You can start your search at home by going to Sewing Machines Plus, or a similar website. SWP shows prices, so you can get an idea of what is available in your price range. Read the description of the machines and then go to the manufacturers website for more info and you can even download and read the instruction manuals. Once you've narrowed your search, go to your local, certified dealer and try the machines. I'll also add that I think it's best to get a machine that can be serviced locally by a dealer/repair shop that is certified by that particular manufacturer. I've had much better service over the years by certified repair shops rather than those that repair all brands. My go to machine that I use the most is a Bernina 150QE.