The advantage of being able to test drive a sewing machine is that you can choose a machine with the bells and whistles you want. Don't like some of that computerized stuff? Just go down to the next cheaper machine. I have computerized machines, mainly Vikings, and love them. I have a longarm so am not concerned with FMQ on the sewing machine. I also have a fairly new fangled washer, a Kenmore, and I love that it doesn't have the agitator in the middle. I can pause it to add another item. True, it is hard to do just a partial cycle, but mine has an option to make my own cycle, which I have not tried. But I do wish you could go into an appliance store and "test drive" before you buy.