I also started out with the Viking Mega quilter on a 10-foot frame. It was a pain, but I learned I like to quilt on frame. I did several quilts on it. I only had about 4 inchs space to quilt in at the end and I could not do queen sized quilts on it. Then when I retired, I got a demo APQS Lucy on a 12 foot frame with Bliss. I am loving it, this was about 12 years ago. She has a 26 inch neck and I find I really don't even use the whole space I have as my arms are short. The 12 foot frame has done everything I have made. I do not have robotics on it and that is just fine. APQS will have demo machines on sale a few times a year. Technical support is available by phone and you tubes. I haven't had to send my machine in at all and the repairs I have done basically have been routine maintenance type things. I figure my machine has now paid for itself based on not having to take my quilts to a long Armer. Advantages are being able to quilt when you have the time. I usually load and get one quilted in a few days. I don't quilt for others. If you don't make many quilts, you may have a long Armer who rents out their machine. I would also encourage you to take advantage of that service if it is offered as you most likely will have to take a class to do the rental and it will give a chance to find out if you really like long arming. I do have a dedicated space down in the basement which is a bit gloomy, but it is nice to have that space just for the longarm. Have fun, try out different machines if you can. Service is important too but on the long arms, a lot can be done by the owners. This varies a bit by brand so check that out. If you have to send the machine in for service, it is a production.