Thanks. I have a second generation machine. It's a Brother 2001 ULT, that was top of the line then. Much much less money now. It is still completely supported by Brother because sewing machine companies consider their high end machines to be a long term investments and are supported for at least 10 years depending on the company.
That being said if it's decorative stitches you want (I love them for quick quilting!) look at the stitches the machine offers, some will just jump out at you. If at all possible try sewing them at the dealer to see how easy/difficult it is to make the stitches look in the picture. I really really wanted hearts and luckily for me this machine does that, as well as the Babylocks and the Pfaffs. My machine does hundreds (or it could be over 1000 - I'd have to check the manual - it shows up like pages and pages) of different stitches, enough to keep me happy. I'd read somewhere when I bought my
first little machine "you'll never use all your decorative stitches" well that was wrong. LOL! I'd tried them all and used them regularly.
As for an embroidery machine... I really wanted a touch screen but just asssumed I couldn't afford it - but because mine was second hand suddenly it was something I
could have. I'd heard RAVES about the color screen so that had me drooling too. My machine is extremely user friendly (as Marcia and I were talking about the other night - she has a couple of drooler machines :wink: ) I wouldn't hesitate one minute to buy a second hand embroidery machine. Just look up the reviews on it at
http://www.patternreview.com so you don't end up with a dud.