I have actually bought three of these machines - the first was for me - after not having had a sewing machine for years, I missed sewing, but I didn't have a budget for my dream machine. This one had great reviews and the price was crazy low for all the features, so I took a chance. It turned out to be smooth and reliable, so easy to operate! I loved the buttonholes that it made and the overedge stitches for seam finishing.I loved it so much that I bought another one for my mother in law, and another one for my best friend.They're quite sturdy, considering all the plastic in the housing. Very easy to work with and advanced enough that a new sewist will not outgrow its capabilities quickly.Nice stitch quality with a lot of decorative and utility stitches built in.I like the speed control and a Stop/Start button on the front of the machine so that you don't have to use the foot control. This was necessary for my friend who is a paraplegic.I don't recall it being particularly noisy, even when sewing heavier fabrics like "cork leather" or waterproof canvas. It handled all the fabrics I use most often though I did have to hand crank through the heaviest seam junctions.I eventually gave mine away, so I don't know how it's doing, but the other two are still functioning just fine at about 10 and 12 years old.Amazing amount of versatility and reliability for this price. For the beginning hobby sewist, I would consider this a starter machine - use it and upgrade when it dies - at this price, it's almost disposable. Add a Brother 1034D serger at about the same price and you're set to do any kind of sewing you like.