I have a Brother PQ1500, which has a 9" harp (throat space), is a straight-stitch only machine, has a needle-threader, thread cutter, etc. It's usually about $700-800 from retail outlets, although there seems to have been a run on sewing machines lately. I bought mine used for $400. It's a wonderful machine, my favorite. I used to own 7 machines and came to realize that if it ever died past being repairable, I would buy another one, instead of pulling out a backup machine. So I've been selling and gifting my other machines.
It is a mechanical machine and very easy to use. I did use it for quilting for a short time, then my husband bought a longarm for me for Christmas.