I looked around a good bit and bought Embird. So far I have only the basic program and the iconizer, but am still learning. But I figure even if I add the Font Engine for doing monograms, plus the digitizing and sfumato (for phots) AND the cross-stitch plug-ins, it would still be less than a lot of other programs I looked at. You can get somewhat discounted prices from Diane's Designs (
www.dianesdesignshome.com ).
But I agree with Dolphpyngyrl, anyone who offers a 30 day trial, download it and see how you like it. Also check out this thread here on the QB:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...un-t32969.html . There's a lot to read through, but a lot of good information too.