I have the Janome gem and platinum--both are great. I like the bigger selection of stitches on the platinum (including the blanket stitch). I was at a quilt retreat once when I saw a woman quilting a full size quilt on the gem. I tote mine back and forth to my bees without trouble. Brother also makes a similar machine that i've seen at some retreats. I don't have a comparison, but it is cheaper I know.