You might want to join the yahoo group - homequiltingsystems. They have tons of information on the many different brands out there.
You need to figure out what is on your "must have" list and go from there.
I have a homestretched old Singer that my DH made for me. It has no bells or whistles, but does a fine job.

We just sold our Tin Lizzie 18ls and lost a bunch. We could never get repairs, parts, never had an operating manual for the Lizzie Stitch. Two years and 4 quilts later it had to go. We lost encoders, motors and each time it took 6-8 weeks to get anything done. Fell in love with the APQS Lucy 26" and it cost less than the Lizzie did and it is a real LA machine. You can move it with your little finger. The Innova is another fine machine. Easy to use and 24/7 support. We wasted lot of money on the Lizzie because we were afraid to look at the big machines.

I have the viking 18x8.

I have a Nolting Fun Quilter with Side Saddle computer system on a 12' steel frame ----- LOVE THEM.
Made in USA, Nolting rep delivered and set it all up for us. Then spent time with us to show us how to use it. He is there for us any time we have questions (which isn't very often). I was up running it on customer quilts within 2 weeks or so.
If you are able to make it to Gray, TN the end of April the Nolting rep will be at a quilt show at the Appalachian Fair grounds (quilt show going on ) with at least one machine for people to test drive.

Send me a PM if you want info on the show or machine.

Phyllis
QuiltingGrannie

if you want the computerized option there is a system called the IntelliQuilter. its not gammill or any of the major LA brands but it attaches to them all. my mom has been looking at it and its the easiest one to turn off the computer if you want to run the machine on your own. it looks like an ipad that gets attached to your machine and allows you to have it like a statler but alot cheaper! it was actually really neat to watch and looks easy to set up. Then we got to turn it off and just run that machine.

APQS Milli is what I have and I have not had any problems with it. I also added the IQ (Intelliquilter) and love it. You can remove the IQ tablet and work on designs at any location.

I tried several and I really like the Innova for how light and smooth it is.
Tried-
Gammill
APQS
Innova
A-1
HQ Advante and 16
Babylock Crown Jewel
Nolting
and some others

Remember that generally there is more vibration noticeable when the throat opening is larger.

I am hoping to eventually own a Innova 26 but have not counted out other options.

I bought my APQS Mellinium in 2007. No problems whatsoever, except operator error. The tension is always good, I did put upgrade wheels on and it made a world of difference. You get what you pay for.

I have an APQS Millennium and I love it. (I loved it so much I became a dealer! LOL!) APQS stand up machines are lightweight, move like melted butter, come standard with a phenomenal stitch regulator and is backed up by highly responsive, caring customer support. (yeah, I'm biased. :)

I really recommend you go to a show and lay your hands on each of the brands because picking out a machine is a personal thing. Pay sharp attention to how the vibration of the machine feels to your body. Also, read the warranty! Boring stuff but super important as there are MAJOR differences out there between warranties and if you are spending this much money... you want some backup.

One more thing, talk to owners of the machine, not just dealers. Find out why they bought that brand as they've been in your shoes and walked this path. Learn the good and the bad. Most machine brands have online forums. (Some will only let you in if you own the brand). Look at the resale value of the brand. Are they holding their value or are people having to slash the prices to sell their machines if they need to?

When test driving, try to make a diagonal line of stitching (that's one of the hardest things to do on any brand). How easy is it to control while making that diagonal line? Make circles with the machine and see how it feels to you. Just spend some quiet time moving the machine around and focusing on how it feels to YOU.

Oh, and don't forget to have fun with this process! Owning a good longarm machine is a wonderful adventure and my APQS Millennium makes my heart sing every time I turn her on! :)

I've been debating whether or not I should purchase an Innova machine. They are having a very good sale going on right now and I am VERY VERY TEMPTED to buy one. I even went up to the dealers shoppe to test it out. Its as much as a car, I even went so far as checked my finances to see if I could afford one...and I could but now its a matter of parting with the money and JUSTIFYING the purchase!:(