I have the new 830 and my recommendation to you is to see if your dealer has some kind of classes or "make it and take it" seminars. My dealer has classes offered on different machine or to make projects(you pay for class and or supplies) but get to work on one of the models you're interested in buying. You can test drive the machine in a class setting and I would think your dealer has a similar program. You can't go wrong with a Bernina.
Oh...and my 830 must weigh 40 lbs...so not "plastic" as someone above stated, LOL!