I have a 301 and really like it.....a lot. It's the one that stays up and threaded all the time. I had a Janome Jem Platinum and traded it in for a Janome 3160 QDC. I found the machine just wasn't robust enough for the types of sewing I do. I hate when I'm sewing over seams and the machine makes that horrid "mashing gears" noise. My 301 has never done that.
It all depends on the type of sewing you want to do. If zigzag and extra stitches are necessary to you, then it will have to be the Janome. It's a good machine, don't get me wrong. It just didn't suit my types of sewing. Strictly for quilt class and sewing light to medium fabrics, it's a steal at $100.00.
I still prefer my 301 over the Jem, but really quite like my 3160 QDC and it came with more options than the Jem.....
We sure are lucky to have all these choices!