I got a used APQS Lucey...which is a basic 26 inch long arm with no computer. I figure I have to do about 60-65 quilts on it to pay for it, I have done 55 I think. But you also have to have the room for it and a stock of thread colors which I mostly have to order as local quilt shops often do not care the cones. I do recommend if people are considering getting a longarm to take a class first at a local shop if they offer one. Some shops do rent out their machines, but honestly, I think it is real comparable to just have them quilt it rather than paying by the hour to rent. But I think renting out time on one would let you know if you actually wanted your own long arm. Oh, and they really do take up a lot of room, the only place I had for mine was in a unfinished basement.