I have both a Janome 11000 & a Brother Inovis Duetta 4500. I use the Brother a lot more & would recommend it. It's been available for several years so that means it's more affordable than the newer ones. The newest Brother sells for about $10,000! Yikes! So you should be able to find a used Duetta or even a new one for a whole lot less. It has several sizes of hoops, !2"x7", 7"x5", 4"x4", & 1"x2 1/2". I use the 7x5 the most. If you are going to do much embroidery, I think you should get a machine that sews at least a 7x5 design. Otherwise, I think you will not be satisfied with a smaller hoop for very long. If you can find a good used machine at a reputable dealer, they should give you lessons, maybe free. If you do buy from an individual, find a dealer who will give you lessons for a reasonable price. These machines are awesome, but you may be overwhelmed if you try to learn how to use them on your own. I love my Brother. Now I'm making baby quilt blocks using purchased machine applique designs & they are turning out so cute. This is easy using my Duetta.
JMHO.

Thanks for all the input! I'm forwarding these all to her.

The Brother PE700 series does a 5x7 design (actually a little less allowing for frame. I just got off the phone with my dealer to see the next size up machine. It is the Brother 1500D which does a 6x10. However, compared to what I paid for my PE700II (Factory Serviced which is actually better than new because issues have been worked out IMO) which was $600, the 1500D is almost $2,300. I asked my dealer why the great jump in price and he said that it was just the nature of the Brother models they came out with. Now the 700II IS an embroidery only machine and the 1500D is a Combo Sewing/Embroidery machine. Duh, I forgot to ask him the next up model # in the embroidery only!!!! Oh well, he and I both were running out of caffeine so I'll chalk it up to that!! LOL I can always call back but I can't believe that the next size from the 5x7 is almost 4X the cost!!

I do agree with other posters that if you can afford it, go for the 5x7 hoop size. You will get tired of the 4x4 size pretty quickly. I think the 5x7 is the most desired size of embroidery design. Remember, too, that you can do 4x4 on the 5x7 machine!!

I am seriously considering selling my Brother SE270D (Combo Sewing/Embroidery) since I have the 700II and also a Brother 6000i Sewing Machine. (Not counting my vintage machine which we won't talk about...HeHe!)