There's no magical answer as it really depends on your budget and preference .. if you don't have a budget (will you adopt me) then the choice is clear .. Wishblade ($400'ish) it does it all ..

Then on down the line are the other slots of budgets

Cricut, on down to the Sizzix ..

So what's your budget?! What's your level of use you want to do .. I personally don't like getting out a die, using manual labor and making a die lol .. sad, but true .. I prefer more computer generated stuff like the Wishblade, so that's clearly my choice of machine ..

I do have a Zipe`Mate and seriously don't like it .. BUT I've talked with friends that seriously DO like it ..

Like I said, there's no 1 set answer ..