For about the 4th time, I have the Janome 350E and love it. Each machines has their own format (language) that they read. I feel that it is important to have the USB port. Cards are too hard to find and very expensive when you do. The bobbin issue with the Janome 300E the lady mentioned is as simple as an adjustment. Whenever a machine has a thread cutter, it is wise to let the thread cutter do its job and stop. Sometimes we are over-anxious to see what our work looks like and we jerk before the thread cutter is done. There is a tiny spring on the bobbin area that needs to be treated gently. It will do the work that needs to be done but it needs to be treated as a surgeon treats his tools. Whatever you decide, you will truly enjoy a new machine and doing things you only dreamed about. Just my nickel's worth Susan.