There is a host of machines that all function and look alike. Pfaff Grandquilter, Brother 1600, Yuki 980, etc. They are a basic straight-stitch machine that runs very fast. I read some blogs a while ago where a gal opted to get the Elna over the Janome because of price. Quality of the machines and features appeared to be the same. Just remember that they like a lot of oil and that you will have to dial in the tension. Some are persnickety with the type of thread they use. I don't think you'd go wrong with the Elna.