Thanks Teresa Yes I am looking at the brother NS30 and NS50 and also a janome 19110 which is not stocked by many janome dealers but has some extensive features. I will post the features below for comparison

The brother machines have all those features I mentioned above, and I can get the NS30 for $435 (locally) and the NS50 for $499 (plus shipping).

NS 50
Direct stitch selection control panel for easy stitch selection
•A total of 135 built in stitches
•Back-lit LCD screen with digital stitch length and width controls
•Advanced needle threading system
•10 styles of 1-step automatic buttonhole
•Quick set top loading bobbin for easy threading
Easy to use with beautiful buttonholes and lettering (it does the alphabet!!). Perfect for beginners to advanced.

NS30
•Easy to use electronic jog dial, making stitch selection simple
•A total of 70 built in stitches
•Combine patterns and save your favourites to memory
•Back-lit LCD screen with digital stitch length and width controls
•Advanced automatic needle threading system
•7 styles of 1-step automatic buttonhole
•Quick set top loading bobbin for easy threading


Janome 19110 $449 plus $25 shipping

50 Stitch Patterns
•2 Digit LED Stitch Pattern Indicator
•Auto-lock
•Lock-A-Matic Stitch
•Adjustable Stitch Width from 0 to 7 mm
•Adjustable Stitch Length from 0 to 5 mm
•Buttonhole System: One-step Sensor Type Automatic 3 Styles
•External Feed Balancing Dial
•SFS (Superior Feed System)
•Box Feed System
•Drop Feed System
•Automatic Tension
•Horizontal Thread Delivery
•Lay-in Threading with Numbered Paths
•2 Different Sized Thread Caps
•Built-in Needle Threader
•One Hand Thread Cutter
•Snap-On Feet
•Conveniently Located Reverse Button
•Electronic Foot Control
•Speed Control Lever
•Failsafe Device: Electronic Beep
•Jam Proof, Magnetic, Top Loading, Full Rotary Bobbin System
•Auto Declutch Bobbin Winding
•See Through Bobbin Cover with One Touch Release Button
•Extra High Presser Foot Life for Extra Clearance
•15 Needle Positions
•Free Arm Removable Accessory Tray
•Needle Stop "Up"
•Memorized Needle Up/Down Key
•Retractable Carrying Handle
•Weight out of box (8.2 kg)
•Front Position Halogen Lightbulb
•DC Motor
•Sculpture Stitch (2 Lengths)
•Bi-directional Blanket Stitch
•24 Heirloom Stitches
•6 Satin Decorative Stitches
•Star Stitch