I just joined the group and this was the first post I read. Coincidentally, I just bought the same machine in the beginning of December. I looked at a lot of machines from Janome Horizon (which is the same as the 740, just different skin), to Bernina 820, to Babylock, to Brother, and Pfaff and picked the Elna 740.
Years ago I purchased a Diva, which was the last group of Swiss made machines by Elna. There was just so much bang for the buck, I couldn't afford or justify a Bernina. And, in the roughly 14 yrs. I have owned it, never have I had an ounce of trouble. So, when I tried the 740, after looking at all the other machines, this was IT! It is a machine that doesn't have a huge learning curve. I didn't want to have to take lesson after lesson to understand every nuance. It is a pick up, go and sew machine. I am quilting a Twister quilt with it now, and I am in love with this machine. The dual feed foot is incredibly easy and extremely effective and 11 inches to the right of the needle. Oh my gosh, what a pleasure to use this machine.
I'm not saying money was no object, but I am a serious sewer, and I looked at them all (and researched to the point of beating it to death). most of the others were more expensive than this machine. Once again, great bang for the buck from Elna. Hope you love it half as much as I do. Your husband is a great guy and you're a very lucky girl. Congratulations!!