I have an HQ Avante with the ProStitcher. Now that I have had it for some time I have no problem using it. It does take time to learn the process but they have come a long way in their manuals. There are recent updates that I will not be getting as my machine uses the original equipment and they now have improved so much it would have to be replaced but they say it will not be replaced again for many years so if you are just starting out you would be good to go. If I had it to do over, I would get it. Their help area is GREAT. I call and if they don't have an open line I leave a message and they always call back. Why oh why do I always have a problem on a weekend???? Actually I have not had to call for anything in over a year (did I just end my luck?). I found this to be a good machine/SW package, not cheap but a lot less than others. You need to really look around and TRY them all to see what suits you. This is a costly buy so get what you want and what you can get support on.