FYI.... The PE Design BASIC uses a card writer/reader/card, but transfers designs from your computer to the machine. That's all. Except you can resize just a bit. That is why it is called "basic". I have PE Design v5 software....I've had v2, and also still have v4. The ''v-version" software all has capability for digitizing. Many people get confused because they named it "P E" also--which only stands for personal embroidery.