I'm new to this Short Arm stuff too. I bought a Janome 1600P from a co-worker and found an Original GMQ frame on Craig's list for $200, so for $700, I've got the whole "kit & Kaboodle"
I've done 4 or 5 quilts so far, some with great outcomes, others, not so much! All I'm doing is meanering and curlyques...I don't think I would do well following a pattern. I might try it sometime, but for now, the meandering works for me.
The Janome has about a 9" throat, my other machine, the Pfaff, has a 10". It would give me a little more room when quilting, but I like the Janome, it works great. I do have a speed control too, so it's all right there on the frame handles.
Have fun!
Carrie