Artsewer
 
Intermediate
NY USA
Member since 3/2/11
Posts: 1236 |
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Date: 4/30/12 9:27 AM I have a question. Aside from those must have the latest thing out there all the time sewist ( nothing wrong there)  How many years do we get before our computerized machines especially the embroidery part of the a combo machine is obsolete? Do you think that the life expectancy is becoming shorter? And what should we the consumer do about this. How do we address the sewing companies to support these expensive machines through years of new technology,
And are they already doing it. If so which models and brands are being supported with continual updates? ------
Bernina 750Q, 635E, 380, Serger 1100DC |
Sew Nanny
Intermediate
MS USA
Member since 8/13/06
Posts: 1296 |
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Date: 4/30/12 9:50 AM Interesting question. From my personal perspective as a Bernina owner, I've already seen the Aurora 430/440 be discontinued. I owned a 430 for a short time last year and bought it with the idea that I would add the embroidery unit so that I would have a backup to my 830LE. I guess I'm spoiled after using a USB stick to transfer designs from the software on my computer to the machine, because I hated the EC on PC software. Sewing out a design was much more tedious and time consuming than what I have become used to. I also owned a 730E for about a year. The machine did a good job, but I did not like the Windows operating system at all. I felt like I was using outdated technology, which I suppose I was since that machine is also being discontinued. At the moment, I'm very happy with my 830LE and hope that it will be current and updated for a long time. ------
Patricia
Bernina 830LE, Bernina B350SE Vintage Postcard, Juki TL2010Q, Babylock Enlighten, Babylock BLCS
"One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else."
Eleanor Roosevelt
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SewBusy63
Advanced
IA USA
Member since 12/10/07
Posts: 3164 |
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Date: 4/30/12 10:17 AM This is an interesting question. Technology changes so fast. I guess it would be a personal choice in deciding if our machine is obsolete. Do we really need the latest technology if our machine is still in perfect working condition? I've done my fair share of upgrading machines to newer technology. I love the bells and whistles, although they are not a necessity. When I bought my 830 last June, I bought it with the intent of not buying another machine. Ever. So, I hope it will be supported/updates available for many years after it is no longer the TOL. If in fact at some point no more support is given for it, I'll use it until it dies.  ------
~Diana~
♥ Bernina 830E ♥ Bernina 1150MDA serger
✝The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1✝
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Soolip
Advanced
CA USA
Member since 6/18/08
Posts: 1990 |
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 1 member likes this. Depends on what you do with the machine. My 1954 Singer is still running perfectly and is my ideal machine. Although it is no longer made, it is far from obsolete.
A computerized machine will last anywhere from 5 to 25 years. As long as a particular machine is still supported by the manufacturer and can be repaired, it is not, in my opinion, obsolete. The only problem is that circuit boards, once fried, cannot be repaired, nor can damaged plastic parts. As long as the parts are still available, you'll be fine.
This may be a moot subject though. Most computerized and electronic gizmos are made by slave labor in China, and are so cheap they can be easily replaced. If you spent $200 on a Costco special and it dies in 5 years, you can easily replace it with another one. No one "fixes" their DVD players, blenders, scanners or microwaves. We just buy new ones, because the cost of the repair would be more than the item itself. |
ilesliemy
Advanced
TX USA
Member since 2/25/05
Posts: 740 |
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Date: 4/30/12 11:31 AM I still have a Bernina 185 and it does beautiful embroidery and as always it sews beautifully. I had to buy a USB to serial adapter when I upgraded my computer which was a simple and cheap fix. I still use Bernina software v5 but can update to 6 if I want and am using Windows 7 on my Mac with a virtual desktop.(fusion) where I am going with this is that the machine is 9 and still meets my needs.
Leslie ------
Bernina Gal |
allycovey
Intermediate
AR USA
Member since 11/16/07
Posts: 1418 |
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Date: 4/30/12 11:37 AM I think it depends on how happy you are with your machine and how important it is to upgrade. Loving my new symphony and it was some upgrade over the janome dc 3050. I think I will be happy for some time no matter what other really great things come out. However, it is still new to me and I am still excited. I should answer this post in a year.
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heathergwo
Advanced Beginner
CA USA
Member since 11/14/11
Posts: 766 |
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Date: 4/30/12 11:45 AM I agree with allycovey. If your machine still performs to your own set standards, then why upgrade? As long as it sews well, I don't plan to upgrade mine for newer technology for a LONG time.
Perhaps it also depends on what your finished products are. I'm just making items for friends & family and myself... I'm not selling embroidery or anything. If you have a business, it might be more important to stay on top of technology to meet demand. ------
Brother Innovis 1250D
Singer Curvy 8763
Brother 1034D
Janome 385.19606
Brother 2340CV |
quiltingwolf
Advanced
MD USA
Member since 12/15/02
Posts: 4986 |
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Date: 4/30/12 1:30 PM I have a Janome 10001 which I brought in 2004 It's 8 1/2 years old and still going strong, no major repairs, knock knock knock on wood. I've stocked up on the flash cards it uses and an extra flash card adapter so expect it go go strong for a while yet. Now this machine in the last few years isn't heavily used or used everyday. I know my mechanicals will still being going strong when this machine isn't. ------
quiltingwolf.blogspot.com |
Amy-may
Intermediate
IL USA
Member since 6/7/05
Posts: 1135 |
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Date: 4/30/12 2:06 PM My 12 year old Brother PC-8500 sews beautifully, but the embroidery design transfer card is starting to cause other problems. The proprietary dongle to keep the software from being copied cannot be adapted to a new PC. So, I'm limping along on a nearly obsolete computer to keep access to my embroidery files. When my computer starts to completely die, I'll have to strip it down to just the embroidery software and keep it for that function.
Now, I assume the sewing portion of the machine will continue to work for several more years. I'm thinking I will go without embroidery capability from when this machine dies until I have a grandbaby. I'm in the dead zone between cute designs for my kids and adroble designs for the next generation. Pretty much only using the embroidery unit for gift making at the moment.
-- Edited on 4/30/12 2:06 PM -- |
PattiAnnJ
Advanced
OH USA
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 4970 |
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3 members like this. As long as it works, it's not outdated. |
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