I have a Bernina 440 QE, the 3rd Bernina I've owned. That should tell you something about their reliability. When I bought it about 3 years ago, they offered the embroidery unit as a bonus. I took 2 classes for the embroidery and still haven't had the courage to use it! Where I bought the machine they offer unlimited free classes until you're completely satisfied which is great; however, we moved 100 miles away so I use the phone now. Incidentally, the reason I went for the 440 was the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) which I still need to perfect. Need several more hours in each day to get everything done!