I had the 2170 and it WILL hold patterns in memory, not a lot but quite a few. I believe this model also has the usb drive, so you can download from your computer. Since I have a 2134, it requires the memory card and the memory card reader...you plug the memory box to your computer, download onto the card and then slip the card into the machine. It acts just like a flash drive, but the reader box was very expensive. Again, that is the 2134 I am speaking of. The 2170 is another animal. I know it has a usb slot and a cord...so a flash drive should work as well. It is a great machine if you can get it at a reasonable price.
Michelle