I'm one of those hoops in lap kinda people. I tried to get the hang of the ones built for your lap at the quilt store and thought it was pretty but not necessary. I was uncomfortable trying to adjust to it & I move my legs around a lot when I'm sitting. I thought, heck I can get one for next to nothing just by staying with a regular hoop and move my legs whenever I want.
My grandma sent me 2, mom sent me a couple and I picked up a few small ones at a garage sale for 1.00 total. The small ones I use for decoration in my sewing room because they've seen better days. I use a large embroidery plastic one (hot pink ooh la la) for compact work and an antique large wooden one for my regular quilting. One is an antique wooden oval hoop, but haven't tried it yet.
Good luck in finding out more info. I'd bring a small project to work on and see if you really like it first. I thought I'd love it.