Hey Stitchinwitch, love your board name!! This is something I get asked a lot so please don't think that I am being rude when I reply with several questions, k?
1. Is this going to be your only multi stitch machine?
2. What types of embroidery do you want to do, tee's, quilts, jeans?
3. What size hoop/hoops do you want?
4. How often do you think you will be embroidering? Do you plan on doing commercial embroidery?
5. how often do you think you will be doing other sewing with this machine?
6. Which embroidery software do you use or plan on using?
7. Are you planning on doing free motion quilting with this machine, if so are you planning on putting it into a cabinet or on a table? Cabinets can be very expensive and there are some table arrangements that can be very cheap and actually be more junctional, convenient and quilter friendly than the most expensive cabinet. Just won't be fancy and pretty. Which brings another question, where will you have it setup? Sewing room or in an area where everyone who comes to your door will see your machine and (if your like me) mess?
8. What is your price expectaions and are you thinking of buying new or used?
I would love to help you make the decision that is right for your needs and wants. And to offer suggestions on where to scrimp and where to splurge.
I didn't address designs or method of transmitting to your embroidery machine, but will be able to better address these things when I know more of what you want and how you intend to use it.
Hope this isn't being too nosey.