start by visiting dealers, shops where they are selling machines and test drive different ones. there is a vast array of machines available now days with many different features- the best way to find the one that is going to get you through years of enjoyable use is to test drive as many as you can find & ask lots of questions while test driving---many dealers offer free 'owners classes' to teach you how to use all the *new* bells & whistles; when I purchased my newest Janome not only was I offered the owners classes but I also get 5 years of free cleanings- I can take it in anytime I want, as often as I feel the need to have it cleaned-for free for 5 years!