My longarm is the focal point of my living room, and a loveseat that the dog occupies to keep me company. My TV is in the bedroom. When I am using the longarm I want no other distractions around me, no TV, no music. I love the rhythmic sounds of the machine whirring away. Mine is computerized, so I can busy myself in the nearby kitchen while still listening for any issues that may come up. As far as lint, I wouldn't consider it any more of a problem than the dust in the house. I live alone so am not concerned about it annoying anyone else in the house. I think the biggest issue is the space it takes up, but if you want to quilt bad enough you make space.