Ask the lazyweb: Sewing machines?

So I'm thinking of getting a new sewing machine. (This business of moving to different countries and selling off all our electrical stuff has really got to stop.)

I did some poking around on joann.com and I think I want the Singer 7462 (amusing and overwhelmingly positive reviews on joann.com here).

I don't mind buying it on-line if the price is right; but I would really like to play with one in-person first and make sure it doesn't feel horribly wrong. Sadly, it's been about 20 years since I shopped for a sewing machine in the US, and I can't actually remember where the heck you buy sewing machines other than Sears. (I checked sears.com and target.com -- I'm not THAT lazy -- and neither of them carries the 7462.)

So, um, help? Does anyone have any amusing anecdotes about Singer sewing machines and/or useful suggestions on where to go play with one?

Thanks in advance, O mighty group mind.