Ann-
Well, it sounds like you need to do your homework, and go to different quilt shows, and try several different ones and see which ones you like, what features you like, and the price range as well, when i bought mine, i didnt want to ''buy the farm'', i just wanted a good down payment :-D
so, I bought an HQ16, and have my own custom made table. So, dont rush yourself into it, but research the features, for me, that was a big thing, and of course, a stitch regulator is a must for consistent length stitches!!
good luck,
katz