I have the Brother CS6000i and absolutely love it. It weighs about 14 lbs, is compact and a real workhorse. I take it with me to retreats and sew alongs, but I use it mostly when piecing and watching videos. Without the extension table it sits on a 12" wide portable table I can pull up to my favourite chair. I bet I put 8 - 10 hours a week on that puppy. My Janome 8900 is jealous as I don't use it even half as much.
I have both a featherweight and Singer 301, but rarely use them as I like the automatic needle up/down and the precise 1/4" seam I can make with the Brother using their regular sewing foot and the piecing stitch (no. 37). It even comes with a walking foot and FMQ foot for no extra charge. Puts on zippers so easily and make great buttonholes. Did I mention that I really like this machine?