The "Hello Kitty" machine is made by Janome. It comes in two sizes -- 1/2 and 3/4. It is the 3/4 machine that is supposed to be the good one. Here is a link to it on Overstock:
http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewi...0/product.html
The same machine is probably available for a little less money in plain white from Sears. Janome is making the Sears Kenmore line of machines now (or so I've heard).
I would definitely not get an inexpensive Singer as a first machine!
You can also look for older machines that have the kind of foot pedal where you can wedge a sponge inside to limit speed.