While you are considering the Futura you should be aware that you must be connected to the computer in order to do the embroidery. To some people that is not possible. That being said, I am also a happy owner of a CE250. I haven't had any problems with it or any difficulties learning to use it. On the other hand I have never tried out any other machine so I don't have anything to compare it with. One of my friends put out a load of cash on a Viking and she hasn't used it to even a quarter of it's potential and wonders how I do what I do with my little cheap machine. I tease her that if I paid that much for a sewing machine I would be scared to use it!:)