My back just couldn't take the stand up long arm any longer. My Handi Quilter Sweet 16 is just the ticket for me. All HandiQuilter did is take the stand up long arm machine head and put it in a table. If/when I can no longer quilt, this handi machine can be put on a stand up frame too, even add the computerized quilting program if one wanted. For me it is the perfect choice--easy to use, 16" throat, fast and efficient.
I totally agree to go to the show and try them all--stand up and sit down. That's what I did. The most valuable part was what I learned. My 'dream machine' (Baby Lock) is made by Handi Quilter. That's why I went with the Handiquilter instead.