Computerized versus manual machines

I know there are several threads about 'which sewing machine to buy', but I am wondering about the benefits of a computerized machine versus a 'manual' machine. I have an old Brother that was my mom's--it is still sewing okay, but at times it does crazy things with no explanation. I get very frustrated with it, and am not certain if I am poor sewer or the machine is acting up. I would like to get a new machine, and frankly, I think anything new would be an improvement. I don't have a big budget ($200-$300), and don't want to do anything fancy. I sew simple things, and don't care a bit about being able to embroider. I would like to make a buttonhole and install a zipper with ease:-) At this price range in Singer and Brother it seems like you can get a manual machine or a lower end computerized machine (I have seen the Brother CS6000 online for around $200). What are the advantages/disadvantages to each? Is buying a machine in the store worth the extra hundred dollars for the service/repair/classes?  Any advice would be appreciated!

Hang on for a few days.  Consumer Reports has sewing machine ratings and recommendations in their next issue.  I own both mechanical (electronic) and low-end computer sewing machines.  Both are more than 15 years old. They each have their strengths and weaknesses.  The biggest difference between them is in the buttonholes.  The computerized one makes the same buttonhole over and over.  The mechanical has to be done separately every time.  They both are a pain in the you know what to get the buttonholes right in the first place.  Janome seems to be the most reliable these days.  In fact Kenmores are all Janomes anyway.  A lot of the newer machines have automatic needle threaders which I'd love to have. The machine I'd really like to own is $1,400 but I can't afford that much money so I do the best I can with the ones I already have.

That is great to hear about Consumer Reports! Do you know when that information will come out? I do not subscribe to them, but would gladly buy the issue:-)

I have the Brother cs6000 & i love it. I have a White manual machine from the late 70's. It works great but I really wanted the computerized machine.
I'm so hooked on my Brother & its so easy to use. Any error that happens will be explained by the number thats displayed & you know exactly how to fix it. I've had mine for 2 years & rarely ever use my old machine because I love the Brother. It has lots of great reviews which I read before I bought mine.
I've sewn alot of think heavy purses on my machine without any problem. I really love this machine & its well worth the little that it cost. Automatic buttonholes are so simple on it.