testdrive, testdrive and ask tons of questions. Get as much info as possible, learn what features are available so that you can decide what you might want and if its in your price range. I would never go below a 5x7 but then I would never allow a 5x7 to be my smallest hoop either. For a lot of people a 5x7 will do a lot and you can learn to reposition your designs and make them larger. Check out you tubes, there's one for about every machine out there. I love both of mine and can't imagine being without one.