FWIW, I was in the market for a better hand/lap hoop, too. I did a lot of research on it, believe me. What amazed me were the myriad different types of hoops and different methods of hand quilting that goes on out there!
In other words, you have to find what works for you. But as a newbie, this is what I've discovered for myself:
I like my work up close to my face so a raised one was essential. In that catagory, there are swivel ones and stationary ones on a platform (with rods that hold the hoop to the platform). In considering both, I wondered a bout the swivel, that the quilt would get twisted up alongside me trying to turn it, etc. For the platform, I wondered about the stiffness and lack of being able to angle it without proping my feet up or whatever to get it angled the way I wanted it to be, plus the height--would it be too close to my face or too far away? Hmmm....
I even measured from my lap to where I usually quilt at, etc.
I ended up with a used swivel "sit-upon" off of eBay for a great price...because price was also a consideration. They're just too flamin' expensive IMHO for a new one from Grace or whereever. EBay continually has some great deals on used ones if you're patient and just wait for a "like" to pop up. I got mine for $20 plus shipping, and its a *really* nice one from Quilters Woodwork out of Canada. (You can do a search and find them on the web.)
Its an older model but who cares? It works great...plus... I lucked out and got a 16" vs a 14" model. Its perfect IMHO. My arms are a bit long, and frankly the 14" isn't much space IMHO. The extra couple of inches is nice.
I've been using it and I have to say it is sooo much nicer than using just a plain hoop. I can use just a plain hoop, too, but I like the fact that I don't have to hold and quilt at the same time.
I also found that the swivel issue isn't much of an issue. You don't turn it *that* much that it gets too bound up around you, and you have to re-adjust the quilt eventually anyway while you're quilting so its really a non-issue.
Mine pivets on a ball, and it can be adjusted to any tightness you want. I have mine set to just tight enough to swivel but stay put while I quilt. Perfect.
The only issue I'd change on it is the platform under me. (Sit-upon). Its okay since it really sticks out in front of me somewhat, but the older model has a thicker platform and it rides against your buns, LOL. So it could be uncomfortable if you actually sit on the edge of it. On the newer ones, they've planed that end down so that its more like a wedge under you, so you probably don't even notice it. Not a big deal, and later I can blow a bit of money and replace the platform if I want to, or what for one to pop up on eBay.
Hope this helps! Kim