When I got both my Janome and my Husqvarna embroidery machine I didn't use it at home until I had my first lessons. Up until I bought my Janome MC6600P my machines were the Singer 19-51, a Damascus treadle and another Singer 413 (I think) it was used and all I cared about was that it had the Zig Zag stitch without an attachment. I had a Singer portable from 1973 that was worthless so can't tell you anything about what it was.
I knew the new machines were more complicated so wanted to be able to use them with confidence.