My two cents worth is....go to as many quilt shows that have vendors as you can and drive every machine that looks of interest to you, ask as many questions as you can think of and just keep looking. I was very impressed with the tin lizzie when I first saw/drove it at Quilt Expo in Washington state and I have driven most of them. I have a short arm on a 12' frame and I keep going back to the INNOVA at shows - it seems to have a lot of bells and whistles for the $$$'s. Also join the groups on Yahoo that pertain to the machines you are considering...they will give you lots of information and help with your decision. Good luck and happy quilting.