Hi, I have the SE-270D. I just purchased it a few weeks ago, but it seems to work great. It does have a 4x4 design area, but you can buy a bigger hoop as an accessory. You will find software, fonts, & designs are expensive. You can download designs free at many sites. I would recommend this machine to a beginner. I can see where someone who really gets into embroidery would want to upgrade, but I think it will be a great learning tool for me without breaking the bank. I found ebay to have the lowest price :) Also, if you are going to download designs, you will need software and the memory card to transfer the images to the machine. Be sure to look into all of that. Good luck and I hope this helps :)

Well I was going to get one of the Kenmore Oasis machines with Canyon Capacity...the one with the agitator....but after reading about the computer boards and the rusty lids and the thrashed clothes in this forum....I then looked at the F & P aquasmart.....but the washer is so new.....no real reviews yet and so I was a bit leery so.....I decided on a nice Maytag with a Porcelain top and a stainless steel tub. It is not a giant capacity like the Oasis....but when I got to thinking about how my Maytag dryer isn't big enough to handle the extra load size anyway.....it didn't really matter. My dryer is only a few years old and I really didn't feel like replacing both of them right now. Anyway....I am very thankful to everyone in this forum and wanted to express my appreciation. Thank You,

Don't waste your money--go to a regular machine dealer and buy a good used machine. I had the CS6000--went out and bought it because my Pfaff was in the shop and I just needed a backup. It lasted about two years (and I really liked it) but when it had a problem like it just didn't sew any more, my sewing machine repair man said it's not worth fixing, just throw it out. They are all plastic parts.

Read Sears warranty very carefully. Just because a sales person says something is covered does not mean it is. Look at the exclusions. Get any warranty that you are considering and read it. Read online and see if the company stands behind it. I once bought a range from Sears and they refused to honor the written warranty that came with the appliance. My best extended warranty came through a mid sized regional dealer with their own service department. I would not buy a machine with a plate agitator but there are still some with regular agitators. There is a reason that SQ costs what it does and a reason other machines cost less but the less expensive machine may work well for your needs. Whirlpool may have one. Since the warranty is important, find one you like and then try to get a machine.from them.