Sewing Machine Madness!

I just got the okay from Joel to get a sewing machine!!! Now I have decide which model I'm going to get. I have little to no frame of reference when it comes to sewing machines so I need some advice. I've been looking at  a Brother Sewing Machine and a Singer Sewing Machine. I don't even know if these are on the ball for what I want to do. I did look the brother up through Joann Fabrics sewing machine finder so that's why I've been looking at it. The Singer is just within my price range. I'm looking for a machine that's a beginner's machine but it could possibly handle sewing through tougher materials like denim but also sew through felts. If you know of something better suited machine than these two let me know. I'm very curious!