My first one was the Brother SE350,which I got on clearence for only 189.00. I love it, really easy to use, and I am a computer dummy!
Drawbacks are the small hoop, only does 4X4 area, an has to have a special cord to hook up to the internet.
BUT, it is SO user freindly, makes really nice designs, NOT picky about thread....a really light weight machine too. It does BOTH sewing and embodery.
BF just bought me a bigger one, a Bother Innovis 1200, and I am still learning on it. We bought it used, does a bigger design, and was ALOT like the OTHER Brother, so easy to learn, and this one WILL hook up to internet, but I dont know how yet!
Maybe you can find a used one? Mine was a great deal, and the dealer threw in ALOT of free stuff, even expensive embrodery thread for me!