At $200, basic is about what you will get. If you can get electronic, and most machines are electronic these days, you are better off getting one. Most of the new machines have automatic needle threader so no more lickem stickem, squinty eye, aim for the needle look when threading (you know the look).

The best thing to do is research the manufacturer sites, find the ones that appeal to you, print those specs out, then go to the dealers and sewing centers to try the models out for the one you feel most comfortable using. Most people on this board have their preferences and will tell you their preferences. The one caveat is try the machine out before you buy. Some dealers will steer you to their high end machines so beware of that fact...tell them up front what you are looking for, where your sewing skills lie, and they will find a machine to your liking.

If you are an occasional sewer, I can see your point for a low priced machine. If you do a lot of sewing, you might consider spending more...you get what you pay for with some of the low priced machines that won't last with heavy use.