I have a sizzix but I have used both at crops. I do prefer the fonts on the Quickutz, but I found the machine quite hard to use and I don't have any special problems with my hands. Anyone with arthritis would find it impossible I think.
I think the $150 must include a font, as the machines alone aren't that expensive in the UK, and we normally pay more than you do. I think the prices are now pretty comparable between the systems.
The only drawback of the quickutz is that all the fonts are fab so I would want to own them all - with the sizzix I am quite happy with my serif and lollipop (i'm not fussed on the shadow, I could handcut that if I wanted the look), and since that's all the choices there are, then I've had to stop collecting!
I have to say, I don't own many other dies, and I don't really use the dies I do own - my dd likes the dolls, and I like the alphabets and it does get used a lot.
Bev