First off, this machine is gorgeous.  Many appliances you want to use and then tuck away out of sight when you're done with it.  It really is a statement piece in your kitchen.  As for performance, you get everything you could want from an espresso machine.  The grinding and tamping is super easy.  The water is quickly heated and the brewing is easily selected.  The ability to use the milk frother both automatically or steam it manually is also a great feature.  Overall this gives you the flexibility to create great cups of coffee at home with a machine that truly feels like it should be behind the counter at a major coffee shop.  This has become my favorite toy in the kitchen and I always look forward to firing it up in the morning.