thanks for all your input! I'm pulling together numbers and different options...one shop around here said that he would sell me the Janome 6600P for $1999.99 and throw in the 1600 for $100 - but I would still have to buy a frame and my Kenmore works just fine for the piecing...so I really don't need the 6600P, but it sure is an inviting offer! I'll keep y'all posted!