I've tried our Singers, Brothers and one other kind (i forget now) - but it all depends on what you'll be using it for and the extent of your use.  If you think you'll be doing some hardcore sewing, I would think you'd want to invest a nice chunk of change so it'll last a long time.  Of course, if you think you'll go pro with some designs, then you might want to look into some of the professional machines which run into the $1000s. 

Just my 2 cents.  I've been trying to sew like mad this past summer - but nothing seems to turn out right. LOL!