It is well over your 500 price tag, but my 1600P is IMHO the ideal quilter's straight stitch machine. The deeper throat makes quilting much easier. There is a separate motor for the bobbin winder, a good needle threader. I do about 45 quilts a year so dependability is key. I have a fancy stitch machine but this is my workhorse. The trait I really enjoy is the thread cutter. When I am quilting it is very handy to be able to lock and cut a thread. I use that much more than I expected.