The 404s are a really cool straight stitch machine. They are similar and just as good as a 301, less expensive (less demand) but have the advantage of a drop in bobbin. (No shuttle to loose.) They are about the same size as the 301, too. There is no carry handle either. No they don't do the decorative stitches like the 401 or 403 but in my opinion they are a good solid machine. It was my choice for my granddaughters to learn to sew on. They can easily graduate to a 401 or a 403 or a 500 or a 503 some day. The 404 is easy to operate - not much to mess up. I love the slant needle - so much easier to see what you are doing than most machines.