If you are anywhere in Melb near Fountain Gate, the Janome store are having a massive sale until the 30th May, Im going in on Sunday or Tuesday to get an overlocker (makes nappy making easier). Otherwise, when I was in SL yesterday they had a basic Brother sewing machine (with 4 buttonhole options) for $199 plus a free labeler.

You are best getting a base model well named machine, ie brother, janome, singer, etc