I'd go take the ones you are interested in for a test drive. Prices on machines vary so much. I was more interested in the service/warranty. I, too, went to drool over the Bernina 830. I ended up walking away with a 730e . If you are willing to look at used machines, they can be a good deal too.
That said, I just convinced my dad to get my mom a Brother CS 6000i for quilting. Comes w/ the necessary feet and for a beginner who may/may not stick with quilting, $130 seemed reasonable (although she WAS floored by the Berninas :wink: ) My mom is NOT into technology AT ALL and I think they scared her.