I have 2 Brother combo machines and I love them both.
My oldest (about 6 years old) is the Innov-Is 1000 largest hoop size is 5x7.
My newest machine which is almost 1 year old is the Innov-Is 1500D (the
"D" stands for Disney) and the largest hoops size is 6x10.
When I purchased the 1000 machine it cost $1500, but with some discounts
and such it ended up being $1200.
My 1500D machine was $3500, but with discounts and such cost was $2500
but by the time I left the store I had spent $3200 (thread, more stabilizers, etc.)
I could have gotten "trade-in" discount also IF I had wanted to give up my older
machine, but since I wanted to keep both I didn't that discount.
I also have a Janome MC3000 sewing machine (NO embroidery) and I totally
do NOT like that machine for me that was the biggest waste of money I had
spent, that taught me to NEVER buy a used machine, I could have added $50
and bought a new Janome.
Well you know what they say about hide sight.
I agree with everyone else, research, research, research, and take LOTS
of notes. Discover what kinds of features each machine has, and research
more about them. After your research is done take your list to the dealer
and "test" drive the machines.
DO NOT let them try to steer you towards a machine that is way out of
your budget, stick to your guns and your list.
I know MANY people who have the Brother PE770 & PE780D series machines
and love them. They are less expensive machines that are user friendly.
Here is a link to the Brother website if you want to read more about them.
BROTHER-USA