Hi Mike,
I have the HQ16 and I love the ease of using it. It is not complicated at all and is a good machine to learn machine quilting with a longarm. It does have the ability to upgrade to the electronic system if you want to. I do think it is important whatever machine you get that there is someone near you that can give you lessons on how to use it and beyond. I attended a weekend class on advanced quilting and was amazed with the things I could incorporate into my quilts. It was also great to fid quilters near me for help if I needed it. Good luck!!!