Nina,
I would recommend that you make a list of features that are important to you and then compare the machines you picked against your list.
For me, it is very important that I can select the needle in a down position.
I also like to have an indication when my bobbin runs low. (A drop-in bobbin would work OK for that.)
As a quilter, I want to be able to drop the feed-dogs and do free-motion quilting.
Really nice to have is stitch control (length, width, and needle position)
A nice even blanket stitch is wonderful but a decent zig-zag will do the work too.
I have heard/read good things about Husqvarna and would not hesitate to buy one. However, no matter what you get, try to test-drive the machine and find out what feet/accessories come with it (or are available).
Like someone else already mentioned, bells and whistles are not necessary. For the most part you'll use straight and zig-zag.