As far as portability goes, a featherweight would probably be your best option. They're light and easy to carry. A 301 would be my next choice. Is there a reason, you don't want to use your 401? I've used my 301a to take to classes and sew ins, and it works fine. Not too heavy and a good size to fit in the car. I wouldn't worry too much about the feet. I've seen them at estate and garage sales really cheap. There are also some reproduction ones. I have only used one of the reproductions and it worked well.