Product review (5 stars): You can leave the lid up and watch if you'd like, although it may splash you a bit
It works extremely well. The only caveat is that since this model drains by gravity, you absolutely HAVE to use it on top of a counter next to your kitchen or bathroom sink. The more expensive Panda unit may have a pump so it can be used on the floor, but this one must be put on the counter. Don't try to lift it when filled--it's about 28 pounds empty, and probably 40-50 when filled.

Process:
1. Place unit on top of counter next to sink and plug it into an outlet. Make sure the drain tube is hooked to its hanger in an upward position.
2. Turn middle dial to "wash" (keeps drain closed).
3. Put a couple tablespoons of soap and 3-4 items in the left side basin. It will hold 2 pairs of pants and a sweater plus undies and socks, or two towels and a bunch of washcloths, etc.
4. Hook plastic tubing to your faucet and the input on the top left. Hold tubing in place while filling the machine (it's plastic, not rubber, so it doesn't create tight suction). Keep the lid open and only fill it halfway or less with water; otherwise it may leak because the agitation is quite strong.
5. Turn off water and disconnect the tubing when basin is one-third-to-half full. Turn left dial (wash timer) to about 5 minutes, unless your clothes are very soiled. Machine will alternate agitation in both directions. You can leave the lid up and watch if you'd like, although it may splash you a bit, like sitting too close to Shamu at SeaWorld.
6. Drape the drain tube into the sink and turn middle dial to "drain."
7. Turn middle dial to "wash" again and re-fill the tub as in step 4 to rinse. Turn wash timer to about 2-3 minutes as rinsing is quicker.
8. Repeat step 6 to drain.
9. Items will be very wet. Leave drain pipe open in sink. Move 1-2 items to the right side tub, which is a spinner chamber. Place the plastic disk on top of the items, close lid and turn right dial (spin timer) to 2-3 minutes. You'll see water coming out the drain as it spins.
10. Clothes will be slightly moist/damp, but not wet anymore. Hang dry. Repeat step 9-10 for additional items.

It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete each load at first, although I'm sure I'll get quicker with practice. And my clothes smell fresh and seem to be perfectly clean.

I use this gullwing drying rack, although I only paid $33 for it in 2012. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00383O2UU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would definitely recommend this product to other apartment dwellers, especially if your alternative is to pay $2.50 or more a load to the sharks running your complex laundromat. At approximately $200, this machine will pay for itself in 3-4 months of use, and the only things I won't be able to wash in it are big blankets and large, heavy coats.