I really like my 440QE (and vintage 730 and 1630). I don't think you will ever regret your purchase of a Bernina. The suggestion to take the classes is a good one. There are so many features that just are not mentioned in the manual. Even simple things like a thread cutter down in the bobbin area to cut the thread once you've but the bobbin case in - I never would have known that great feature with out going to the classes.