I've had my 830 for 1 year now. Love it. The features are numerous and make any type of sewing a breeze. I still have my 200E which I thought nothing would take it's place and take to classes (much easier than toting the big 830). I feel the motor on the 830 "handles" the BSR much smoother than my 200, JMO. Embroidery is wonderful, wish all the hoops came with the racket knob. This machine is so versatile- taking a utility stitch into embroidery, copy & duplicating to make "your own" design fabric is awesome. You won't be sorry if you get this machine and take the mastery classes to learn even more what the 830 can do.

I bought mine a month ago. I had decided to give it a few years on the market so any kinks might be ironed out. I love it and the more I learn, the more I love it. Today I did my first border embroidery on a pillow case and it was perfect! There are so many features that can be done right in the machine that required software before. I quilted, free motion an entire quilt and had only one thread break. The space for quilting is amazing. I will say that it helps to understand that it is a computer that sews so for those that arent into that sort of thing, it may not be the machine for them. But if you arent afraid of the computer part or if you love buttons (like I do) you will have so much fun with it. Might I reccomend getting the cabinet if that is a deal they are offering. It is great to have it recessed for quilting and with the hydraulic lift you are ready for embroidery in a flash. Good luck.
Phyl

I purchased mine when it first came out. So far I have been very impressed with the machine. It has been in the shop for minor fixes of things that have shown up after they had been in use for a while, nothing major. I have had mine for 1-1/2 years and would highly recommend it to anyone. I love the hover feature on the pressure foot, makes the knee lift obsolete in my opinion and again can't beat the automatic threader. There are so many nice features that it is impossible to go into. Anyway LOVE IT.

I have been wrestling with the same question...only I have been trying to decide between the 830 and a longarm. I really want both. :shock: I love the idea of giving your hubby one for his birthday, but the only problem is that it's such a great machine with so many interesting technological advances that he might decide to USE it

I had a wonderful workshop yesterday at a LQS in Jax playing with the Bernina 830. No...I did not bring one home with me, but, I wanted too. This is one fantastic machine! My question to those that have one. Should I? Dare I? Do you have any regrets? Pretty good deal right now, and no pressure from the dealer that I had to decide yesterday. Anyway, any advice is welcome. My hubby's birthday is today...do you think I should buy it for him?
Sandi in....where is fall....FL