Viking girl here. Mine is about 10+ years old now but still has more capability than I'll ever use. But it has needle up/down; start/stop button (that I've yet managed to get comfortable using!); also needle threader that I've never been impressed with; does minor embroidery. I have never had a day's worth of trouble with it. I paid about $1200 at the time but was given a reasonable deal then as well from the 'list' price.