I have a 730E and YES it can use the .pes designs and yes it also uses a usb jump drive. If you are using Bernina V4 software, you can't read anything in V5 or V6 (just like any other software program) I don't have a "card" for mine and just dump my designs to the jump drive (i just bought another jump drive so that I can work on the computer while the machine is busy). My DH bought my machine on ebay from a dealer (I'm not sure if it was a trade in, on consignment or someone couldn't make the payments); it had very little time on it but didn't come with much other than the Editor Lite V4. I've downloaded Embird (and other programs) but found without a manual/tutorial they are very difficult to work with. Good luck with your new machine. Stepping up from a 35 year old Kenmore ZigZag - I LOVE mine!!!