Research the manufacturer sites and you will find one you like. I think you want a stand-alone type machine...so keep researching...it's an expensive hobby by the time you get through purchasing machine embroidery thread, a variety of stabilizer, needles, etc.

I agree it is an expensive hobby & unless you spend a good bit, you will have such a small field that you will be limited to what you can do in one hooping. Re-hooping is no fun. It is hard to get things lined up even again.

I have the Janome 300E and I love it. It's simple to use, doesn't require any expensive software - I just use Embird to convert and re-size etc. It had the 4x4 and the 5x7 field. Wonderful machine.

also check out used machines i have a used one $400 bernina deco 600 it is a little older but fine for me and love it i also bought a magic box $300