It probably depends on whether you have uses for the tool outside of the hobby. My experience is limited to the Mini-Mite, which I've found to be extremely effective with all forms of material. I haven't missed the larger corded variation at all, as far as I can tell. Given the clutter on my bench, it's just as well. Nor have I missed variable speed control--the 5000 rpm setting works just fine with a little practice and a steady hand. My use might not be representative, as I work on a lot of vacuforms, conversions and limited run kits, all of which tend to require a lot of fairly gross prep work at the start. I do use the Mini-Mite for a fair amount of intermediate and finish work as well.
Mark Schynert