I feel like it depends on what machines you have at your disposal (I know you've got a few )

My Apple IIe card is installed in my LCIII. Originally it was in my LC, but I found a PDS '040 upgrade card for it, so no more free slot.

Personally I feel that an LC or LCII is THE perfect choice, they are way too slow to do much else with. I can't live without ethernet in the faster pizza boxes.