I have three Brothers and an old Singer. The latest Brother I have is the QC1000, and I love it! I think the best thing you can do, rather than reading about machines, is to go to a shop and try different ones out to see which one you like the most. If you go to www.quiltuniversity.com/library.htm there is a page on buying a sewing machine, which gives great tips on what to look for.
Oh yes, forgot to say - hallo from Western Australia!!