Love my Janome 9500. Have a wonderful Babylock elegant too but my Janome does so much and cost so little BY COMPARISON. I would go with the 9700 and get the colored screen if I were to do it over and I would seriously consider the potability favors with Janome if you do or plan to do many clAsses. It is the most portable of the full range embroidery machines in my opinion. AgainI LOVE MY JANOME !!!!