through the machine as you turn a crank. The Big Shot machine is capable of cutting materials from vellum to chipboard (with the appropriate dies), embossing, and texturizing.

Review of machine (more detailed)
I've owned a Big Shot for almost a year now and am extremely happy with it. I have a slightly older one - before the "multipurpose" platform. As is, out of the box, this unit works great with Sizzix and Ellison products as well as Cuttlebug products (including dies and embossing folders). The thick dies cut anything scissors will cut (chipboard, felt, fabric, cardstock) while the thin dies will cut just about any paper. Occasionally, a VERY thick piece of Club Scrap cardstock will have a bit of difficultly with the thin, more detailed dies. I think I tried to cut a pine cone from Evergreen handmade, and it was a little sketchy.

The multipurpose platform allows you to also use Quickkutz dies, but I believe with mine, you would need an extra shim since they're a little thinner. I don't own any of these. My mom has some Wizard dies, and these seem to work with more fiddling. Hopefully somebody else out there can speak to that.

So, what does a big shot do?
Embosses (with their folders, or competitors)
Die cuts (thick dies - up to chipboard; thin dies up to thick cardstock)
Texturizes (with add on silicone mat)

Texturizing involves layering the thick mat, a texturizing plate, paper, silicone mat and a black plate. The silicone mat allows for the paper to be "texturized." I do differentiate this from embossing, because in general the results are slightly less crisp than with the embossing folders in my experience. It depends a little bit on the thickness of the cardstock. You can sometimes adjust the crispness by adding more shims (like a piece of chip board) to increase the pressure on the paper. With the silicone mat, brass stencils can also be used. I have had better success with less detailed stencils. Also, if the paper is larger than the stencil, a line around the edge of the stencil will be transferred to your paper. This could be desirable!

Compared to other machines
The Sizzix works on a pressure basis, so larger dies need to be cut in several tries. When I've used this at scrapbooking stores, I've had less than great results. Pieces were not cut all the way through, and it seemed a little difficult to me to apply the pressure. The Big Shot applies more pressure, more easily, and also allows for the items to roll through the machine, so it's a one step process.

The Cuttlebug works the same way as the Big Shot. Both will use the same dies. The Cuttlebug has the added feature of having fold up sides. This allows for slightly smaller storage. When they're folded down, they create suction on the table. In the demos I've seen, the suction is short lived. There are video demos of this tool available on scraptime (podcast) and nth degree (Creative Express webisodes).

I've seen the Wizard (Spellbinders?) on TV. I have limited experience with it, but you need to roll dies through twice to cut and then emboss. It always looks complicated to me (but I'm sure there are others who love theirs!). For Big Shot cut and emboss dies, one roll is all it takes.

Sidekick (made by Sizzix) works the same way as a big shot, but only takes thin, narrow dies. Great for crops, but limited with how many dies you can use.