I began with a combo unit, a Brother. I loved it but setting it up for different things seemed impractical to me. So I opted for 2 machines. I can be sewing with one while the embroidering with the other. I am a huge Janome fan and most all of my machines are Janome. I understand the cost savings of a duo unit, but once you begin to embroider, you will acquire another collection of thread as well of designs. You want a USB/computer port It's funny how people will request an item to be embroidered , thinking it will only take a few minutes, not true. Some of my Maxine designs take over an hour to complete. Good luck on your search.