I have had many Berninas and they did not live up to their hype. I have two Janomes, Janome Gem for classes, lightweight and reliable except that I have to change the needle position for a 1/4" seam. Once I learned that, it's perfect for taking to classes and as a second machine at home.
My other machine is a Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8900. Once I got the right even feed foot and learned to install it correctly, I have no complaints. I've had it for 5 years and would buy it again. Wide harp, perfect stitches.
The advice to bring fabric to sew on when you try out the machines is a must, making sure you bring different kinds of fabric, not only cotton. Bring slippery fabrics, too.
Good luck!