I wouldn't presume to guess what any particular person would want, but my nieces (10 and 14) have no interest in any of my vintage machines, but will spend hours creating on my newer, computerized machines. They are easy to thread, have speed controls so they don't have to master a foot controller right away and they both find needle down and the knee lift for the presser foot very useful. I'll happily sew along on one of my 301's, 500's or assorted 15 clones and maybe someday they'll come to appreciate them as well. But they are much more comfortable with the 'fancy' electronics.