that's a difficult question for me to answer.
i indulged myself in a Dream Machine 2 a couple of years ago.
i am now so spoiled that i can't imagine going back.
the features i could never do without again:
built in scanner. i use it to help position the embroidery before i start stitching.
big embroidery area. i can do up to 9.5" x 14". this is very handy when i use the machine to do quilting.
the feature i could easily do without?
the price!
lol