I went to the Janome store yesterday and they have a brand new machine 6300 which just came out last month. Price is $999. It is exactly the same as the 6600 except it doesn't have the acuquilt (i think thats what its called--built in even feed ) and it has 90 or 100 built in stitches but no alphabet or numbers. The 6600 is $1499. Is the even feed thing and the alphabet worth the extra $500 in your opinion? I know i could always use a walking foot but a not sure what you all do with the alpha and numbers. My birthday is Sat. and that will be my gift from DH, MIL and DS and DD. Thanks for your opinions. Love this board.