Leigh- I never thought I would have a longarm either. Actually, what I have is a mid-arm Juki and a GMQ frame- but I'm working up to it...
The computerized doodad that does the stitching for you cost about 5K- My whole rig, including the machine was 2K. So, the answer to that is NO. I have the option of buying a laser light attachment for all over patterns, but I would still move the machine, following the paper pattern with my laser light. I prefer free-motion. I am not that experienced, I'm working on my fourth quilt, and this is the first one I've drawn a specific pattern on for some parts. The entire machine moves over the quilt- It's on a carriage that has wheels that go forward and backward and another set that go back and forth, so it's very easy to move around.
When you go to a local quilt show or store, see if they have one set up you can try- I warn you though- the dreaming starts then.