Woot woot I love my Janome's. I have a 6500 and I have a 10001. I also have an old New Home which Janome company bought out. I love my machines. I bought them from one dealer and have since changed dealers because of his attitude. I would never own or buy a Bernina because of the dealer, so I guess what I am saying is that Janome machines are great but you also have to have a great dealer who doesn't lie or let you down or thinks your money isn't good enough to spend in their store. My friend also has a Janome 9000 (which is what I traded in when I purchased my 6500 and 10001) and she has the little Gem, loves her machines too. Funny cause I was considering getting rid of everything last week and then I sewed and ended up using three of my machines at one time.........6500, New Home and FW. So guess I won't be getting rid of anything just yet.
Yup Janome is a great brand another plus is they don't have a whole lot of plastic parts if any.