I have a Bernina Activa 240, which was the older equivalent of the 380. In the Activa series, there were more differences between the 230PE and the 240 than there are between the 350PE and 380, which made it easier for me to select the 240, which had much better lighting and other features that I wanted.
There are actually fewer differences now between the 350PE and 380 than there were between the Activa 230PE and 240. For example it looks like the same LED lighting is on the 330, 350PE and 380 machines. Also, the 240 came with 3 alphabets, while the 380 comes with 2 (the same as the 350PE).
If you go to the Bernina website and download the 380 (or 350) brochure, the last page has a list of what is included for each machine, and you can easily see the differences:
http://www.berninausa.com/webautor-d...inglepages.pdf
You can also download a sewing stitch table brochure for each machine. See if there's something that you would find very useful:
350
http://www.berninausa.com/webautor-d...350_Stiche.pdf
380
http://www.berninausa.com/webautor-d...380_Stiche.pdf
Functionality
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The 380 has a stitch mirror image function, while the 350PE does not. This is one of the major reasons as to why I purchased my Activa 240, rather than the 230PE, as I originally intended to use my 240 mostly for applique and wanted to be able to flip applique stitches.
There are a couple extra automatic button holes on the 380, but if you don't do much garment sewing, that would probably not make much of a difference to you.
There are 27 more decorative stitches on the 380, than on the 350PE. I like embellish applique with decorative stitches, so this was another reason why I chose the 240.
Accessories
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The 350PE (Patchwork Edition) comes with the #57 presser foot, which the 380 does not.
The 380 comes with the #8 (jeans) and #20 (embroidery -- extremely useful for applique) presser feet.
The 380 comes with the FHS (Free Hand System (knee lift), which the 350PE does not. This was one of the deciding factors for me to get the Activa 240, because this is so useful when doing applique work.
The 380 comes with an Accessories box, rather than bag. If it is like the one that came with my Activa 240, then this is a VERY nice accessory. However, this did not enter into my decision to purchase the 240 over the 230PE. Still, it is REALLY nice.
For being smaller machines, these are packed with quality and features. I can easily carry my 240 to classes. My 240 came with the solid presser feet, which I personally greatly prefer over snap-on feet. I ended up using my 240 for sewing most of my patchwork.
See the 380 in action … Video Course
http://www.berninausa.com/product_de...-i315-sUS.html
Added later ...
I forgot to mention, that these machines do come on sale, so you could probably save some money if you waited for a sale. Or, if you want the 380 but also want to do patchwork on it, ask them to sweeten the deal with a #57 1/4" presser foot (or a #37 if you don't like having a flange on the side).