I just purchased a Janome Horizon...after much looking and finally tossing a coin....not really, but it was hard to decide because I know it's the last machine I'll buy (new)....I've had a Bernina 1230 for 25 years, but the new ones are way more than I've comfortable spending...The Pfaff 4.0 didn't work for me and I traded down for a Smarter, but that was too difficult for filling the bobbin...and the needle threader worked only occassionaly.....The dealer is letting me trade it in on the Horizon....although she was really pushing the Laura Ashley....I've had the Horizon for less than a week, so I am just trying things out...Good luck....Hattie