I think everyone has their preference. There are folks here who LOVE the Janome 8900; I have one that I'm really only lukewarm about. I don't hate it but I don't love it either. I have owned three Brothers that I adored, and next month I'm buying the Dream Creator - pretty sure it will be my next machine love. You really need to get out and try everything you can get your hands on; it's the only sure way to know whether you're going to love it once you get it home. I wish I'd spent more time with the Janome; I never would have bought it if I had.