Just a word from a newcomer...lol. I never sewed a day in my life on a machine until about a month and a half ago. Always wanted to just never had the nerve. Well I work at Wal-Mart and decided to take the plunge. They had several to pick from and I did go with one that was a little more expensive. I paid about $140 for mine but it is all computerized. It is a Brother CE-4000. I love it. It was simple to learn and has all the essentials plus it has 40 different stitches, the easy threader, and the lcd screen. I love it! It has made it easy to learn. Wal-Mart also carries a smaller one that was like 79 but runs $54 on sale alot as a rollback price. So I think the Brother would be a good one to learn on, it has been good for me. Also as long as you keep the receipt and box and parts you have 90 days to return. If she tires of it and all you could take it back. Not promoting a sale or anything for work.... :) , just giving my advice. Hope it helped.
Toni