My very first suggestion is look at the designs by cute and see if 5x7 is livable for you. My DH got me my machine and its only 4x4 so I miss out on a lot of great designs that are just to large to downsize. Smaller designs are not the issue, but if there are a lot of larger designs you would really rather be doing than think long and hard before purchasing a machine you wish you would have had a bigger hoop size for. Don't get me wrong, I love my machine, lol! Its just that I miss out on so very much because of the limitations it has. Good Luck on your decision making.
Diane

for about the same price you can get the Singer xl 400 with a 6x10 hoop.

I have this very machine. I love it, it is so easy to use and most patterns can be adapted to fit. I have only come across maybe 2 sites that don't offer patterns in 5X7 size. I did order one through Haskins and I was told I couldn't return it but I could resize it, and it wasn't hard to do. The embroidery machine itself is self explanatory. Very little effort needed to start off and go. I have had it since November 11 and have made 3 baby quilts, 1 large bed quilt, 100 snowmen candy cane holders and a quilt that we are going to use as a headboard for our bed. I absolutely love it! No regreats.
Hugs mj

Do you have a dealer near you that does part exchange with machines. I ask this as I have had machines that are pre loved that have been traded in for newer ones. These machines are obviously sold for less.

I have a Pe780d, about the same kind of machine except it has the disney in it... absolutely love it. It is easy to use and does a wonderful job . I would suggest to get the pe770 if you can afford it. like down below check with a dealer and see if they have any traded in machines also.

before you buy this machine check the singer 8x10 at the hsn....my sister just order another one..and I my get one too!!! and the price is almos as the ped770.***************