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User interface of janome 9000 vs brother 6500/8500
Janina Beginner OH USA Member since 11/8/03 Posts: 5	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/03 9:54 AM I want to buy a computerized sewing/embroidery combo machine. I've done a lot of reading and web searching and spent some time checking out machines at my local dealer. I've narrowed it down to the Janome MC9000 or the Brother PC 6500 (or 8500 used that I found on an online classified listing). The cost for any of these machines seems to be between $900-1100 (online) which is about what I can afford to spend. All three of these  machine seem to have the features that I am looking for. The problem is that none of the local dealers carry the MC9000 or the PC6500 in stock anymore so I can't actually take them for a test drive. My biggest concerns right now are the following: 1.  QUality of Janome vs Brother 2. SInce the machines are computerized, how good or bad is the user interface. (I am a Human Factors doctoral student specializing in user interface design. I cannot tolerate a poor interface especially not when I am spending that kind of money). For anyone who owns one of these machines, I would love to hear your experiences with them. Also any thoughts on the quality of Janome vs Brothers and the idea of buying a used machine directly from the owner. Thanks
Mollykat Beginner MI USA Member since 10/3/03 Posts: 168	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/03 12:01 PM I have a Brother 8500 and I like it a lot.  I have had it for 3-4 years and do not think I'll be growing out of it anytime soon.  Having never seen a Janome in action, I can not do a comparison. As far as human interface, could you please describe what you asking about?  It is easy for me to operate and understand. Good luck finding your perfect machine.
NancyDaQ Advanced NM USA Member since 1/12/02 Posts: 3838	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/03 2:33 PM FWIW, I have used both Brother and Janome. Right now I have a Brother 8200 that has been upgraded to an 8500. I also have a New Home 8000, which was the machine that the Janome 9000 replaced. I have not used either machine extensively for machine embroidery. However, I would say that for general sewing, I really prefer the Janome. The stitch quality seems better, and I have a greater ability to fine tune stitch length and so forth. I also prefer the overall sewing "feel" of the Janome, which I realize is a personal thing. On the Brother, I had to have the touch screen replaced not long after I purchased it, and later found out that other sewers with this machine also had the same issue. It was not an inexpensive repair. Keep in mind that with either machine you mentioned, if you want to download designs from the internet, you will need to buy software. This is probably the main thing that has held me back from doing more embroidery. I am considering trading in to get a new machine with a direct interface to my computer. My dealer sells both machines and would really prefer that I trade the New Home/Janome even though its an older model than the Brother and the trade in value is roughly the same. HTH. ------ Now blogging at http://sewwest.blogspot.com
Janina Beginner OH USA Member since 11/8/03 Posts: 5	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/03 5:39 PM Thanks for the comparison info Nanflan. I was also thinking about  how nice it would be to interface with my computer directly. Do you know what machines will do that? I am guessing those will be the newest models and out of my price range. Moolykat, when I talk about the user interface of the machine, I am interested in how easy it is to get the computer to do exactly what you want it to do (i.e. is it easy to control or do you have to come up with a lot of workarounds to get it to do exactly what you want; also, how easy is it to find exatly the stich you want, or the design you want). It's nice for a machine to ahve lots of functions and gizmos, but if the interface is bad, you won't know what it can do and it's hard to find what you need.
Mollykat Beginner MI USA Member since 10/3/03 Posts: 168	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/03 7:06 PM Hmmmmmm,  as in do I need to look at the owners manual to change to a decorative stitch?   Okay,  I find the machine's layout to be straight forward.  I can not think of anything I want it to do that I can not easily find.   Regarding the software for machine embroidery, the 8500 uses PE-Design 3.0 and the Brother website has an upgrade to 4.0.  You could ask the seller if they will also sell the software with the machine. As for the touchplate screen, I've had trouble with it before.  My local shop has a wizard in the back and he showed me how to fix it.  (I still have to take it in so he can show me again everytime it happens)  Apparently the screen needs adjustment from time to time.  Actually, if it weren't for this wizard, my experience with Brother or any other machine I owned, would be less positive. Do you have a good SM repairperson?  Make sure that person is familiar with the the eccentricities of whichever type of machine you end up buying.  If the repair guy doesn't approve, I'd really have to think hard about buying. Good luck, hope you enjoy the one you buy!
Janina Beginner OH USA Member since 11/8/03 Posts: 5	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/9/03 9:12 PM THanks Mollykat, that's exactly the kind of information I was looking for.
Lizz   Advanced TN USA Member since 10/10/03 Posts: 254	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/11/03 5:37 PM I've had several Janome machines, the 9000 for about 4 years now, and loved them all.  They have had few repairs, were easy for me to use, kept a beautiful stitch, were easily adjusted, took many additional feet with ease.  Currently I also use a 7500 and love it as well.  Both DD's use Jamones and have had no problems.  I don't do a lot of embroidery, but the little I do has been without trouble and not too difficult. I have never used a Brother so can't help you there. Lizz
renelope   Intermediate IL USA Member since 11/27/03 Posts: 8	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/28/03 7:34 PM I am also interested in either the Brother 6500/8500 (would really like to know if anyone prefers one over the other) or the Janome 9000.  I would like to add embroidery to my sewing projects but do not have room for two machines so I need one that can also handle general sewing well.  I do not usually use any fancy stitches but just need a machine that can do the basics well (need good buttonholes and stretch stitch).  If there are any quirks about either of the machines, that would be helpful as well. Also, there are not many dealers located close to me so I would be interested how often these computerized machines break down.  I am used to finding a part and fixing my old White whenever anything goes wrong.  Since the prices are so much better, I would appreciate any referrals to a reputable on-line dealer. Thanks!

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