I just got the Janome 8200 and love it! Smooth, quiet, huge throat, stitches beautifully, a dream at FMQ, knee lift, great lighting, and very very easy to learn. Monogramming is something I wanted and this has it. A very easy to read screen, too. Get this: my dealer said its her favorite--and she plays with all the Janomes extensively. I got mine for 1400 as a repack. So if I wanted any more machine than this, I'd stick with Janome. Accessories on board are well organized and there's a generous lot of them. I Can't speak for Viking but I see many more for sale on Craigslist than I see Janomes , which tells me something. Have fun and let us know!