I tried out the Handiquilter. It was the only sit-down within 100 miles of us. But didn't like the orientation since I had been FMQing on a DSM. I purchased the Artistic 18 because I have a Janome dealer that I have purchased several machines from. However, mine was the first sitdown he had/has sold because they have no space in their store to demonstrate one. The price was such that I could justify the price at my age (79). Have used it for 18 months. Had a few problems at first with tension and breaking of thread. However, my dealer suggested a different bobbin and that was the answer. I have found that the breakage was just my getting use to moving the quilt sandwich. It does not like rayon thread on top but is okay with rayon thread in the bobbin. I can use Coat and Clarks 40 wt thread in both top and bottom with no problems. I love having the extra throat space and the table that it comes with. Have started doing ruler work with it and love the results. I have no need for a speed regulator. Have one on a DSM but don't use it.
My advice would be try several different machines and purchase the one that you like and can afford. We each come from a different place and thus make different decisions but make the right one for us.