If all you need is for quilting, then why not a single stitch machine like the Brother or the Juki?
I think that a vertical bobbin machine, does far better with some types of sewing. My 2170 has a vertical bobbin, but still not all the adjustments I'd like manually. Especially the tension and foot pressure. The cost from Allbrands isn't that bad. Go read posts from Peggi (peckish) she has the machine and can help most anyone.
What impressed me most about the PQ1500 - Getting a zipper in a slippery satin dress straight. 2170 wouldn't do it, the Brother did.
Nothing wrong with an offline computer with XP - I have one in the craft room specifically for embroidery, quilting, and paper cutting.