When I buy something 'large' we always laugh and say, "That's what I worked 31 years for!" Plus I have the advantage of being married to a man that likes his computers up-to-date! The Bernina was my new 'computer!'
I got the Bernina without the embroidery function. (I'd rather do that by hand.) So my machine was a little less. Just start saving your pennies, Kathy. Also, as more machines develope stitch regulators and as this becomes more 'everday' on the machines I'm sure the prices will drop. Don't give up!