need help with making the first 3D printer purchase! QIDI or FlashForge or ???

Hi there. Just joined the forum today after a while of browsing.

looking for my first 3D printer. looking to get something that will last a while and preferably under the $1000 mark. I was eyeing the XYZprinting da Vinci 1.0 Pro, reviews don't look that great, I do like the laser engraver option though.

in any case I'm looking at the following - feel free to suggest alternatives!
QIDI TECH I
FlashForge Creator Pro

pretty obvious I would like a MakerBot eh? I just can't spend the money on the maker bot right now.

any idea why these two seemingly similar printers are $220 apart?

The FlashForge states OSx compatibility which I would prefer, though I can setup to run windows if it helps.

thanks!

also for SW if the included isn't a good choice please recommend an alternative like simplify3D which seems to support both the printers I was looking at

thanks!

the Robo 3D seems to show up a lot too - the flexibility in materials is appealing...

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...FVU/ezvid02-20

THIS will be my next purchase. Perhaps one for your shortlist?

thinking I'm going with the the QIDI tech I, will see soon!