I had the 7700 for 2 years, just upgraded to the 8900 Horizon. My dealer took the 7700 in trade and I felt I got a very good deal. If you can afford it or have something to trade in, do take a look at the 8900. It is such an amazing machine, very quiet and so smooth. The walking foot is separate not built in, so that annoying piece of metal is not there by the side of the needle. The throat plate comes off with the push of a button, no wrestling with a screw driver to remove it. It has a 9mm zig zag ( one of the largest) so the embroidered numbers and letters are actually legible--large enough to make quilt labels. I am so in love with this machine. Even makes a welted buttonhole. Same size as the 7700 has a large foot pedal--a nice improvement. It is like they took the 7700 and made everything much better.