Bernina
 

Maybe someone else can verify this. The Bernina 440 Quilters Edition is going to be discontined. Some of the stores are offering a reduced price. There is a new model to replace the 440. Quilt Fan

That is true. I was told at my LQS that they would still continue to service the 440 and still have parts as long as they are available. My 440 is still "new" to me although I've had it over 5 years. Sews so well.

I also have heard this. The 440 is being replaced with the 550? A lot of people wanted the 440 but didn't necessarily want the embroidery feature. A lot of the machine is going to waste so I believe that the 550 will not have the embroidery add on?

I heard the same thing at a LQS. The owner had a 440 trade-in that he sold to my friend for $1900. It was in pristine condition - didn't look like it had ever been used.

Yes, it is being replaced by the 550. I never did buy the embroidery attachment. I have an inexpensive singer for the embroidery. The Singer cost as much as the embroidery unit.

Yes, I got the last of the models shipped to the US. The only ones still available were in dealer's stores. The replacement is going to be about $1000 more than the 440 (before it was discontinued), but has some features you may prefer.