Features on a machine that you dont even know about can amaze you.
My Viking Sapphire has auto foot lift when in needle down mode. I love this feature and use it all the time. The foot lifts just a small amount when you stop sewing and automatically goes down when you start sewing.
It is a computerized machine and has lots of stitches that I hardley ever use.
It has a drop in bobbin which I love and a 10 inch throat.
So check out features on machines to decide what you really want.
I just wish I had upgraded to the embroidery model but it was out of my budget.