Sorry for the wall of text! I might be overthinking this. Or underthinking it, not sure. I’ve read the FAQ, but I still have some questions.I’m looking for a 3D printer; I have used one before, but it belonged to my university, and I don’t really know what distinguishes printers from each other.I’m trying to stay under $1000; around or under $600 would be great.I’m really into ultralight backpacking, and one big use of the printer would be making lightweight camp gadgets; I’d like to be able to print things that are small, light, and have decent structural integrity. I think that means I need to use ABS plastic with high fill, but I don’t know whether filament size or resolution are relevant. I would love some input on that.Other than that, I’d probably just make trinkets and math-art. I’d like to print my own designs, so I’d like to use software that includes almost “free-hand” design, but can also use parameterization. I wanna say I used sketch-up last time, and I think it had both of these options.One thing I’m unclear on is how compatible printers tend to be with different filaments and software. I see not all printers will work with all design software: is this something I should consider when selecting a printer, or should software choice be secondary? Am I correct in my understanding that printing ABS is harder than printing PLA, and requires a heated bed, and that some do only PLA but others do both?I’m not sure I understand the qualities I should be looking for in an extruder.I guess some other potentially significant details are:I would be using this printer in a small apartmentI’m on WindowsI’m in North AmericaI would be willing to assemble the printer, but I’d prefer not to have to.A few printers I have been considering are:Duplicator 4XMaker’s Tool Works FusematicMaker’s Tool Works MiniMaxMonoprice Maker Select 3D PrinterUP MiniA little above my preferred budget, LulzBot MiniAny and all advice is appreciated. Thank you! http://ift.tt/2dJEi0c