Big Shot Pro
I have the big shot pro and love it. I use mostly sizzix dies but own several accuquilt and studio dies also. I started with a vagabond so I did not buy the extended tray because I can use my XL dies with that machine. I agree with onebyone I won't be without one. I use it for applique mostly but in my opinion the advantage of the sizzix over the accuquilt is it can cut metal, leather, grunge board, etc.
I bought the stand at Wal-Mart to leave it out all the time because it is heavy and I had the space and can store supplies in the cabinet. I purchase most of my dies on sale, December has the best deals but checking around on line deals can be found. Staples carries Sizzix dies and has decent prices. My best advice would be buy the book by Ebony Love for die cutting machines, fantastic information on a variety of machines and how to information. She explains how to run fabric grain through the machine and other helpful data to have successful cuts.