Thanks for the good info. I just found out last year RCA is not RCA at all. Only keeps the name. Only had this t.v. 5 years. Old Emerson lasted 22 years and never a repair. SO now we have a LG.

Wow I love this article. It is so informative and really great. I own two Bernina's and I love them very much. But I am thinking of buying my daughter a machine in Australia. Guess I will do research for down there.

I read the article and it has given me something to think about.

If I were looking for a machine, I would get a Bernina and I heard that some models are being discontinued and can be had at a reasonable price now. Well I heard this right before Christmas.. I really like my bernina

I have 2 Berninas and love both of them. I have an old 830 from the 1960s. I've made a wedding dress, a sail for a sail boat and mended my leather sandal straps on it and it still sews great. I only got a new 440 so I could get the needle up, the free motion foot and other newer things most machines have. I love the 440 too. I have a wonderful dealer. So I feel blessed. He does take machines in on trade and I would buy a used Bernina before I would buy most other brands. A friend of mine bought a used one and it sews just like both mine do. I know other friends that have other brands and they love them too. It just depends on your needs and what your experience is.

I used to have Pfaffs and Husqvarna machines.My latest updates both failed - my new Pfaff was made in Sweden. The previous 'made in Gemany' were far more reliable.Now that Blessington have taken over Singer,Husqvarna,Pfaff etc. I can only assume the location will change again. I replaced the malfunctioning machines with Baby Lock and Brother,(thinking they were made in 'reliable' Japan). However, one is made in the USA and the other in China...so it remains to be seen. So far, things are working OK. I have done extensive research as well and find that Juki has a hand in many models.

Just be ready for a surprise with the prices. Machines bought overseas are not always covered by warranty as well. The main brands here are Bernina,Pfaff,Husqvqrna, Brother, Elna,Janome,Singer.Baby Lock have sergers and only two lower end machines plus a few specialty machines such as sashiko and embellisher but not the range of sewing machines as seen in the States.There are a few outlets for Toyota machines and AEG and I think that is about it.

very interesting and informative article,

Thanks for this article. Take into consideration that it was written in 2007. I would not be buying a Pfaff or Viking in at this time. Anyone who has an older pfaff is not happy with the current ones. There just not the machine they were. Speaking from experience.

that sure helped me out in buying my next machine... all I have to say is really, thanks for sharing that helped me out oodles !! Thank you !!