I have last year's model of that machine, and I love it for a starter machine. The harp space is pretty small, but it's easy to use, not fussy about thread, and the feed-dog up/down switch isn't clunky (that's been a problem of some of my and my mom's machines). I was worried that it couldn't handle all the layers on bags, but I was wrong. It sews BGBs and NCWs like a champ. I paid about 200 bucks on sale for it.

I'm getting ready to buy the Janome 2010Q (I am pretty sure!) and I'll definitely love having the Brother for utility stitches (zig-zag, etc.) and for piecing when the other is set up for FMQ.

Happy to answer questions if I can.