I agree that you have received tons of good advice! My two cents to add is this: look at the dealer as well! I was equally considering a Husquavrna Viking and a Bernina. I let my guard down and let a super salesman and a willing to buy husband persuade me to buy the Husquavrna. (You know, hubby might change his mind later... so buy now!) It is a super machine and I absolutely love it, BUT the dealer only has a very minimum of classes - take it or leave it. No "extra" classes of any kind, and the sales staff are snooty! The manager that I bought from left the store for health reasons and now they treat me like a red-headed stepchild. On the other hand, the Bernina dealership have lots and lots of classes, a great monthly newsletter, and are super friendly and helpful - even when they know that you don't have a Bernina! (I do have a Bernina Deco embroidery machine...) If I ever get to upgrade again, I'll definitely go to Bernina!
Just something else to think about!
Sara Street