I've never sewn with a Janome, but I have the Brother 6000i. I like the way it sews, but find having the default needle position at the left is annoying. I have to keep a sticky note on it to remind me to reset the needle position with each use. I've been piecing with Coats and Clark Dual Duty Plus, and the Brother is very sensitive to lint in and around the bobbin case, skipping a lot. Better thread would help. The bobbin holder is a bit tricky to reinstall properly. A lot of stitches to choose from. Lightweight, easy to carry to meetings. I don't like the case- no latches, just settles over the machine with a handhold through the top into the machine. I bought it used and overall am happy with it.