Before I bought my Brother SQ9000 from Wal*Mart, I wrote to the Brother Company to ask if the Wal*Mart machines were inferior. He said the interior workings are the same, although the body is plastic. I wish I could have kept his answer to me, but I didn't, so I'm paraphrasing. E-Mail and ask the Brother Company before you buy if that will make you more comfortable. Also, I do not think the dealers carry that model. The Janome Platinum Gem was the other machine I looked at at the dealer's. It was 2# heavier, and I really have back problems and wanted something I could take with me on vacation or to classes when I take them. I have not had too much time to play with my new Brother yet.