Congrats! You will love your new Viking! I have a Lily, which is essentially the same as your 500. Very good machine. It does have the smaller throat area, but don't let that get to you! It is a workhorse of a machine and will last you many years. I upgraded just recently to the Sapphire. Not for any particular reason, just found a good deal. My Lily is just sitting here.....maybe I sould sell it.