Instead of purchasing one, check around and see if any LQS have them to rent or use, then go try it out. There is a LA shop not too far from me that lets you use theirs--costs only $10/hour and they have lots and lots of shapes to use. I haven't yet used it, but I want to plan several quilts and go there to cut out the pieces. The clerk said that it goes really fast and I would want to get the most for the money. That would be a good way to check and see if you like using it enough to buy one for yourself.