If you can hold off until the summer, I would go to the AQS show in Grand Rapids. All the long arm and mid arm vendors will be there and you can try the machines. Go with a list of the kinds of quilts you usually do, and the type of quilting you want to do on them, such as FMQ and/or pantogaphs. Also ask a bunch of questions about the frame: how do you load the quilt? How is the quilt advanced? How much of the arm is realistically open for quilting as the quilt is rolled. Find out where you will be able to get support locally when you return home. Will they set up? Do they offer lessons? And finally, even if you are sure you want a machine on a frame, I would also try the sit down models.