I'm also trying to decide between the two. I started reading the two user manuals online to come up with the exact differences. I don't promise this to be perfect since I was doing a manual compare, but in case it helps someone else here is what I've found so far:
- The Quilt Expression 4.2 looks like it has everything that the Performance 5.0 has, other than having the button entry instead of a screen to make choices. The stitches on the QE 4.2 are exactly the same as the Performance 5.0, with the exception of the maxi stitches and an additional font on the Performance.
- The Performance 5.0 has
---Better display and stylus to make selections, more interactive display
---Straight stitch needle plate indicator (so you can't switch stitches and break needles)
---Maxi stitches (including monograms) and Maxi foot
---Script font
---USB port to do software updates
---Help functionality built into the interactive screen
---10 more memory storage spaces
This will be my first new machine since I got my Pfaff 6250 (which I love!) 20 years ago. Yeah, I'm due!!!
I'm tending toward the Performance, but I'm not certain if the difference is worth the price. To add to that I have an offer from my dealer for a very good price on the QE 4.2 right now. If I decide on the Performance I'll really need to wait until there is a special price on it, but I'm not in a rush. One issue I have is the color of the QE 4.2 and I KNOW that is NOT a reason to pick a machine, but I'm just not a "pink girl" and I like the look of the Performance better. At least I recognize that's not a good reason to pick the more expensive one!
Anyone know how often, or if ever, there are software upgrades that would make the Performance and USB port a better choice?
Anyone else comparing the two and have any thoughts? I'm pretty sure that both would be good choices.