I now have two Brothers and I like them both. My first one is a large Brother Innovis 2000 Lauren Ashley. Runs about $1300-$2300. It does it all and I love it. I just purchased a smaller Brother so I can tote it around. It is the Brother Disney model that sews and embroideries. It has around 100 different stitches and also embroideries. Runs about $750-$800.
The others are right. Go to a reliable dealer and see what they have to offer within your price range. Sew on it and get to know the machine.