first question to ask yourself is what is your budget?
Each special item increases your price point. I taught my nieces last year to quilt, and helped them buy their first machine. katie who used my elna, wanted the variable speed button, and think everyone should have the needle down option. They went with a Janome Gold, perfect for taking to class, way to small for me:)
The Janome 6600P is my dream, but I think I will forgo. I have the Elna Quilters dream (approx 10 yrs old?) and brother innovis 4000D:)