I have 5 Berninas, two old and three modern. I've become spoiled on Bernina quality, power, and precision. Yes, make your list of needed and wanted features, set your budget, assemble samples of your customary fabrics and tasks, and test drive the models that fit your budget and needs. Don't rule out used, especially from a dealer with a dealer warranty. My first Bernina was a used 930 I bought from a QB member (a really lovely gal ), then I got a used 440 from a dealer. Then I was hooked :) All pleasure and performance, no hassles or limitations. Totally worth my hard-earned $$$, and I do earn every penny of it. I have a 240, 440, 820, 930, and 731 (a gift from a QB angel, I use it to teach basic sewing). All with different capabilites and features, but each a rock solid workhorse.