Ok, I have decided to buy the Brother NX2000 (Laura Ashley) machine - I went back to the store again today and tried both machines and asked lots more questions of the dealer (who is also the repair man) and one of the teachers who has this machine and decided that while I like the Bernina 440QE, I really don't have the extra $1000 it costs more than the Brother and that the Brother will do all (and more) than I want or need. I put down a deposit and plan to go back later this week and buy it.