I would find dealers in your area that have different brands. Then see how much the machines are and what the sales rep says are the best or most popular features
While you may not know everything about machines these places will. Then you can ask questions based on what one place says about their machine
Not that this matters to you - but I have 2 Janomes and really like them. They have been virtually trouble free. And I knew zero about sewing machines when I was shopping (and now I don't know much more than zero ha ha)