I went to World of Sewing in Bromley yesterday - very nice shop, parking on the front, and it was nice and quiet so the demonstrator was able to spend a lot of time with me showing me the difference machines.
I tried the Janome 2000 which was very impressive - my only concern is that is takes up a reasonable amount of workspace.
I also tried the Juki 1500 mcs which looks more like an overlocker and takes up less workspace. The Juki was a little tricky as it had just come back from a show and the looper tension was a bit tight.
I thought the Juki had a better quality finish that the Janome but there wasn't much in it.
Having chatted through the options, the demonstrator suggested I put my Elna 744 in for servicing (deposit £40) which may solve the issues I'm having with getting it to do more than just a chain stitch.
If its found there's more of a problem with the Elna then the £40 deposit can be set off against the purchase of a new machine.
Managed to resist the serious urge to buy a new Coverstitch but I did spend a chunk of money on notions and quilting toys!!
Annieg