I started off with a Janome 350e - and it was a great machine (more than double your limit though) and then I sold that and got a 4 needle machine which I hated. It was loud and I couldn't figure out how to center things and the dealer was worthless when it came to helping me. I sold that and bought a Brother 4500d which I absolutely love. I don't use it nearly as much as I should I'm sure but when I do use it, I love it...
Having said all of that...
Brother does make some entry level machines - keep in mind they only have a 4x4 sewing field which is good if the only thing you want to do is monogramming or something like that. You will very quickly wish you had a bigger sewing field.
You might be able to find a used machine - try to get one from a dealer so they throw in a warranty at least for a little while.