Absolutely use patternreview.com to read reviews on the machines. I have only heard good things about the Brother Laura Ashley NX-2000. There's a new Brother Laura Ashley NX-800 also. Brother has got a great rep for embroidery. They make a lot of cheaper models, including some for big box stores and Internet sales, that might be hurting their rep, but I wouldn't worry about these ones. Actually, I have a $200 Brother HS 2000 for my kids and it's great too. I think Brother makes Babylock. The BL Symphony seems quite similar to the LA NX-2000. One nice thing about that model is all the included accessories.