Can the Memory Craft 500E sew regular seams?

No. It is embroidery only and has no sewing bed or feed for straight stitching. You need a separate sewing machine for construction.

What hoop sizes does it include?

It ships with hoops for its 7.9 by 11 inch field, including a standard hoop and a smaller one for sleeves and small items. Check the box contents for the exact set.

What design formats can it read?

It reads common embroidery formats such as JEF and PES through the USB port. You can also use Janome's editing software to convert and resize designs.

How does it compare with the Brother PE800?

The Janome has a larger embroidery field and a bigger screen. The Brother adds a touchscreen and built-in Disney designs. Both are single-needle machines with similar stitch quality.

Is it good for a beginner?

Yes, if you already know basic embroidery. Setup and threading are simple, but there is no touchscreen guidance, so expect to read the manual for hooping and stabilizer choices.