When I was shopping for one, I decided to get the one most favored (as you point out, the delta might be $150—fortunately that was not an obstacle for me). My worry was that if I got the less-favored model (or worst, a non-functioning one) my impression of the whole line might not be a fair one.

And FWIW, I like the machine. But I have barely used mine. But that has more to do with my procrastination at sitting down and writing in general.