This message was posted by oldkush on AmayaUsers.com. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY VIA EMAIL. Instead, respond to the thread on the WEBSITE by clicking here: http://www.amayausers.com/boards/ultimatebb.php?/topic/6/15.html#000003 Mike First, you are wise to make training and support a big part of your decision on which machine to buy and I think most will agree that either Melco or Tajima will serve you well in that area. Having a good qualified tech near by is always a big bonus [means less $$ out of your pocket if you need to bring one in]. Second, you do not have to purchase the software which the machine dealer sells [whether you go with the Amaya or Tajima]. You are free to choose any software you like as long as it will save in a format that your machine can read .... which now generally means DST. Both Design Shop [Melco] and Pulse [Tajima] offer good software but there certainly are others also. Embroidery programs can be a big investment, put as much time and effort into researching your software as you do the machine. Find what is best for you ... do not limit your choices to what the machine dealer sells. Last, there is no "best" embroidery machine ... instead there are a number of very good ones. Find the machine that you feel comfortable with, the one that you are convinced will offer you long reliable service and choose from a dealer who will be there to provide the after sales service / support which is so important. Both the Amaya and Tajima each have their own advantages and disadvantages ... it will be up to you to decide which you prefer. Just remember when it comes to embroidery machines and software, there is no such thing as the "best" .... there is only what is "best" for you. Good luck Bob =========================================================== The AmayaUsers Mailing List Website: http://www.amayausers.com Discussion Board: http://www.amayausers.com/boards Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://www.amayausers.com/list ===========================================================