In my very opinionated opinion, you could not go wrong with a Viking.....any Viking.

I have the Viking rose,and still don't know how to use it yet to get the best value from it.I do fine with the basics and using the cards,but still can't figure out the customizer and digitizer fully.I've been back for lessons at least 3 times.But because i'm not so computor literate,it's hard for me.
Good luck to you.
Kathi

It is a large purchase, if you are going to sew with it also, take fabric samples and try the sewing side. I have 2 Vikings the 1+ and the Designer 1, love them but on some fabrics I do use the Bernina, it just sews better and it is not an embroidery machine. DH and oldest daughter love Viking and are the two computer literate...they do all the digitizing stuff, they hoop, I change threads. Yep, you got it challenged by computer.

Thanks for all your help. I just purchased the Viking Quilt Designer II...now I need to learn how to use it!

Congratulations and good luck.Take advantage of those free lessons,you won't be sorry you did.
Kathi

Enjoy yourself Chris! Take all the classes and have a blast.