-Easy to use, quick, messfree preparation, full automatic functions
-Well-balanced espresso, a la carte range of 9 coffee varieties
-Pro looks: sturdy metal construction / anodised aluminium
-Lot's of steam, good frothing capabilities
-Value for money

-Cannot use ground espresso or other brands of pods or capsules
-Pump could have been less noisy
-No timer to automatically switch on/off for preheating of cups
-Drip tray capacity could have been bigger

Although I am a beginner in home espresso making, I did make a lot of research before deciding in purchasing this machine. I basically choose this machine because:

- Easy of use, quick preparation of a cup of coffee without hassle and mess
- Ability to choose from (9) different varieties of freshly grounded coffee without keeping at home quantities of coffee packs & cans. Although expensive, I liked the Nespresso coffee capsules concept: a sealed capsule for each serving giving rich taste, variety, convenience & freshness
- Value for money: the machine was available at a discounted price from the local Nespresso dealer: it was about 1/3 of the price of a decent Super Automatic and yet provides the convenience founds on Super Automatics  

After a month of use I found this a very good machine that gave me excellent results even from my very first cup! It takes 2-3 minutes to unpack, then follow the simple user instructions and start using it straight away. All in less than 15 minutes. You don't have to worry about priming, measuring, grinding, tapping, cleaning, etc.

The machine heat ups very quickly (less than a minute) and a red indicator shows you that it is ready to make your first cup of coffee. You then just insert the Nespresso capsule in the machine’s portafilter (capsule holder), press the button either for a single or double dose and there you go... The coffee is rich with a lot of crema and aroma. You can quickly make a second, a third and so on cup since the machine remains “ready” all the time. Just pop in the next Nespresso capsule and press the button. No grinding, tapping, mess or hassle, just an amazing well-balanced espresso.

The machine’s frothing capabilities are also very good! It quickly produces ample steam and the frothing of milk is quite easy even without using a thermometer. You can easily make your first cup of cappuccino or Caffe Latte after a few tries. Just make sure you are using a stainless steel pitcher and cold milk. Also check that you have slided the tube of the frothing attachment so that the small froth hose at the side of the tube is visible.  Keep the nozzle at the side of the pitcher and the froth hole on the milk surface.

The machine is also equipped with a hot water function so you can make tea or other beverages. It also includes a heating plate so you can keep warm up to (6) cups.

It requires minimal cleanup and the weekly routine is to refill the water reservoir -which is removable- rinse the portafilter and empty the drip tray.  

The Nespresso coffee capsules have been excellent but of course are much pricey than the ordinary ground espresso.  So if you enjoy having a lot of cups per day then the cost might be prohibitive! I have tried so far (5) out of the (9) blends and I think they're all wonderful. My favourable in the morning is the Capriccio whereas after lunch I go for either the Appreggio or the Roma. The Decaffeinato Intenso is also wonderful for nighttime.

Vasos Eliades is the local (Cyprus) dealer of Nespresso. Capsules are available from their shop in Alphamega Hypermarket or from their stores. For my queries the on-line  Nespresso Club proved to have a very good service. They have responded to my emails quickly and their answers were informative.