I have also a designer1 with floppy disk , and I was attempted by the Ruby. I have read here that two Cuties, Sigrun and Clawton have bought this machine and they have given to me their good feelings, I am sure that they will answer to your questions. I have ordered the Ruby yesterday, I am very impatient to receive it, but I cannot yet say to you how is the machine

I think it would depend on how much your actually embroider - paying that much for a machine that isn't used - would be self-defeating - but the features are wonderful and safe alot of time - the difference the display and the hoops is fantastic - you alone will have to decide - if you want to spend that sort of money for a machine - they are so lovely and wonderful - who wouldn't want one? Happy choosing.

I have the Diamond. I would suggest you not get the Ruby right away...let them work the "bugs" out. I do like the larger hoops, but don't use the HUGE hoop you buy extra. Again, the most important part of buying a machine is to be sure you have, not just good, but GREAT support from your dealer. Read the fine print. Viking has changed some of their policies in the last year. You will get nothing for your Designer 1, so keep it so you can be doing 2 things at once!! I kept my SE & like the ability to sew and embroider at the same time. Hope this helps.

I upgraded from the Des I to the Diamond and have never better happier! I personally love the extra large hoop, have used it for jacket backs, a great wall hanging of the ten commandments in Hebrew for a friend that was doing her 2nd bat mitzvah at age 75! The Diamond has so many wonderful features, and I did not want to pay to upgrade from a floppy to a usb stick port, so I bit the bullet and paid for the Diamond. I was really afraid they would bring out an upgrade for it in just a year or two, but so far no word of that. I have never been one to have to have the newest and best, but the new features usually make my life easier! The only problem I have ever had with the machines has been keeping the auto threader aligned. It works for awhile, gets touchy, stops working, and I get it fixed when I have the machine serviced. THen we start over again. Hope you love whatever machine you get! Linda

I have a Designer 1 (since 1999) and bought a Ruby last Saturday, only went in to collect the D1 after yearly service, saw the Ruby being demonstrated and walked out of the shop with 2 machines.

I love the large hoop. The touch screen is great, but so different from what I was used to, so I am looking for buttons that are no longer there. Having said that: it's a lovely machine, I have done some sewing, embroidered in the 'small' hoop (it's actually 120 x 120 mm, so larger than the usual 100x 100) and did 8 napkin rings in the large hoop. Had to move my table away from the wall to use it! My sewing room needs a reshuffle!!

They offered €700 for the Designer 1, so I kept that and offered it to my daughter, who is delighted to get it (not before March when she comes over to visit - so I can have a go at both).

Should you get the new one? That depends on how yours performs, its age and what you plan to do with it. You might decide to just buy an extra hoop - depends on what you have - but there aren't many designs especially for the 200 x 360 that comes with the machine except expensive Husqvarna or Pfaff CD's.

Make sure you have a very good dealer who offers great service!

I thank all of you for your input on the Ruby. My Designer 1 is only 2 years old and to trade it in I would lose quite a bit. I paid 4000.00 for it and they only want to give me 1,700.00 dollars for it. But I love the fact that the Ruby has the automatic cutter in it between stops. The New Year is right around the corner so I will wait at least until then. But I know that I will keep my Designer 1! Sorry it took my so long to get back here. I was chasing the Naughty Santas and Mrs.S around. I finally got all of them!!!!!Dawn