I have a Brother SQ9000 which I got at Wal*Mart a few years' ago. I think it was about $200-300. It's light and I take it to classes instead of my heavy Bernina. So far, I've had no trouble with it. Many on the board have Janomes and love them. If you go to a shop that sells sewing machines, tell them what you're looking for and the price range. You may be able to get a very nice used one.