I bought myself a Bernina 220 when they had a great sale on them last year. It cost me $1000 less than the 1260 I have had since the early 1990s and actually has more built in stitches. I ended up having to spend almost $400 more to have the knee lift installed and to purchase the better foot control but it was worth it. I don't think I could sew with out those features. The biggest differnce is in the weight of the machine. My older machine weighs at least 28 lbs. The newer one is at least 10lbs lighter. The lighter weight is achieved by using lighter weight materials in the construction. It also makes it vibrate more. My old machine has had the computer replaced but I still love it and use it almost daily. I use the newer one to take on retreat etc. Now I have an excuse to start purchasing new feet again. The ones from my older machine will not fit the newer one.