Was @ a SEW FUN day @ LQS yesterday. One of the new items was an embroidery hoop with magnets to hold the 2 pieces together (I can hear your collective GASP!) I HAD to ask the presenter.... She said that magnets do not affect computerized machines. She even said that she had a magnet pinholder right next to her machine. I would imagine that the company making the hoop would not intentionally sabatoge lots of expensive machines! SO! I was in the same LQS today and asked the repair man the same question. He gave me the same answer. Most magnets are not strong enough to do damage unless you rub the magnet all over the computerized side of the machine. (WHAT??) Or they are enclosed in plastic?? Well! Just thot I would pass this info on to you all. I, as most of you, paid good $$$ for our machines and I DO NOT plan on getting a magnet anywhere NEAR my machine! FYI!