You definitely need both, one for taking along, 301, and one for at home the 500. Also the 301 is just straight stitch. You need the 500 for all the other stitches. Hehehehehehe I can't wait to see pictures. Oh I just read you can afford only one. I would go for the 500 in cabinet with stool. I have not see one in mint condition in cabinet with stool but I have seen many 301s black or mocha.

If you are thinking of passing a machine to your granddaughters, the 301 would be as good as the FW in my opinion.

They are both so great, it would be really hard to choose. I guess it depends upon whether you need the zig zag or you just want an excellent straight stitch and portability. I have a 500 and love it, but I still haven't found my ideal 301. Some day!:D

Pat

I have a mocha 301 and my wish is for a black one. I've been looking in e-bay and the ones in good shape are too rich for me. :rolleyes:

I have two mocha 301 machines and love them both. Really beauty is in the eye of the beholder, huh? :)

Well I have a 301 and a 401 which is supposed to be the same as a 500 basically...and I vote for the 301! I used to want a rocketeer, but after getting a 401 I decided one was enough. Don't get me wrong, it's a great machine, and it is smooth, but it doesn't glide along like the 301. It surprised me, since they are both slants.