I worked in a sewing machine dealership many years ago (over ten!). At that time Bernina machines were wonderful; the Bernettes not so much, and would not be a machine I would buy even now. I believe Brother, Babylock and Janome are the current leaders for moderately priced embroidery machines.
I haven't read them, but here are some links to reviews on patternreviews.com:
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi.../Review/1/4887
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi.../Review/1/4719
http://sewing.patternreview.com/Sewi.../Review/1/4465
(You can set up a free membership in order to read the older reviews.)