MagaQuilt

I have had Viking, Bernina and now a Brother embroidery machine and the Brother is the one that has given me least headaches! Handles all threads - no hizzy fits. Personally I think a 4x4 machine to start out with is just right. Some find that embroidery is not for them so a smaller machine is less cost and could be easier to sell on to somebody else who wants to try. Don't forget that the smaller the hoop the easier it is to hoop and get good results. Larger designs in larger hoops make for trickier hooping and bigger risk of misaligned designs.
Personally I made do with 4x4 for 13 years before going on to 5x7 for another 6 and have only recently moved up one more notch to a 7x12. I love ME but I doubt I will go larger because I do find it difficult to hoop well enough for the 7x12
Have fun when you get the machine.

Eva Knight

I have a Brother 150 which they don't make any more, has a 4x4 design area and a sewing embroidery combo which does the 5x7 and 4x4 inch. I will say this, get the largest embroidery field you can afford. They are doing so many larger designs these days.

Kristi.G

I'm in Brother's email list and just received notice of a flash sale on the PE700:

http://www.brothermall.com/HomeSewin...1#.VI2qXGo5B5g

debbieoh

I also have one and just love it