I just went to one LQS - the other said online that they were open Sundays 12-4, but the door said Sundays are closed. The one I went to only has Pfaff. I got there, told the sales clerk what I was basically looking for, and my price range. She showed me a floor model Pfaff Expression 150th Anniversary Edition, on sale for $1199. It does have the IDT, and a large throat. What it doesn't have (specifically) from the wish list is an alphabet function, thread snips, or an easy way to thread - the "automatic threader" is more complicated than the one on my Brother right now. She also didn't know much about the machine, even though it had been in the store for over a year - just kept saying that the 4.2 was better because of this and this and this, but its out of price range. The other thing is that the price doesn't include any accessories, the extension table is $200, and new user classes have to be paid for. Plus, the repair program sends machines out for repair - there isn't anyone on site. I said I would think about it, and then asked to look at the Christmas fabric for the NQ3 swap - but they had about 10 bolts left. I need one more, so more shopping must be done tomorrow.

Janome and the Juki F600 are still on the list - more reviews to come.