I got this blender because I wanted one that can really chop ice.  The triangular shape is cool because things don't get stuck to the sides like the round ones.  The gears are metal so they should last a long time. It has a little measuring cup in the lid!  You can make things different textures depending on how smooth or chunky you want it.  You can even make a soup and make it hot just by blending it.  The controls  are very user friendly.