if you are thinking of purchasing a long arm you should think of it like buying a car- or your house- it is an investment! you should try out (test drive) as many different ones you can find- check out the local shops- see what they offer- try them out- visit shows---try out the machines- as you try out a few different ones the questions will start coming to you-
don't buy one because (sally down the block has it and likes it) buy one because you have checked out dozens- and it is "the one you like the best" has the features you like/want- is in Your price range- service/tech support/warrenty/free owners classes/set up/start up---all of these things should (play into) your decision-
i've seen so many people buy the first one they saw---had no support/assistance- nothing but frustration for years-until they sold it (loosing sometimes thousands of dollars) never having quilted a quilt with it-
think of it as a Large Investment---that's what it is--- and check out as many as you can- take your time and find the machine / set up that works FOR YOU.
the likes and dislikes are as varied as we all are....and to put out $10,000+ on something without being sure...