dtipdonk, I also would like to know - buying for my Mother - tomorrow. I thought you had a Bernia? Isn't the 4d embroidery for Viking?

I've got the 4D and am learning it every day. I don't know of any on-line classes and I get very little support from the store. My dh and i have figured out a lot tho, like resizing to maintain stitch count, color changes, you can also access all the fonts in your computer which is nice. I've got the Designer 1 USB, if you have a specific problem let me know, maybe I can help, if not the ladies here are terrific.

If you bought you softway from a dealer they should have classes you can sign for. I have 2 dealer within 30 minutes and they have both been very helpful. I actually went in for a refresher because I needed some help on some features that I don't use often. ALSO, the books that came with mine has some step by step practice activities.

Do you feel the 4D is much better than the 3D? I can't deside if I want to upgrade. I have also been reading about Embird but I have a Viking dealer close by and they give excellent support and classes on everything.
Thanks for any opinions.