Lots of questions to be answered:
-what is your budget?
-how much space do you have? Do you want a sit down machine like the HandiQuilter Sweet Sixteen or one of the larger framed machines?
-if you want a sewing machine and be able to take it to class or is it OK to just leave it put at home? Bigger usually means heavier and not as easy to transport.
-LA - well do you want a frame that holds a larger throat sewing machine, a midarm like HandiQuilter, or a LA like the Gammill?
-if you want a midarm or LA do you want computer capability?
-do you have access to various quilting venues so that you can actually 'test drive' the different machines and compare them for what you are looking for?
-is there a quilting or LA group near you where others are seeking similar answers ... so that you can hear what they like and dislike?
To me, other than the above questions I'd add: which machine do you think you would bond with the most.
Know that there are many great used machines available as people upgrade.
If you get a new machine look for financing interest free.
Make it a fun journey and not a bother and then you'll enjoy whatever you get even more.
ali