Get the model that has two motors. They are much easier to clean than cheapies. You can use any bag, but for a good seal get the kind that have indentions all over them. That's how the air gets out. The motors on the foodsaver are much stronger. I'm not one that thinks you have to have the most expensive thing on the market, but when it comes to this item, they just can't be beat. They are truely better quality. I had bad luck w/ seals on other brands until I got mine.
BTW...I don't work for foodsaver...