I think a lot of people are hoping she (and others) do exactly that! :wink:
The trickle down effect.

After much poking about, I have found a .pdf with the specs for the new 500 series.

You have to let the thing load, then go to page 2, then back to page one to see the charts.

http://www.itsastitchonline.com/misc...580Machine.pdf

The new series is supposed to be available in the Fall. I'm planning to get a 440. The QE that replaces this is going to be over $4000, effectively taking it totally out of my price range primarily due to the embroidery features that I do not need.

The 550 QE will have NO embroidery capability. Only the 580 will have embroidery potential. The 430/440/450 are all embroidery compatible, although the software may be unsupported or obsolete in the not too distant future. If I didn't already have a 440, I'd be looking to snag one now at a reduced price. It seems to me that the 550 has no new features, just upgraded cosmetics, screen, and lighting.