I don't think that any one said how they sound when they sew. They have the cutest little sound when sewing. It is a quiet little sound. They are cute, fun to sew with, and remind me of a toy sewing machine but they are a lot stronger and better than one. They can go through several layers of fabric at once, but I wouldn't want to do that all the time. I would have loved to have one to sew on when I was young. By the way, I have 2 black ones, one of which I bought from a QB member, and also a barely celery (white) one. I wouldn't trade any of them for anything.
Any one who'd looking for one, have you checked with a local sewing machine repair man for one? That's where my first one came from. It might be a little more than getting one off e-bay, but you don't pay shipping and also it is cleaned and oiled for you. And you can try it out before buying it.