Sheryl, I'll try my best to answer. Laser works for many. I don't know much about it. I think, however, that it's not fully permanent, whereas electrolysis is. Also, for many skin tones, laser is not the ideal choice. Mine (Middle Eastern - light olive - or whatever one calls it), laser may lead to scarring or something. Again, I don't know much about it.
I don't know much about machine types. I'm truly out of touch with all that after all these years. Can't really answer more of your questions. An electrologist in your area may be worth looking into. You could set up a consultation and she'll help. Based on your budget, a 15-30 minute treatment session, every few weeks may be helpful. I don't know without looking at it. What usually happens is that you have more treatments at first - once a week or whatever. Then over time, treatments taper off, until you never need them again. Again, the key thing to remember is to never tweeze, wax, or thread between treatments. You can bleach or use depilatory creams. They don't affect the root. The tweezing, etc. does affect the root.
If anyone lives in the Portland, OR area, I know a fabulous electrologist. Other than that. it's best to research.