buy the one with the biggest hoop that you can afford. You won't regret it. I have the Brother Ult. 2002D. It's never given me any trouble until a year ago. Something went out with a sensor. Replacing that, a new plate, and the"newer" version of the emb. foot cost about $250. It's working like new now. I use it as my main machine to sew/quilt as well as using the emb. unit nearly every day.