I would say that if you want it and can afford it you should get what you want. that said I personally would rather have substance over gimmicks and would buy the best quality in a machine rather than "bells and whistles" Laser lights and pens and funny sounding feet aren't something I would waste money on. Remember that Brother has a long reputation as a poor quality machine., flash is cheap but for that kind of money I would buy a reputable machine that will go the distance and be reliable.