The only machine I am familiar with personally is the Janome 350 and I love it but it is going for quite a bit more than you want to spend. Still I like it a lot and have had no problems. There is an almost identical earlier model, the 300, that is now closer to what you want to pay. I understand there is a new brother 700 that is under $1000 also that gets good reviews. The 270D does get mixed reviews, but I have heard many people rave about theirs. Be aware one of the major issues is hoop size which you can't change. You may want to pay more and move up a notch if you can get your DH to agree. However with the good reviews of the 250D in mind, it is probably the best embroidery machine in it's price range so it might be worth getting one and figuring you might have to actually exercise your warranty or return it in the unlikely event you get a lemon.

I have the Janome 300E and I LOVE it. You should be able to get a good deal now that the 350 is out. I really think it's worth the money. You'll get the 5X7 sewing hoop as well.