Personally, I would stay away from the Singer machines. I have had two of post 1965 machines and neither one was worth the time it took to drop them off a cliff. I love the older ones though. Have had Featherweights, 301's, 15-91's and a few others over the years. Wouldn't have a plastic one or one with computer circuits in them. That is just my experience and opinion. If you truly want another machine how about a vintage Singer? Can't help you with the I pad decision as I have no experience with them and they really don't interest me as long as I have a laptop. Ann in TN