I have the older Janome Jem Gold and it has never given me a problem. It stays in the trunk of my car and has been used for dozens of different people and at kid's classes too. It has not been treated gently and sews great. The feet are very reasonably priced and Brother snap on feet will fit Janome snap on. It sews all the different brands of thread with no problem. If I was buying a great class machine I would buy another Janome portable.