When computerized parts, such as the motherboard, have to be replaced, the cost can be very pricey.

The stitches in a mechanical machine are made by a tracer that follows a cam, that moves the needle. On some mechanical machines, you can put it in the "stretch" mode, which makes the feed dogs move forward and backward.

In a computerized machine, there are stepping motors that make the stitches. One moves the needle and the other moves the feed dogs, and together, you get some amazing decorative stitches.

Thank you all for the info, it is very helpful!

I have 2 Janomes and I love them both. One is a Jem, which is small enough that I can take it to classes, etc. It has several stiches, 20 different, I think. It weighs 12 pounds, which I can manage. I also have the 11000 which weighs 48 pounds. It has all the bells and whistles I do take it to retreats, but someone has to load and unload it. My back won't let me lift that much any more. I love the start/stop button, thread cutter, automatic threader, and the various stitches, but only use a small percent of them.

Check out the Janome Sewist 500, it has presser foot pressure adjustment, which many machines do not have nowadays. The cheapest Eversewn machine has it, but I'm not sure if it is full size or not.

generally, if a computer has a small window for viewing data such as stitch length/width, etc it's an electronic machine - mechanical machines don't need such windows.

Generally speaking if you have to turn it on it's computerized.

joe's mom, what kind of machine do you have? Maybe your guy can't find a replacement part but maybe there is a similar machine on the net. Check there. Or possibly look for an older and better. You maybe very pleasantly surprised. check estate sales that may be coming up in your area or maybe a quilt guild has a member who is wanting to downsize on his or her number of machines. I adore my 401. I was looking for a second to use as a back up but my 2662 (Singer) is my back up. My 401 is my go to.

I have a 30-yr. old Singer with a drop-in bobbin. It's been virtually problem-free. I think I would want something mechanical, and definitely with a drop-in bobbin, if I have to replace my current machine. Going by the noises it's been making, I'm wondering if the motor is going.

I have a couple of computerized machines....very nice....but I recently purchased a Janome HD3000 mechanical. I love it!!! no computerized anything in it so no pricey motherboards to be replaced! I wouldn't want to N O T have a computerized machine, as they have lots of bells and whistles (wish mine had more...lol) but my Janome HD3000 is the one I use most of the time now. From what you've described about your sewing needs it sounds like a mechanical will do you just fine.