Good questions but I don't have the answers. Here's a site we regularly use to help decide on purchasing $$$ items.
Wirecutter: New Product Reviews, Deals, and Buying Advice There's usually a lot to read at this site but worthwhile. I have frequently thought about purchasing a specific item, then read their reviews & realize there are aspects of the purchase I hadn't considered but wirecutter had considered. Hope your research is done in time for an Xmas gift.
