This is what I posted recently about this very subject. Have fun picking out your new machine.
I absolutely love machine embroidery and encourage you to buy a machine. As for what machine??? You will hear many opinions. In all honesty, there are many quality embroidery/sewing machines available.
Do you have any sewing machine dealers in your community? I really think that is the place to go. A good dealer is invaluable. They will warranty/service your machine, offer you free user classes and just support you in all that you do.
They also have trade-ins available. If I had to do it over again I would really look at the trade-ins. I think you can get more machine for your money this way. Some sewers trade their machines in quite frequently because a new model is available and they think they need the latest and greatest. This means, there are many gently used machines available, and you can purchase them at a greatly reduced cost. The dealer will warranty the machine, and again, offer you free classes.
My advice to you is too check out the different brands and spend the time test driving them. Get a feel for the support you could expect from the dealer. Go to the websites of the different manufacturers to see their product lines. If you can, request brochures so you can compare features at your leisure at home before you go for test drives. You will be more informed that way, because it can be a bit overwhelming. Good luck in your search. Here are some websites.
http://www.husqvarnaviking.com
http://www.babylock.com/
http://www.babylock.com/
http://www.brother-usa.com/homesewing/
http://www.berninausa.com/
http://www.pfaffusa.com/