You're really asking two different questions. Someone starting out just needs a machine that will be easy to use and reliable. I started out with my older (but not vintage) Singer. An inexpensive machine from a big box store will do fine until the new quilter decides to continue with the craft. That's when he or she may want to look at machines with more features, a wider throat, a better cabinet, etc. The original inexpensive machine won't go to waste. (We all need a backup machine.) Choosing the right machine for a serious quilter is an individual decision.