I too am thinking of getting a die cutting machine and I want to emboss as well.
I have seen a cuttlebug in action but lots of threads seem to point to the Big Shot which I havent seen working.

There seems to be lots of bits to add to the Big Shot for embossing, what is actually required?
Are the dies / embossing folders compatible either way?
Are the prices similar for dies and embossing folders for either machine?