I think that the dealer makes all the difference, will they go to bat for you with the company if your machine has major issues? Can they do regular cleaning and repair? Do they know their machines well enough to help you learn to do whatever you want on that machine? Then I think I would consider what I can afford long term How costly are extras that I may want in the future? I have Janomes both the 3460 for travel and the 6600P and am very happy with both. I am thinking about the 7700 because I love many of the features of this new machine, the 11 inch harp and the auto single needle throat plate for example. I think I would comparison shop online on the manufacturers sites.