I've had both. I prefer the Bernina 830. Even though the learning curve there is high, it does fine. Plus you can monogram & do other embroidery with it as well. Can't do that on a long arm. I finally sold my long arm, it became a white elephant of sorts. the 830 won't take up as much room as a longarm machine. If you can take the mastery class with comes with the 830, do it, its well worth the time. I quilt on mine all the time, the embroidery unit can be programed to quilt as well & comes with many designs. Good luck, but for the $$ I'd get the 830.
Cathy S/Willowwind