I have a brother CS 8150 from Walmart. I bought it in Feb. 2004 and have used it a lot. It was just under $300 I believe. It was a good deal for a computerized machine. It has lots of different stitches and I've used many of them. It has an automatic buttonhole feature but it doesn't work well on heavier fabrics like jeans/cord. It also has an auto needle threader that doesn't work anymore.

I wish it had an adjustable presser foot pressure. I wish it had prettier stitches. It is an ok machine though and I'm glad I have it.

I also have the 1034D serger and it's wonderful.
I have had it since May 2005 and have used it a lot and am very happy with it. I got it for $179 from ebay seller easyterms.