I have the Destiny, wonderful machine. There are so many features, it is overwhelming. I purchased mine last fall at the "preview". I took the beginning classes offered by the dealer. Our summers is our busiest time, I was unable to take more classes. I asked about some training on a few features, so the dealer is now offering more classes.
Make sure your dealer offers continuous classes or training by appointment. I purchased a high end machine from another dealer several years ago. Now, I had previously purchased several machines from them over a course of 25 years, but this was a huge difference in machine features. I got 2 classes. Their reasoning?, I knew so much about the previous machines, I was intelligent enough to figure this one out. Your dealer is you first options to choose.
The Destiny is a great machine. It is so quiet when it sews. I use embroidery software, but find the added feature of in-the -machine "digitizing (basic)" to be pretty interesting. That was the class I attended yesterday. Many more steps to do the project in the machine that at the computer and using my Floriani software, but good to know, since these are steps that are used in other processes. I cannot say enough good things about this machine. It truly is a a wonderful machine. Baby Lock is a company that listens to its customers. I (and others) purchased the trolley system and are not satisfied. I contacted Baby Lock and received a response within hours. They area being very helpful with me and my dealer to resolve the issue.
Sit down in the store with fabrics you brought and play with the machine. Spend some time and make sure you ask questions. Ask them to show you features that you think are the most important to you. Mine was the Scanning feature that scans your fabrics and then allows you to stipple around your embroidery design. The other was the Touch pen and how it works with decorative stitches. If they do not want to let you play, and ask questions, you may wish to find another dealer.
The Brand company, your dealer and you, are what is going to make your purchase of a machine important....no matter what brand you buy.