That sounds like a good price to me. I have the Sapphire 850 and I love it. If the integrated quilting platform is the Fab-U-Motion system I'd give it a good try before you buy it. I have it but am finding I can do just as well with FMQ.

The Sapphire 850 has a 10+ inch throat.

I would check out different machines

I'm not sure exactly what the "integrated sewing paltform" is really called...I just remember the word integrated. I would definately need to go back in the store with fabric and try it out. I got to play with it a little. It holds the quilt section you are FMQing while you move the platform around for FMQ. You control the speed by how fast you move the platform so you can slow way down when stiching a tight curve or speed up when you want to just by the speed you move the platform. I thought it felt easy to use but he said it may take a little while to get used to it. The shop services all types of sewing machines and has been in business for over 25 years. I have a friend who bought an 830 there a year ago and she says there aren't any lessons with it but it's quite easy to read the manual and figure it out. I didn't see the 870 there so I'm going back to look some more. I can't afford a Bernina and he said the Pfaff is owned by the same company as Viking (can't remember who bought who out) and essentially they have the same features. Thanks for all the rsponses!

I've been lusting after the Babylock Espire for 2 years now, but it just doesn't fit into my current budget. :cry: :cry: :cry:

I love my Janome 760 for classes and have a Pfaff that I use at home. Both are great machines. Good luck

You might want to look at the Janome 6600 before you do anything....it's a fabulous machine, easy to use, good size throat, smooth operation, quiet....does just about anything! I am in love with mine, and so are several in my quilting group.

look around a little, for that kind of money you want to make sure you get whats best. Penny

I have the 830 and love it. I'd really like to have one with a larger throat but they're out of my price range until I hit the lottery. Please don't waste money on the Fabu-motion thing--it sucks!!! I got one and used it maybe 3 hours. The area is too small and you spend all your time repositioning the quilt. The machine has tension sensing so you don't need a walking foot and you can do FMQ (well I can't yet) easily without that thing. The machine has so many features for the price that I'd get the same one again. I agree about service-the LQS where I got mine does the service and has classes for Viking users. Good luck on whatever you choose. I think that's a good price on a new Viking.

I am researching a new machine as well because my latest Pfaff and I do not get along. I have a list of must haves and some want to haves and go by that.

One good place to find out info is on www.patternreview.com You have to register but they have a free option to join. You can read all the reviews by users of the machine. Just so you know, I checked in real quick and there are more negative comments than positive at first glance.

In that price range, you can check Janome 6600, Brother NX450 (I think), and the one I am most likely going to get Babylock Quest Plus (or the Quilter's Choice is real nice too). I cannot recommend the Pfaff any longer because I am very unhappy with it.

Isn't machine shopping fun?

BTW: I never pay what the dealer quotes me without checking around first. I always check MSRP and generally start haggling at the 30% off mark. I also check various dealers and get quotes from them. It is a lot like buying a car.

Example: Dealer 1 quoted me $1,299 WITH trade-in. Dealer 2 quoted me @1,299 without trade-in and an additional $1OO off coupon special.

I have a Saphire 870 and love it! I had to order the sewing platform extra and it was expensive, but is very large and makes sewing a joy. I too had to adjust my needle position when using the 1/4" foot to 0.3 in order to get true 1/4".