(x-posted to relevant newsgroups)

Hi guys, wondering if anyone has any recommendations regarding 
die-cutting systems (eg sizzix, ellison, etc). I may be getting one for 
Christmas but I'm not sure which one would be best. Would appreciate 
hearing about peoples' experiences with the different systems.

Are they all fairly equal or are some easier/quicker/whatever to use? 
Can the dies only be used with their own machine or are they 
interchangeable? Do some machines cope better than others with thicker 
paper/card? Anything else you've come across while using them?

Unfortunately the budget doesn't stretch to a Craft Robo, so that's out. 
And I am in the UK. Thanks in advance for any help...