K.O.
I love my Singer machine...it was only 50 more than what you are wanting to pay. I researched a lot before getting mine. I am a beginner as well, but for the money, mine has more in the way of extras than the others I looked at. I like Singers because they actually have stores you can go to for replacement parts, manuals, etc. Mine was $200, but several weeks later went on sale for $20 or so less...argh. Mine is called a Fashionmate and comes with 69 stitch options/button hole settings. I am still a begginer, but have experimented with some of the more elaborate stiches. Look for sales and find out exactly what options you want. I had hoped for an embroidery option, but that is impossible for under $500. Good luck and feel free to message me any time. I would love an online sewing buddy to bounce ideas off of. :-)