Hi Cindy, I'm partial to Brother machines and PE design. I haven't heard anything much about singers, I do hear pfaff and janome users are happy too. Just shop around for features you want/need. newer models have usb to transfer files to the machine.

I am teaching myself PE design with some tutorials found over the internet, I couldn't stomach $45 an hour for lessons from someone who may or may not know what I want from the software! It's windows based and I know all the ms office products and some programming, so it isn't as bad as some people say.

good luck

Whatever you choose, make sure there's a dealer around for servicing, warranties, etc...
if you want to test out software before shelling out the $$, sophiesew is out there, I haven't tried it. There is a free trial of PE design and I think Embird also does a trial period.

I agree- I just bought a machine last week- Try to find a dealer close to you. Find out who will fix the machine-if you need it.. will it be sent away? or can the dealer fix it? make sure you can get FREE lessons- Most offer them. You are spending a lot of money with them- you should not have to pay for the lessons. Make sure the dealer is computer savvy-it helps. Go for customer service- that really counts. Good luck.

lindycat - what machine did you purchase? I too am interested in getting a machine and have been going back and forth between different models for years (hence no big purchase yet, don't want to put out the big $ if I can't get what I want!!!). Thanks