I have a Singer Futura xl 400. It has to be connected to the computer to do hoop-type embroidery but not general sewing. Mine sews beautiful regular straight, zigzags, and 30-40 regular type embellishment stitches. It sews in reverse, has a tack design, can set the needle to stay down or up and has a needle threader built in. It has 6 LED lights. I have a Viking Designer 1 and bought the Singer as a back-up because I can't justify $3000 to $10000 for a new Viking. Haven't tried embroidery on the Futura yet. If you want to do embroidery in hoops on the Futura, you must use the computer but otherwise, not for just regular sewing. Hope that helps...