Hi Hockeyrabbit,
I have a Handi Quilter Sweet Sixteen which is a sit down version of the stand up HQ Sixteen. I use if for my professional (art quilts/mixed media) and personal use. I LOVE IT!! I researched for over two months before purchasing it. I wanted larger throat space, better light and more visibility to the needle. It has made quilting and thread play comfortable and fun. The biggest difference is the quilt has to be basted in some fashion or pinned rather than mounted on rails and of course sitting or standing. Test drive as many different machines as you can, that's the best way to see what suits you.
A FiBurGerl