Pros: Needle up/down; clear bobbin case; on board foot storage; LCD display w/ information
Cons: unclear script font; presser foot needs to go a bit higher
The bottom line: This machine is pricey if you're just starting out, but well worth it. For the experienced, you're gonna love the durability and ease of use!
My father offered to buy me a new machine for 2003 Christmas. I wasn't sure of my budget, but started researching. At first, I looked at the Model 4623 for it's price. The features seemed good for me and the work I do. I really hadn't considered decorative stitches, or even a computerized machine. I came back to Dad w/ the prices of that and another machine, both coming in at under $400. Well, Dad told me to get what machine I want--and to get a good one, a professional one. So that gave me permission to go for it!
I wrote down a list of stuff I found essential in a machine--definate necessities in the machine, functions I would like but wouldn't mind if it didn't have it, and also, stuff that I did not want in a machine. I needed a machine that was heavy duty--I use quite a bit of corduroy and heavy denims. A signal that told me my bobbin ran out would have been neat, but this one doesn't have that. (...keep on dreamin, I know!!) I wanted a top-load bobbin, as the Brother I used years ago is still haunting my memory w/ it's dreaded bobbin set-up. I wanted basic stitching functions w/ power. I thought the decorative stitches offered on the 4800QC were beautiful. (So far, I've only used them for crazy-patch quilting.)
The Janome 4800QC matched my needs.
The hard slip-over cover is convenient, as you don't have to actually lift the machine out of it. The long handle seems to be easier to manage, too.
I also got the extension table for quilting. It takes a bit of getting used to, as your left arm is lifted quite a bit higher than usual. I use it's extra space for appliqué and free-form work. The darning or free-form quilting foot and walking foot have definately been useful in my quilting needs.
So far, I have used my machine for clothing, quilting, embroidering, and for labeling. The lettering on the machine isn't the clearest, especially the script. I found that by stabilizing with fusible interfacing and using a top-stitching needle produced better results. Finding a good contrasting thread for your fabric is another factor to consider to really highlight the lettering. You do have to clip the thread carefully between each letter it makes, I use my little super-pointy spring loaded Fiskars scissors. A little time-consuming, and also, I can never get the dots on the "i" to come out clear.
I love how the machine can memorize what stitches you've used, including words.
I found that the block font is more legible. Some letters do turn out nicely in the script font, but not all. the name "Ella" turned out nice and legible, but the "T" in my husband's name looked more like an "E".
I haven't used all of the many feet it came with, but have used most. The blind hem foot actually worked quite well for "stitching in the ditch" when I repositioned the needle. And getting an exact millemeter measurement for your needle position makes it much easier to come back to your project when stopping mid-way thru.
There is also a storage compartment in the bed of the machine to hold extra bobbins, seam ripper, lint brush, and more feet. This is really handy when you don't remember where you've put that little bag of goodies the machine comes with! It's right there, and there's no excuse not to put it right back in the box.
The computerized features are fabulous. I like how the machine stops after performing a stitch function, such as buttonhole, or letters. I like the ending stitch that stitches in the same hole about 7 times to tie it off. You can tie off satin stitching easily, which has always bugged me (having to bring the threads to the back, which they didn't always do because the threads would break, or adding fray check).
The little LCD display tells you a lot about the stitch you're using--the needle position, double or single; tension; stitch length, width; which foot to use; and the foot pressure recommended.
Some may fear the computerized parts; well, fear not! You just turn the machine off and then on if your system overloads. I have had it tell me twice so far "STOP FOR SAFETY PURPOSES" when the needle got jammed from incorrect threading. So far, no problems at all with my machine other than the normal rethreading of both top and bobbin to clear up any potential problems. Although I'm a little worried about if I do have a computer problem. So far, so good!