I have the 8200. I like it, most of all feet you want are included in the price. The pop up throat plate is easy. The large throat is wonderful for free motion of larger quilts. One thing I learned, you must use the single hole throat plate or you will have problems with FM. Mine is picky when it comes to thread. The machine is whisper quiet (I like this). I didn't get the 8900 because I couldn't justify paying that much more for more fancy stitches that I would never use. Go to your Janome dealer and test both machines. Let us know what you decide