I have a Bernina 440 with embroidery for about 6 years and I love the quality of embroidery I get. I did take the series of classes that Bernina offers and once I understood it how to use it, it is easy to use and not fussy at all. The 400 series was the only one they did that required the machine to be hooked to a computer to embroider and they found out prople didn't like that so everything else has the embroidery capibilities built in. I personally prefer to edit my design on the larger computer screen and not the small screen on the machine. I have the Bernina software too (not the latest version 7) and it is expensive but Bernina gives away its ARTlink program to open and convert other design formats.
http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Product...ArtLink-Six-en
I would like to have a machine that takes the Jumbo hoops but a new Bernina is not in my plans until I retire in 4 years. Then I'll see what they have. I have all the other hoop sizes - including the Megahoop.
I would certaintly try out other brands and see them in action but I won't deny I'm a Bernina gal. (not to slight any of my much-beloved herd of vintage machines)