I've only made twenty some espressos with this system, but I stand by my first impressions. This is the way to get a very good cuppa espresso, americano, or milk drink without all the investment of effort to produce it in the traditional way. illy has done the work of making a very good blend of coffees and the engineering is in the iperEspresso capsule/brewing equipment.  Together, someone who doesn't have the time, space, desire, to do it the 'old fashioned way' will still be able to enjoy a very good coffee drink in short order.  Add, because the iperEspresso format is hygienically clean and easy to store and recycle you have an easy win for the small living space or work environment.