I would make up my mind first if I were really interested or not. That is a lot of money to pay for something you may not like to use. However, I have heard of a lot of people that use that machine and they seem to like it. Yahoogroups has a group you can go to. I would buy within my price range, so get what you can afford and don't worry about everyone elses expensive machines. There are all kinds of machines out there and also a lot of used ones. There is the Jukis that can be put on a frame and Brother and several others but aren't 17". Lots to look into. Watch youtube videos and see if it something you would really like to do. I want to put my quilts together so bought a long arm, I do not want to quilt for anyone else or anything like that. Even if I make a quilt once a month it is worth it to me to have a machine to use. Have fun.