bernina activa 230PE or Viking Emerald 203?

i'm new to sewing (and love it!) and have narrowed my machine purchase to these:
Bernina Activa 230PE or Viking Emerald 203
(i've been borrowing my grandmother's machine).... i'm leaning towards the viking b/c has most of the bernina features for less $ -  but if the brenina is exponentially better i don't want to regret wishing i had spent a little more. i'm wanting something that is solid and i can grow in to. thanks for any input!!!

I will get back with you, I am also looking but have not done any research on the bernina yet.

Just  be aware that Bernina probably has the better service if not the better machine. I have an Emerald 183 and my 2 yo lost one of the screwdrivers that I needed for my machine. I had to order it through the dealer and 7 weeks after I ordered it, the dealer found one from one of her display models because it still had not come in from Viking. I have heard of others having problems with response from the Viking company- so if you can afford the Bernina, go for it!

I really like the 230, I would like to see one in person but the closest dealer is a couple of hours away.  What are the prices you are looling at for the two machines?

I have the Bernina 230PE and I love it.  It does everything.  I sew a lot, quilt tons, and love free motion stitching too.  This machine will do it all beautifully.  I have NEVER had to change the tension setting (that is a BIG deal for me) and all the stitches look perfect no matter what I am sewing on.  It is totally reliable, sewing consistently all the time.  My machine is about 4 years old and I bought it on eBay.  I have never had to have anything repaired on it.  I always have my two Bernina (yes, I have another model) sewing machines regularly serviced/cleaned at a Bernina dealer.  I have had other sewing machines, but since 1980, I have been a faithful Bernina seamstress.  I will not buy anything else, as nothing can compare.  I hope this helps.

I have a Bernina 230 that I purchased used from our local Bernina Dealer.  I have had it for two years and love it.  It is not my main machine  (I have another Bernina that I use majority of the time) but I do use it often as does my 10 year old daughter.  I also carry it for any classes I take.  I think it has an incredible stitch quality.  I haven't even had it serviced yet...and it still yields an excellent stitch. 

My Bernina dealer said her husband pieces quilts and out of all the choices he has at her shop he always picks the 230.    That speaks volumes to me.

Try to determine which machines have the best dealers in your area.  That would drive my decision.

Cindy
www.sew-blessed.blogspot.com

Another Bernina lover here. I've had Bernina sewing machines for 16 years and never regretted it for a moment. I've looked at other machines but always ended choosing a Bernina again.

But I do agree that checking your local dealers is the way to go. The one that gives you the best support is the one to choose, hands down. Ask other sewers in your area and you should get a heads up to the best dealers in the area.