The new Janome 7700 is coming out the 1st of May and will retail at $2999. It has what has been called "the real blanket stitch" and an improved blind stitch. I would wait to see what this is all about before purchasing the 6600.....which I have and love.....I have had it three years and am still learning things about it. The Yahoo group is most informative. www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Janome.......You do need to join, but there is no obligations. I joined before I bought my Janome to gather information.....some very accomplished quilters belong and post regularly. The site has the information for both the 6500 and the 6600.
I hope this will help you.