I did purchase the Janome and really love. I made sure a read up on it and was prepared for the sideways needle, the thread path and the recessed bobbin case. It sews beautifully.
I have the DB model which doesn't come with the thread cutter, but that's fine. I'm new to quilting and have only done piecing so far.
I've been looking around for where I can buy needles. Can you recommend a website? The ones the seller sent with the machine have a flat side and I thought the needles this machine uses are supposed to be round at the top?