Ethel, I will not be able to answer all of your questions, but since you are trying to decide by TOMORROW, I will answer the ones I can for you. I purchased the Viking Tribute (would be same as the 855; from what I was told they discontinued the 855) at the end of April, so I haven't had it that long. I have not used the font yet, so I am not sure what size font it has, but the fonts it lists are block, brush line, cryrillic alphabet, and hiragana alphabet (whatever htat is). I do not carry my machine to class, but I am constantly having to move it around when I am needing to use my table for ironing and cutting. It is not light; but it is not overly heavy either. It was recommended to me to purchase the interchangeable walking foot; it was about $120 but worth it in my opinion. The machine has a built in 1/4 seam, and mine is right on; which is SO nice. My machine also has the drop in bobbin, and I can wind the bobbin while my machine is threaded, it has the needle threader, and has the thread cutter on the side of the machine. It has the sensor system, which senses the thickness of the fabric and automatically lowers your pressure foot when you start sewing, and when you stop with needle down position (a feature it also has) it automatically senses the thickness of the fabric and raises the presser foot to just the right height. The Exclusive Sewing Advisor is a nice feature to me. You set the fabric type/height and it automatically sets the best stitch; stitch length, width, sewing speed and sensor foot pressure. It also gives you thread tension and needle recommendations. These features were nice for me; because I have only been quilting a short time, and prior to that, I had never really even used a sewing machine. These features may not be as cool to you if you've been sewing for a long time; I honestly don't know. The only part I have a hard time with is the fact that there is no lever to lift or put down your pressure foot. There is a button instead, but by the time I finished my quilt, I was finally used to it. The best feature of all to me; is that large throat space; it made quilting my quilt so much easier, and I would not be willing to give up that throat space for anything! I will tell you what I was told when it was time to purchase my machine--try out the ones you are interested in and see which one you are more comfortable with. I've only had my Viking a few months, but I love it and am definitely not sorry I spent my money on her! I hope I've at least helped you a little. Have fun trying the machines out, and let us know what you chose and how you like it.