Get one that you have a local service center for. Luckily we have a wonderful Janome dealer nearby that's also certified to work on the machines so sometimes repairs can be made on a while-you-wait basis. As with any other fairly expensive purchase, it's the service afterwards that's the real deal maker.
Personally I like Janome. They come with many of the different feet that you need. While Bernina is a great machine you have to purchase the feet separately and some of them are really expensive. Decide what you need the machine to do and then get one that will do that---but also do as many more things as your budget will allow. You won't be sorry.
Oh, if you like to go to classes, retreats or anywhere else that you need to take a machine along with you, be mindful of the weight of the machine.
Last edited by raptureready; 12-12-2011 at 04:45 AM.