[Isabo]

I don't know Bernina but I do know Elna (also Swiss)which is probably in the same league.
Elna used to run courses at their retail outlets. I would strongly reccommend your wife looks into this type of course BEFORE purchase. They are very sophisticated machines and I've seen some of my friends buy this level of machine and then hide it in the wardrobe in despair. You really need to understand what you are doing to get the best out of them. My mother in law who is very expert has an Elna, however, most of the time she uses a much simpler and cheaper Brother - much quicker to set up and use for 95% of jobs.
Also worthwhile is taking a look at the manuals for the machine you are interested in - does your wife understand it or is she going to come and pester you about setting it up for her, ask my husband how much fun he has helping me with mine!