GB Girl

My Designer 1 SE has died and no replacement parts available! I am retired and no longer have the disposable income I once had when I bought the machine of my dreams. I am located in Canada and have come across the Artista for $1200. It comes with the Art link vers. 3 for use with PC software for Macintosh windows 95/98 2000/NT. I have just purchased an ASUS with WIN 10 64 bit.

Will I be able to download Art link 8 upgrade to my new laptop when I do not have the original software? Am I even able to download the original software to my laptop and use the upgrade?

, the price .... she is open to offers and I can't find much information to guide me on a number. I see my Designer 1 SE anywhere from $800.-$1000. on ebay and it would be about the same age.

is it too old and I should walk away. She had it to a technician and has the paper to show that it is in excellent condition.

I have never had a Bernina; I was told their reputation is that the older ones are workhorses.?

Really need help on this one......

mermaid

Not familiar w/the machine, but would like to comment on the software. Windows and Mac operating systems are entirely different, and embroidery software is usually specific to the system. You also stated that the software was for dated for 95/98-2000 and most of those systems for home use were 32 bit processors. Your new computer is Microsoft Win10 and 64 bit. I have same and my Brother software, early version issued for 2000/XP will not install. I bought a used Win7ULT w/32bit so I would be able to continue using my design software. An older used Mac might be a solution for you. However, I am now looking at Microsoft phasing out support for the Win7 system, and that will mean purchasing new updated software. I have no advice for you re the purchase, but I hope you can find a solution, because you may have found a bargain. If I am in error about my statements, someone please correct me! Just hoping to be helpful.

GB Girl

Mermaid,Thank you for your thoughts on software. You have confirmed what I was thinking, and what I thought I knew about software. I appreciate the time you have shared with me.

mermaid

Thank you for the feedback. I see all the time, older embroidery software for sale and the seller never mentions that it cannot install in latest OSystems. This annoys me as buyer may be losing money they can not afford, because they don't know to investigate the viability of their purchase. My suggestion of used PC dedicated solely to your embroidery is still a possibility and can be fairly inexpensive. Frankly, I'm holding on to an older XP laptop for this very reason. It will serve until I decide to spend thousands on new software!

Rhonda K

You might consider buying the used machine that matches your current one. You wouldn't need new software.

Next option, check with the local dealer to see if they have a trade-in available that works for you. Good luck!

Sharon5012

I used to have a 170 and it was a great machine. Never had a moments trouble, and the embroidery is beautiful. I would not pay a high price for one since it is older and the risk of the board or screen going out may be becoming a worry. But there are plenty of them still running fine, and could continue for more years. Just be careful on price, just in case.

Regarding Artlink, you can always get the latest version for free on the Bernina website. It is not a full embroidery package. It is mostly for opening designs and writing them to the machine or a USB stick. It will do a little light editing, but not a lot. Very basic, but all that some folks ever need. The 170 has a serial cable, so you would want to get a serial to USB cable to connect to your laptop. Easily purchased on Amazon or eBay or any computer business.

But perhaps she means she has version 3 of the actual full embroidery package instead of Artlink, as they do get mixed up easily. Perhaps she would throw in whatever laptop she has the software installed on. An outdated laptop has little market value, but would be useful just to run the outdated software.

Best wishes in finding a good little machine.

RedGarnet222

I also am very leery of the older machine. (and I own 2 Bernina's) I would not pay that much for it. I would check with the sewing machine dealer near you to see if there are newer trade in machines you could afford.

quiltingcandy

I have the Husqvarna/Viking Designer Topaz 20 - and I used the 5D Husqvarna Computer program. Neither is supported any more - considered too old to continue I guess. And my problems are that when there is an upgrade to Windows 10 I have to go in and make adjustments. Wish I could be more specific - the instructions are on the internet. When I bought my machine I had to buy a new computer because I bought a Mac and needed a PC. My daughter though she was helping and did the Windows 10 upgrade and it did not like my 5D. Luckily there was information on the internet to make it work.