The new Bernina 3 series is nice if you're looking to spend under $1000. I believe they start around $750 and go to $1200. They look really nice, and you'll get that wonderful Bernina stitch!
Here's the link to them on the Bernina website:
http://www.berninausa.com/3series/EN-US/default.html
And here's a video about the machine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oQbGKRcZGU
It would be a great piecing machine, and you get the hands-free system there as well.
Plus they have a bunch of great videos to show you how to do things. :P