Twenty seven years ago, when I decided I was ready for a better machine then my Kenmore, I went with a Bernina instead of a Phaff because of the customer service, and the Dealer was 45 miles away, not 100. It was the best decision I have made with sewing machines. I still go to the same dealer. Try out the machines, you will know, there will be one that "talks" to you, and lets hope it is in your price range. Just like wedding dress shopping, don't try out any machines you can not afford. As far as a serge protector, you need a serge protector/ battery pack, and plug your machine into the battery outlet on it. I learned the hard way, but it was under warranty.