No doubt about it, Karin,
Hughes does appear to be the final word in easels.
For those of us with more modest budgets I can recommend easels by
Best at:
http://www.richesonart.com/
I use the
Santa Fe II, and while you must exert yourself a little, it is very versatile! (Maybe this will someday become my "B" easel, and I'll be able to afford a Hughes. Just think of the cost in our pathetic Canadian dollars!)