Hi!-Viking is a top notch name in the feild of sewing. I used to work for them part-time in addition to my full time job. I own two Viking embroidery machines-both of which are top of the line(Designer SE and Designer Diamond). As for the 830 model, it makes for a great quilting experience with its pivot and turn feature where the pressure foot automatically rises a notch when the operator takes her/his foot off the pedal. The bobbin NEVER knots up. It Glides over multiple thicknesses of fabric. Also, the pressure foot has three positions so one never has to fight to position the quilt. The 850 has a longer bed so you one doesn't have to fight to sew and move the quilt through. Viking pressure feet fit all the Viking machines so if you trade up you don't have to lose all your favorite feet. The only thing the 850 doesn't have is a thread cutter and I am so annoyed that one has to jump to the 870 to get it because there is a great jump in price. But for avid quilters, it may be worth the jump-the thread cutter is THAT convenient. I don't know what you read but I can tell you that you made a smart purchase. Your machine never needs oiling and you are likely to have it for your lifetime. Enjoy!/Lissa