I very carefully consider my purchases. I buy fabric on sale as much as possible. Gadgets have to be out in the marketplace for a while before I consider them. Can it be useful for me? If it costs $300 and I won't use it much I dodn't buy. If I've worn out a seam ripper I may try a new design but it gets used until it wears out. etc.
I would love a longarm but it wouldn't be cost effective for me unless I quilted for others which I have no desire to do. Plus it would have to be set up in my living room and I don't want to do that.