ManiacQuilter2

You just have to compare price with what you want your machine to be able to do. Was one more quiet than another, did one have more stitches that you want? Maybe just make a list of what each machine brings to the table and see which one has more pluses.

nabobw

I bought a straight stitch machine once as I already had one with fancy stitches on it and thought I would use it when I wanted a zig zag or what ever. I did not like having to go between two machines so did not keep it long.

P-BurgKay

The Brother PQ1500 SL, is on e-bay for $649.00 or maybe $699.00 with free shipping

quilt9226

I have a Brother 1500D that has embroidery. It's a good machine but the quarter inch foot has a long toe that makes it difficult to use for curved piecing (like drunkard's path). Also a walking foot is needed for binding. Since I am part of a nonprofit that makes quilts, I use my Pfaff for piecing and binding. Brother is a very good company, the machines are made in Taiwan rather than China.

Watson

This poster lives here in Canada, so if they buy from the US, they not only have to pay shipping, they have to pay the difference on the dollar (Almost FORTY cents on the dollar right now!), then they have to pay 13% tax to import, based on the US $ price, THEN they may have to pay a duty on the entire amount. (Which you likely won't know until it's too late unless you're a really good researcher.)
I loved it when the US and Canadian dollar was at par but right now it's almost out of the question to buy from a US distributor or from E-Bay.

Is there a quilting guild in your city that can give you advice on any of these machines?

Watson

piker6ca

There are 2 Guilds in town but I have never been to them .
I was watching a machine on ebay that is in Canada is a Brother 8500 very nice machine but only 3 hours to bid and now its going crazy . lol
But i,m still watching it you never know.
And yes with the are dollar and all the ad ons the price would kill me .
I just feel better about buying local for the service and repairs on the machine and helping a local busness out a little .
There is a place that sells
Jonome machines here also so going to look there . Just thought that a Jonome machine is on the high side.
Tom

Watson

sometimes you can get a deal on the floor model. You can always ask.

KalamaQuilts

25 year warranty. Read it so you aren't under any false illusions.

Maire

You can't go wrong with brother machines-they are fantastic & buying from a dealer you trust near you is wise.
I looked up the machines you mentioned and I have a PQ 1500 that is great for Free Motion quilting, and has a 9 inch bed that helps with quilting a large quilt. Both of the other 2 have 8.3 beds so not a huge difference but smaller.
I personally feel go with the most machine you can afford, even if it has more features than you use now you will grow into them, making quilt labels with the machine font is fun.
And the poster who suggested the 1500 for quilting & then a separate machine for decorative stitches and piecing has a good idea. Actually I have several machines that I use for different purposes & love my set up that I was able to do after all our children grown, & college & weddings paid off, then I was able to treat myself.
But if I were young & just starting out & able to afford any of the machines you mentioned I would go for the NQ 900

scrapnut

Which machine does your heart REALLY WANT? If you think about it, $200.00 isn't that much money when it comes to sewing machines. Does the more expensive machine offer more bells and whistles than the other machine? I personally don't see the necessity of having two machines. One just sits and collects dust while the warranty fades away. I would go with the machine that offered me more options for the small amount of $200.00. I'm quite sure your family would say you are worth it. (Think about it, most people will drop more money than $200.00 getting drunk or at the casinos over the weekend)