You'll get many differing opinions...those with Bernina's and those without. For me, I wasn't willing to part with the $$ for the name. As I've said many times here - I am the spreadsheet queen. I determined my needs; wants; desires. Let my fingers walk the internet for machines that had those features. Went to dealers to test drive and get pricing. Made appropriate notes. Sat back and looked at the s/s and did an 'unbiaised' assessment based on MY personal needs/wants and factored in the $$ I wanted to spend. I ended up with a Viking and am very happy. Your, as well as others, assessment may be far different. Me....I wouldn't buy a machine just because others say it's the 'best'. Best for you may be far different than 'best' for someone else.