Product review (5 stars): Overall I am very pleased with this unit.
I've had the Panda Small Compact Washing Machine for over a month now and have used it several times. I have been so pleased with this washer/spin dryer. It's great to be able to do laundry in my apartment. I had a washing machine I could use in my former place, and I realize I really took that for granted! I have tremendous sensitivity to scented detergent and fabric softeners-- they are the bane of my existence when they are in my environment. I was trying to use the laundromat on the corner near my building (a block away). Toward the end, things had gotten so bad I just felt like throwing up just walking into the place. And no matter what I did (I used one, dedicated top-loading machine and washed rugs and things like that first to 'cleanse' the tub, then a load of colors and --very last--my sheets and pillowcases and towels-- and then brought it all back to my place to hang dry), remnants of the scent clung. Ugh. I could smell it in my apartment as my clothes dried, and I could smell it on my clothes afterward when I wore them. I had constant congestion and runny eyes and I went through boxes of tissue every week. With this machine, I am enjoying scent-free clothes for the first time in months (and the serious rhinitis I had that entire time has cleared, magically).

I did a lot of research before purchasing this unit and was alternating between a few brands/models (including the Panda Mini Portable Compact and the Haier Pulsator). I read reviews and customer comments, weighed the pros and cons. In the end, I decided on this model. Part of it was the cost -- the Haier seemed a little on the high side, and I knew with the Mini, I would have to purchase a separate spin dryer. This has both in one, with a mid-range cost. And I figure if this unit lasts a year, it will pay for itself. If it lasts over that, I will come out ahead.

That said, if I have to purchase another unit in the future, I will likely try the Haier. Why? Automation. This machine is convenient compared to lugging my clothes to the toxic laundromat, but it does require some attention and work. I have to be near while the tub fills so I don't overfill. I have to switch the clothes over to the spin tub manually (and, to be honest, I didn't fully realize the Haier could do that all in one tub -- I thought I would have to buy a separate spinner. That is not the case -- I apparently misread the descriptions).  Also, the Haier is on wheels. I can tuck the Panda under my kitchen table, out of sight, but then I have to carry it to the bathroom to use it. Wheels would help. (I use the bathroom because the drain and the faucet connection don't work well with my kitchen sink).

Other issues and tips:
-Lint can be an issue. I have one cat, and his fur clings. I lint brush my sheets and pillowcases before I remove them from the bed and after I out them back on (an added expense, but worth it). As far as my clothes, I add white vinegar to the rinse and that softens the fabric so it releases a lot of lint. I also shake everything out thoroughly after it has dried (you wouldn't believe how much this helps). Also, you will need a mesh cover over the drain in the sink and/or a pantyhose or something similar over the drain tubing. And expect to clear it out frequently during the washing.

-Someone else mentioned and it's true: the first time you wash your clothes in this machine, don't add detergent. You will be AMAZED how much soap has remained in the the clothes! It took several rinses to get the first loads to run clear.

-The machine is relatively quiet, but I am pretty sure my upstairs neighbors can likely hear it. I place a yoga mat under it to help quiet it/reduce vibrations during the spin.

-The tubing doesn't fit over my faucet -- I rig it up using some strips of masking tape each week and that helps.

-Don't overload it. Less clothes, more water is best.

-I purchased laundry bags for my socks and delicates, but I am finding I really don't need them for the socks as long as there is enough water in the tub (I have been doing a load of socks separately).

It arrived on time and was not damaged (although I am surprised -- the UPS guy SLAMMED it down onto the sidewalk and didn't even ring the bell. I had stayed home from work because I was expecting the delivery). It's not really very heavy, and it was well-packed (box inside a box, strapped with plastic strips, cushioned in styrofoam).

That's it! Overall, I am very pleased with this machine.