I have owned every brand of machine at one time or another - I just love sewing machines. I had several Berninas and I just got fed up with their (company) attitude. Feet and accessories are outrageous. My Vikings have been fine, my Pfaff's difficult since I bought tol machines and I won't buy another one. For my money the Brother/Babylock is the most intuitive machines out there. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to operate them. I like the Janomes, but they seem to be a beat behind. But it depends on you. Find out what you like to sew with.