If the pod refers to the stitch regulator, that was a real pain in the backside, imo. It would be worth the extra money to have a built in stitch regulator, if you want/need a stitch regulator. I don't use one and am improving, but I am not a perfectionist when it comes to my FMQ. If you are wanting to be perfect right off the bat, you'll probably want a stitch regulator.