Hey Mike
From one mick to another, my advice to you is get an oldschool machine. The reality is with Stern at the helm you are going to have as much trouble with a new stern as an old Williams or Bally. And there is a great satisfaction that comes with restoring and old machine (its not as hard as it seems, just one step at a time) You might find that in the end you enjoy fixing the games even more than you do playing them. I think alot of people here would agree with me. Oh and because I mentioned Stern in a not entirely flattering light there will be a bunch of post saying that I dont know what I am talking about and Stern is the best thing since sliced bread, even tho 20 year old machines out do them in every aspect....ect (Stern Fanboys) Welcome to pinball forums. Opinions are like assholes ....everybody has one