Dan, no doubt you will get some useful opinions by asking these questions but the way to find out for certain is to to go and try out each one you are considering. This way you choose which is right for you.
For example, I love the ninja for its power, functionality etc. it's downsides are its weight, manouverability and the way it looks but I'm fit, use long hoses and don't let custy see it before I make them feel that they have a professional in their home. Point I'm trying to make is that different machines have pluses and minuses and because it is a big outlay I would suggest you get in your motor and test drive each machine. You will know when you have the right one for you.
Just my 2ps worth anyway.
Good luck
Pete