Two people in one of my embroidery groups have had nothing but problems lately with their Ruby.

Cari

The Bernina 880 is amazing.

I think I would want two machines - from what I understand - once one has an embroidery project set up on a machine, it is better to not interrupt it until it is finished?

Sometimes I am not very patient and would want to be able just sew "right now"

I think it is a personal preference. I've had 2 Berninas and loved both of them. I have an Artista 180 now that I use for most of my sewing. I realized the other day that I have had it for 18 years now!

I began with a combo unit, a Brother. I loved it but setting it up for different things seemed impractical to me. So I opted for 2 machines. I can be sewing with one while the embroidering with the other. I am a huge Janome fan and most all of my machines are Janome. I understand the cost savings of a duo unit, but once you begin to embroider, you will acquire another collection of thread as well of designs. You want a USB/computer port It's funny how people will request an item to be embroidered , thinking it will only take a few minutes, not true. Some of my Maxine designs take over an hour to complete. Good luck on your search.

Test drive your final choices.... only way to tell what feels most comfortable to you. Like shoes, if they are are comfortable when you try them on and walk around, they should stay that way.

Personally I had a Bernina & sold it. I now have 2 brothers
A 2800D & the dream creater & love them!!

I have a Bernina 580 and love it. I haven't really used the embroidery module yet. Took the class the shop offered but just not that interested in embroidery. It's a great machine. I actually had one, sold it on eBay and then bought another thing I would like a bigger machine. Now I'm happy again.