I weld with a Miller Elite, but then again - I'm mostly a TIG welder, indoors. I do use it about 60+ hours a week for about the last two years though, and love it. I also have a huge need for the 4 sensors on it, as I weld in some tight spaces, odd small angles as well. Some guys that were back in welding classes with me had the next model down, which I believe is the one you speak of, and if you are planning on using this one part time - it is great bang for your buck.
I have used my Elite for many many hours of SMAW, MIG, and other types of welding as well, and it worked wonderfully for those as well. I like my big window, adjustability, and it's been very very reliable. Some of the other welders at work have also bought these after borrowing mine. I understand others are better for more "rugged" applications, such as pipelining, etc... but this one's great for what I do, and a great all around helmet.
This is a very personal thing to each weldor, we all have our opinions on this - go with what you think will work best for you, and scrape the extra bucks for that little bit better one if you can, you won't regret it.
Regards,
Jenn