Thank you everyone for your input! I do have four mechanical machines (2 singers: 221 and 99k, elna supermatic and a fleetwood deluxe heavy duty) that actually meet my current quilting needs. I was eyeing an original Lotus when I spotted the new one, and had to try it out. It seems that it is new enough that few people have actual experience with it. I think I will stick with my fab four for now, and perhaps save up for a known computerized at some point.