I have a frame and have been using a Bernina 440 on it - and it does have a very limited space of approx. 5" quilting space. However, it's a lot easier than trying to maneuver a full size quilt on my sewing table. I did get a machine with a 10" harp for Christmas but due to illness have not had a chance to try it out on my frame.
Shop around and see if you can pick up a "gently used" frame from someone and go for it. You may hate it or you may love it - I loved it the very first time I tried it and knew this was for me. Eventually you may graduate to a machine with a wider harp space or you may be satisfied with what you have. There is a posting on this board today about a couple who got a set up very economically. It's titled "Introducing my new baby to the board." Check it out.