I'm thinking of buying one of these. Any thoughts? Can I hook it up to my computer for additional designs or would I need a card reader?

Your best bet is to go to your local sewing machine shops and ask all the questions and see in action the different models. So many wonderful machines out there now it will be worth your time to do the home work...so to speak.

I've been surfing ebay and amazon for machines... and I've gone to the local shop but they aren't very friendly.... Too much of a buy or leave attitude :(

I have this machine and love it!! You do need the PED badic with it as it does not hook to the computer.

ouchie...$100 for PED badic

Yes the Ped Basic is expensive and you cannot buy the extra cards for much less, I would go up a step and buy one that connects to a USB port .. Amazon has them at a good price less than $500.00

I believe the SE350 is being replaced by the SE400, which will have a USB so you wouldn't need a card reader. It appears the price will be pretty much the same, so if I were you, I would be looking at the 400.

For the most part most Brother machines get very good reviews and are very user friendly. I don't think you can go wrong with a brother.

And if you can afford a little more expensive machine, you might consider the Brother PE770, which has a 5x7 hoop. If you're like I was when I first got an embroidery machine, I outgrew the 4x4 hoop almost immediately and wanted to do larger designs. I now have the capacity to do 7 x 11 designs, but find that the 5x7 is my favorite size.

Here's a link I found with lots of information about the SE400 and reviews: http://www.sewing-machines-for-begin...achine-review/

Good luck in your search and whatever you buy, have fun with it.

Thanks! I love brother machines so I'd rather get one of them then a different brand. I'll take a look at the se400

Here is the one JudyG Mentioned along with others.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ines&x=16&y=16

I'm going to go with this one probally http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...F8&me=&seller=

I know its identical to the SE400 but... the refurbished one's seller has a repair policy that covers the warranty.

I know they both come with a 25 year limited warranty but I don't know where I'd take the SE400