Chk with the BBB on local dealers. I purchased a machine about 15 yrs ago from one local dealer and found out later they were horrible to deal with. that's a big part of what you're buying.
I have the Brother pe770, the only thing i don't like is the screen, you can't see what you're emb.
also, for designs not on the machine, you need a comp with a readable program and a usb thumb drive less than 4 gb. preferable 2 gb. hard to find now. and expensive. you can get them from the net. ck out alot of free designs too b4 you buy them. Alot of companies give out free designs monthly, weekly and daily and they are nice.