I have one and love it. I didn't realize Janome was retiring it, I didn't see it listed in the retired section on the Janome web site. I use windows 7 and there is no problem with the software, (digitizer pro v1). Yes I did have to update from the Janome web site but after that it works great! The only thing is that it uses a card to transfer designs (well mine does not sure how the new ones do it) and I was concerned that I couldn't buy a small mb card at the store. I eneded up ordering one from Janome, it was really expensive $50. You can get a usb for a much more reasonable price. Overall I love mine and it has always worked well for me. Good Luck on your purchase, it is very exciting buying a new machine. Anna Cameron
Janome has retired this model. Questions to ask: Are you buying it from a dealer? If not, where can you get it serviced? Does it take a CF card or does it have to have a special card and reader? Does it come with software for getting the designs from your computer to the card? There was a thread here a while back about a 9500 (I believe) which was obsolete due to Janome no longer making parts for it. I worried about my 10001 and talked to my service/dealer. He said not to worry as long as I still had a computer that is compatible with my software. The software was originally written for WindowsXP which will no longer be supported by Microsoft in about a year. Fortunately Janome posted updates to support the software on Windows 7 but beyond that my software will be outdated. I plan to keep my old XP desktop to dedicate to my embroidery machine. It is already off-line so as long as I have it and my laptop I'm ok. However you need to take all these things into consideration. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Seems so many of us have the same problem, with our machines not being compatible with Windows 7. Most of us still need XP. I had to keep my old computer also, just so I can do my embroidery.
That was the first embroidery machine I bought and I loved it. (I upgraded to the MC11000 last year)
Hi, my first 9700 was a lemon always in for repair,at the most I would have a week and it would be back in again. It was replaced and I have had no complaint, except they are a bit touchy to get the tension right. They are a good machine to learn on. I have bought a Hus D2, from a friend of mine and love it. It is a mater of how much money you can afford. Another friend has the latest Brother,I can tell you it is a dream machine,I will need to win gold loto first...he he