Originally Posted by cutebuns
Like I tell anyone looking to buy a machine, no matter if is embroidery or for quilting or whatever. Go and test drive a bunch, as many as you can, make sure that they are user friendly to you, Brother generally has the thread cutter, another might have the designs you are more likely to use, Another might have the bobbin in a place that is easy for you. They are all different and all have their own perks. And if you find one that is out of your price range, maybe you can find a good used one. I am addicted to machine embroidery and use my machines a lot.
I second cute buns. Try out everything you can get your hands on, then look for a machine from perhaps someone who wants to upgrade. I am very fortunate, as I have a bells and whistles Bernina, and can see how frustrated my friend is, who has the Bernina one down from mine, but didn't buy the embroidery module to go with hers.