I would choose the go, I have both the go and the studio the are wonderful.

I have neither the EQ nor the Go!, so don't know, but wanted to add my {{{Happy Birthday Hugs!}}} along with everyone else's.

I have both and I use both together. I have EQ do blocks in the size of my dies or to match the die shapes I have. Be sure the Go comes with a starter die and mat which will allow you to enjoy many designs until you can save for more dies. EQ7 is a great program so either one you pick you will be happy.

I think it depends on what stops you most from actually quilting. If cutting fabric is your main hurdle then I would go for the cutter. If trying to decide what colors look best in a top, or what arrangement of blocks look best, then I'd go for EQ. If both of these are bugbears for you, I'd flip a coin. I have both EQ and the full size Accuquilt and use both with some regularity. There is the issue of the extra cost for the dies and cutting mats as well. $200 doesn't buy you a whole lot with the accuquilt system.

Love my Go! I bought it gently used through a Yahoo group, Sewitsforsale. Another group I belong to, pinsandneedles1, has both the cutter and dies at a significant savings all of the time.

In addition to the Go!, you might consider the Go Baby! It's well within your budget ($90 through pinsandneedles1), leaving enough for several of the dies. Many of the dies fit the Baby, but not all. You need to look at which ones you would most likely use and see if the smaller machine might work for you, or if you are willing to join (free) and watch a selling list for a used one.

I would get the sizzix Big shot and a couple of basic dies and see how you like that!

OR the EQ because I do love it and I get a lot of quilts made by using EQ to figure out what I can make out of my stash!

for me it would be the go because for me it would get more use, however the dies are expensive so if you don't have the funds for dies it can become not very useful really fast. EQ7 for me wouldn't get use as I do not design my own quilts, I like patterns that I buy so you have to think what you would use most in the long run

I also agree with the sizzix big shot, much cheaper got mine for 60 bucks from joanns, I really like it, but can't compare it to the go since I don't have one

I bought the Go and love it… It came with about 7 basic dies. I love the time and energy it saves!!!