I have a Janome Gem Platinum and I love it. I use it for all my retreats and classes so I don't have to lug my expensive Elna out of the house. The Gem is very sturdy and sews like a dream. Because mine's a Platinum, it has a little more "electronic" functions like automatic needle up/down and a few decorative stitches. It's been from Texas to Indianapolis and back, and never gave me a moment of trouble.
Because I liked my Gem so much, I got both my daughters their own. I got them the Gem Gold as they don't sew much and don't need anything fancy. But I'm hoping that someday I can get them interested in quilting and the Janome Gem is a good machine to start with.