Buying a sewing machine?

Since our students and their parents have asked, I've begun researching machine options. So far, I have visited JoAnn, Target, Wal-Mart and Kramer's in Montgomery.
Please keep in mind that this info is just my opinion and not meant as an endorsement for any machine or store.
One basic point to make is the difference between a mechanical machine and one that is electronic, or computerized. I learned on a mechanical machine, and believe they are suitable for beginners' needs. However, an electronic machine makes starting and stopping the machine, selecting stitches and stitching through a wider range of fabrics easier.
At this point, it seems like machines in the $100 to $200 category are all mechanical (not computerized models). The models at the discount stores and JoAnn in this range seem serviceable, but not very rugged.
If you go up to the $300 to $400 range at JoAnn, there are electronic models. Unfortunately, at my JoAnn in Evendale, you can't try the machines.
At Kramer's, a knowledgeable salesperson who has taught kids and adults to sew for years, emphasized the need for younger sewers (especially in the 8 to 10-year-old range) to have a machine with a speed control. She suggested one mechanical model (a Bernette) in the $199 range and showed me several electronic machines from Bernina and Brother in the $300 to $400 range.
Keep in mind that Kramer's will accept trade-ins toward a higher-end machine. If you bring in a $100 Singer, for instance, you may get a $10 or $15 credit toward a purchase. If you buy a machine at Kramer's, you can trade-up within 6 months and get a much higher percentage of your purchase price as a credit toward a higher-end machine.
I plan to visit Luke's Sewing Centers next week, and hopefully get to the JoAnn in Deerfield to try a Viking there.
Honestly, if I were buying a simple model at this point, I'd go for the Bernette at Kramer's.
More to come...
In the meantime, take a look at this article in Sew Mama Sew http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=831. It offers a questionnaire you can fill out to try to pinpoint your needs in a machine.