Hi mandianna ... I'm another NYer and wanted to welcome you. I also want to encourage you to follow the links Gayla (snowcountry311) provided. She and Linda (lindylou1220) are part of an awesome group of stampers that organize and/or attend shoebox swaps throughout NYS (mostly upstate; Heidi is organizing one in Poughkeepsie on 3/31) and even in neighboring states. Here's a link to the Poughkeepsie gathering:
NY * Hudson Valley NY Shoebox Swap - 3/31/12 by hlw966 at Splitcoaststampers *** Your registration must be paid no later than noon on Friday, March 9. ***
I went to my first one in 2007 and it was worth every single second of the 4 hours it took me to drive there. You live much closer than I do so please at least come chat with us! I don't get to very many (usually one a year at best) but really wish I could attend all of them!
As for the two machines under consideration, when it comes to crafting you will want to be able to diecut as well as emboss.
Happy Crafting!
Tina aka TeeGeeDee