Needle down is a big plus for me. If you are going to try FMQ, you want a machine that will lower the feed dogs. Zig zag is alway good. I rarely use the fancy stitches but ocasionally I use a couple. As for the machine moving, like alleyoop1, use a piece of rubber shelf liner. Or I have seen someone use one of those small cushiony bath mats. This can be used as a pin cushion while you are sewing. Singer has some decent machines at the price you have in mind. Check with your fabric stores to see what they have and watch for sales.