Sew many options...

Who knew shopping for a sewing machine would be so difficult?!? I never knew there were so many options!! I have never owned a sewing machine...and really have no idea how to use one...but have always wanted to learn. So, I am in search of a beginner sewing machine. I researched many different options, but still have no clue what to buy! I did find a very helpful website (http://www.lindsaytsews.com/2009/02/buying-beginner-sewing-machine.html) that will hopefully guide me in my quest for a user-friendly machine. Now, if I can only convince Andrew that this is a good investment...