If you do a search for those machines on line, you will find a whole lot of information.

I checked these out and think that the XL1000 would be the way to go--more money initially, a dollar saver in the end.

The one constant is to try the machines out at your local dealer to see which one you like best.

Joann's had one for embroidery and sewing that hooks up to your computer, thus saving more money not having to buy a reader/writer box.

Also, Embird is a nice little program that converts designs to the format you need.