I played with the machings for three years before I took the plung to get my Handy Quilter Avante last year. I never had any problems trying out any of the machines or have a sales person assist my with my questions. Six years ago my husband bought me a New Joy quilting frame with a Brother machine off the floor at a discount. All venders sell their machines as demo's at a discount only thing you have to wait until Sunday night to pick-up. I outgrew my smaller system and love the HQ. So easy, my 19 year old neice uses it and she does not sew, but loves to quilt. It will be your best opp to try them all out and see what fits you best. The hardest part for me was waiting for it to be delivered. I couldn't even wait for the quilt shop to send someone to set it up for me. It took me all day but I got it together and had a quilt loaded by the time my hubby came home from work. Boy was he shocked.