I am a Janome gal and lucky that I am own the 9400. I purchased it three years ago and have not had one problem and I sew most every day. The needle threader works, the accufeed system is awesome and its just a wonderful machine. They now sell an upgrade for about $100 and it comes with a ruler foot and a few other items. My understanding is this upgrade would make it comparable to the new 9450. My first computerized machine was a Janome Memory Craft 3500 and I still sew on it as well. I trust the Janome brand as this machine makes the 4th Janome machine I have purchased. It also has an indicator as to when the bobbin is running low (you can change the setting), great lighting and just completely satisfied. Also there is a great tutorial on YouTube that the Chatterbox Quilts has put out there for the 9400 and the 9450. She does a very good job of explaining the machine.