so many people buy sergers and dont use them, so they resell them. Many you can pick up for a song. I believe in mechanical simplicity. ie keep it simple. The more gagets on one machine...the more there is to go wrong...and they do. I have a, now old (30 yr), elna, still works fine, bought one for $99 for my daughter works fine. I wanted the coverstitch.....bought a coverstitch machine. Dont rush out and buy what you don't need, unless its a GREAT deal and you have a future plan for it. But it is never too early to get educated about the products, and listen to users......you are on the right track....best of luck.