I was just in a class last Saturday at my LQS and they the owner lent a new Janome 3160 to the student next to me. I have the 6600 and 8900 but really liked this new machine. It has needle up/down and automatic thread cutter. It is much lighter than my other machines. The shop owner says she will have them on special for December for $500 and it will come with some extra feet, etc. Hmmm...