Is $399.00 too expensive?
If you know anything about Viking/Husqvarna, their Emeralds are on sale for $299.00 to $499.00.
I got the Emerald 118, AND, I love the machine! It is a good stitcher with a perfect 1/4 inch without changing the basic straight stitch settings. Needle stop down, variable speed slide control to help with those careful curve applique stitches, and a needle threader for unnecessary bonus.
My dog got it for me. He is older with doggie dementia and it upset me to hear him paceing back and forth upstairs while I was trying to work in the room downstairs. So, I got a small portable to use in the dining room. I know, isn't the dining room table a step backward? Yes, but the pup is much calmer now that he can find me and see what I am doing.
I like Kenmore and the older Singers, almost bought a Janome, but don't have a repair resource here for them.
Check out the Viking Emeralds if you have access to them in your area.